Salt & StoneBurrum Heads

Wildlife & water

Planning a manta ray experience

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Lady Elliot Island · separate reef excursion Reviewed

At a glance

Do not plan a Burrum Heads beach walk around a promised manta ray sighting. For a researched manta ray destination in the wider region, look at Lady Elliot Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It is a separately booked island excursion, not the water outside Salt & Stone.

A reef trip needs its own plans

Lady Elliot Island’s Project Manta information describes the island as an important reef manta aggregation site, with sightings throughout the year and larger aggregations in cooler months. This does not make a sighting certain on an individual visit.

The regional tourism authority lists Lady Elliot Island day trips with scenic flights from Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. Compare the actual departure airport, flight arrangements and activities; the island is not reached by walking along the Burrum Heads foreshore.

Choose the experience that suits you

Ask the island operator about swimming confidence, guided snorkelling, dive requirements and what is included for day guests. Weather, water conditions and wildlife movement can change what happens on the day.

Check the full trip cost and transfer arrangements directly before booking. Keep time in your holiday for the local shoreline too: a reef excursion and an easy day in Burrum Heads are two different ways to enjoy the coast.

Useful sources

Check current opening information, access and conditions with the provider before travelling. This guide is independent of the attraction or operator.

Your base on the Fraser Coast

Stay by the water in Burrum Heads.

Choose a self-contained oceanfront unit for up to four guests, or Sunset Waters riverfront house for up to six. The four units can accommodate up to sixteen guests together, subject to availability. The units share a heated pool; the house has its own.

Find the stay that suits your plans