The water shimmers in myriad shades of blue. It shifts from sapphire to jade and iridescent turquoise as sunlight illuminates the surface, sending beams flickering like strobe lights across the coral gardens below. Schools of fish flutter in synchrony. A green turtle drifts by. And beyond the coral shelf, a giant manta ray glides like an apparition through the ocean’s inky depths.
Lady Musgrave Island’s lagoon, part of a 3000-acre living reef, is nature’s own aquarium – pristine, wondrous, and now home to one of the most ambitious marine education projects on the Great Barrier Reef.
Introducing the Reef Sanctuary Pontoon
Anchored within this spectacular ecosystem is the newly reimagined Reef Sanctuary Pontoon – a floating classroom like no other, where visitors don’t just explore the reef but also become part of its story. Once abandoned and left to the elements, the pontoon was rescued and reincarnated by Brett Lakey, the visionary founder of Lady Musgrave Experience, who also owns and operates the lagoon’s existing Reef HQ pontoon as a tourist platform.
“It’s always been my dream to create a place where people can truly connect with the reef – and not just through snorkelling or sightseeing,” Brett says. “This is where visitors, scientists and Traditional Owners can now work together to protect and understand the reef in immersive, sustainable and extraordinary ways.”
Built in the 1980s as the base for a Bundaberg tour operator, the original pontoon had long outlived its purpose and was left behind to decay, destined to become just another piece of maritime waste. But Brett saw potential – a second life as a hub for marine education, research and conservation.
“When I first saw it, it was a rusted shell. But I knew it could be something more,” he recalls. “With the right vision and a lot of hard work, it could transform from a forgotten relic to a platform for change.”
After extensive restoration, the pontoon was reborn as the Reef Sanctuary – a state-of-the-art eco-educational platform that seamlessly blends innovation with sustainability. This isn’t the first pontoon Brett has helped design and launch. Its more sophisticated counterpart, Reef HQ, floats nearby – introduced by Lady Musgrave Experience in 2021 as a sleek, three-level launchpad for day tours, diving and overnight stays.
Though both platforms started their journeys worlds apart, they share a common commitment to sustainability. Designed to coexist harmoniously within their environment, they are powered solely by solar and wind energy and feature advanced eco-mooring systems to protect the reef from traditional anchoring damage. And both platforms aim to bring tourists closer to the reef without compromising conservation.
“We’re committed to treading lightly,” Brett says. “If we’re going to bring people to the reef, we must ensure it is protected and around for future generations to enjoy.”
Reaffirming the commitment, Lady Musgrave Experience has earned Advanced Eco Certification and is recognised as a High Standard Operator – both independently assessed by Ecotourism Australia and EarthCheck for meeting high environmental standards. The company also plays a key role in Bundaberg Regional Council’s efforts to achieve Eco Destination Certification.
A classroom like no other
Step onto the Reef Sanctuary Pontoon and it’s clear this is no ordinary tourist stop. Here, guests are invited to dive in – literally and figuratively – to experience the reef in ways that go beyond typical tourism, entering the realm of impactful conservation.
On the lower deck, a 7m underwater observatory offers a front-row seat to the reef’s daily theatre. Coral bommies bloom with marine life, reef sharks cruise by, and the light-dappled world of the lagoon unfolds in real time.
The upper deck, with its amphitheatre-style seating, hosts expert-led talks before guests submerge beside the reef via a diving and snorkelling platform, making the transition from learning to action seamless.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, the fully operational research lab provides a space where scientists and citizen scientists collaborate to monitor reef health, collect data, and contribute to global conservation efforts.
Image credits: Lady Musgrave Experience/Narelle Bouveng
“We want guests to feel like they’re part of something bigger,” Brett says. “They’re not just watching – they’re participating. Whether it’s identifying marine species, monitoring coral health, or taking part in reef restoration projects, everyone who visits leaves with a deeper connection to the ocean.”
While marine biology and conservation take centre stage, the reef’s story is also deeply rooted in Indigenous Knowledge. In collaboration with the Taribelang Rangers, Traditional Owners offer insights into the reef’s tides, marine life behaviours, bush tucker and seasonal cycles, adding a layer of understanding that transcends Western science.
“The reef isn’t just an ecosystem – it’s a living, breathing culture,” Brett says. “By combining Traditional Knowledge with modern conservation, we’re fostering a more holistic approach to reef protection.”
A natural living wonder
Lady Musgrave Island is an ecological masterpiece – a lush, heart-shaped, 14-hectare coral cay where thousands of seabirds seasonally nest in treetops and sea turtles return by night to lay their eggs in the sand. By day, the surrounding reef hums with life – a bustling metropolis where giant clams, reef sharks, manta rays and swirling schools of fish coexist in delicate balance.
Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef as part of the Capricorn and Bunker Group, Lady Musgrave offers a secluded alternative to the more tourist-heavy northern reefs. Today, the Southern Great Barrier Reef, stretching from the Capricorn Coast to Bundaberg, attracts fewer than 10 per cent of the reef’s annual visitors, making it a rare haven for those seeking an intimate marine experience.
“It’s one of the most pristine places left on the reef,” Brett says. “To experience it is to understand why it’s worth protecting.”
What’s unfolding at Lady Musgrave Island is more than just a world-class travel experience – it’s a blueprint for sustainable tourism. The Reef Sanctuary Pontoon proves that eco-conscious travel and conservation can coexist, creating a new generation of ocean advocates.
“We want people to leave with more than just memories,” Brett says. “We want them to leave inspired to protect this place. Once you’ve seen it, you can’t help but want to keep it safe for future generations to come.”
How to visit
From Brisbane, take a scenic four-hour (360km) drive on the Pacific Way to Bundaberg, or a short one-hour flight from Brisbane’s Domestic Airport. Lady Musgrave Experience departs daily from Bundaberg Port Marina, setting sail at 7am for the two-hour cruise to the island.
What’s included
-A luxury catamaran cruise to Lady Musgrave Island, with optional VIP upgrades to the Captain’s Lounge. Morning and afternoon tea is provided, along with a buffet lunch and the option to buy beverages and snacks.
-A guided ecology walk of Lady Musgrave Island along with a glass-bottom boat tour, led by expert Master Reef Guides who share the ecosystem’s many wonders.
-Snorkelling gear is provided for all guests, with scuba diving and guided snorkeling tours available for an extra cost.
-Stay on the Reef HQ Pontoon for an overnight glamping experience like no other, with sunset snorkelling, glass-bottom kayaking, and chef-prepared meals.
