Lizard Island Airport (LZR)

Common Complaints

• High Cost of Transfers: The mandatory return flight from Cairns to Lizard Island is a significant expense, costing around AUD 650-1100 per person, which is often seen as a substantial addition to an already luxurious (and expensive) holiday.
• Limited Airport Facilities: As a small, unlicensed aerodrome serving a private resort, the airport itself has limited public facilities beyond basic amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and a small departure lounge at the Cairns transfer terminal.
• Small Aircraft Experience: The connecting flights operate on smaller prop planes (e.g., Caravan or Cessna), which can be subject to severe turbulence in strong wind conditions and may lack air conditioning before takeoff and after landing, leading to discomfort.
• Diving Restrictions: A strict 24-hour no-diving rule before flying on the unpressurized East Air planes can complicate travel planning for divers, especially for shorter stays.

Overall, traveler satisfaction with Lizard Island Airport largely stems from its role as a gateway to the exclusive Lizard Island Resort experience. While the airport itself is modest, the seamless and personalized transfer process managed by the resort, coupled with the stunning scenic flight, generally outweighs the high cost and limited facilities, contributing to a highly positive start to a luxury vacation.