Lady Musgrave Experience is celebrating 10 years as a premium tourism operator, marking a decade of growth, innovation and world-class access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Certified by Ecotourism Australia across Advanced Ecotourism, Respecting Our Culture and Climate Action Business standards, Lady Musgrave Experience continues to provide responsible, climate-conscious reef travel from Bundaberg.

Locally owned and operated by Director, Brett Lakey, Lady Musgrave Experience has expanded from a single-vessel operation into a multiple award-winning, internationally recognised leader in sustainable marine tourism.

“At the heart of this milestone is our commitment to protecting the reef for future generations,” Mr Lakey said.

“We've grown, innovated and pushed boundaries over the past decade, but our purpose remains the same, to connect people with the Great Barrier Reef in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, said it's tourism operators like this one that will make Queensland a world leader in ecotourism.

“It's great to see a fantastic local product available to tourists, whether they be from Queensland, interstate or around the globe,” Minister Powell said.
“Enabling visitors to immerse themselves in our spectacular environment and leave a light footprint is no small thing. I commend the efforts of the Lady Musgrave Experience on this fantastic milestone.”

Ten years into its journey, Lady Musgrave Experience now operates a suite of high-quality day tours and overnight stays designed to immerse visitors in the reef while championing sustainable tourism.

The flagship Lady Musgrave HQ Pontoon has been central to this growth, offering the Southern Great Barrier Reef's only pontoon-based experience.
Since opening in 2021, the net-zero, three-level pontoon has welcomed thousands of visitors, delivering low-impact encounters such as snorkelling, diving, glass bottom boat tours, island tours and access to a 14-metre underwater observatory.

Overnight guests can join guided seasonal turtle tours offering intimate encounters with nesting turtles and hatchlings from the comfort of Lady Musgrave HQ Pontoon, all powered by renewable energy and closed loop waste systems.

As a major contributor to Bundaberg's visitor economy, Lady Musgrave Experience also supports local jobs, suppliers and operators, strengthening the region's tourism offering and building its reputation as a leading reef and whale watching destination.

Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said it was no wonder why the tourism provider is one of the most highly regarded and reviewed businesses in the world.

“Lady Musgrave Experience offers world class access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and showcases the many incredible sights our region has to offer,” Mayor Blackburn said.

“Bundaberg is well known for its turtle nesting, whale watching, proximity to coral reefs and the array of reef fish and other animals that occupy those areas.

“Brett and the team have had a wonderfully positive impact on the region's tourism sector, which continues to grow from strength to strength, and I congratulate Lady Musgrave Experience on this significant milestone.”

Looking ahead, Mr Lakey says the next decade will focus on innovation, sustainability, and expanding opportunities for visitors to learn, connect and support reef conservation.

“We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the past 10 years, but this is just the beginning. The future of reef tourism is immersive, educational and regenerative, and we're excited to lead the way.” About Lady Musgrave Experience Lady Musgrave Experience departs daily from Bundaberg to Lady Musgrave Island for all-inclusive day tours with optional upgrades including the Captain's VIP Lounge, scuba diving and overnight seasonal turtle tours and seasonal whale watching tours. Bundaberg is just a 45-minute flight from Brisbane.

For more, visit ladymusgraveexperience.com.au

ENDS

Media Contact: Adele Bennett Communications and Marketing Manager, Lady Musgrave Experience 0492 138 712 | marketing@ladymusgraveexperience.com.au