1980: A First Visit

Peter Gash was a 21-year-old motorbike racer when he first set foot on Lady Elliot Island with his now-wife, Julie. Captivated by its remote beauty and vibrant marine life, he felt an immediate connection and knew this was a place he wanted to help protect.

Building a Vision

• 1985: Peter earned his pilot’s wings and joined Seair Pacific, launching day trips to Lady Musgrave Island.
• 1989: Peter and Julie took ownership of Seair Pacific, with Peter as Chief Pilot and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
• 1996: Seair Pacific became an air charter provider to Lady Elliot Island Reef Resort.

2005: Taking the Helm

In 2005, the Gash family and trusted partners secured the lease for Lady Elliot Island. They shifted roles from tourism operators to custodians with a clear mission to:

• Rehabilitate the island’s native vegetation
• Protect the delicate reef ecosystem
• Leave the island better than they found it

A Leader in Sustainable Tourism

From day one, Peter and his team set out to transform the resort into a benchmark for environmental responsibility and “Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort” was born. Key initiatives included:

• Installing solar and renewable energy systems
• Launching on-site composting and comprehensive recycling
• Minimising single-use plastics across the resort
• Upgrading water management facilities
• Thoughtful resort renovations and upgrades

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort has achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification and Climate Action Leader status through Ecotourism Australia, as a testament to its commitment to environmental care, education, and responsible operations.

Pete’s hands-on leadership and contagious enthusiasm continue to shape the resort as a nationally recognised example of eco-tourism in action.

A Family Legacy

Lady Elliot Island is more than a resort – it’s the Gash family’s second home. Peter and Julie’s daughters, Amy and Chloe, grew up exploring its beaches, watching turtles nest, and learning the rhythms of reef life.

Today, Amy Gash serves as a custodian and environmental ambassador, continuing the family’s legacy of stewardship.

We see ourselves as custodians of the island – we never take it for granted.

Amy Gash

Looking Ahead

Lady Elliot Island is now one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most successful ecological restoration stories – a testament to what’s possible with vision, collaboration, and care.

But the journey isn’t over. The resort continues to work to protect the island’s unique ecosystems and build resilience for the future.

As climate change puts pressure on coral reefs worldwide, this small coral cay offers hope – showing how people can make a lasting, positive impact on nature when they choose to lead with care.