What happens when the Great Barrier Reef isn't just somewhere you visit; it's part of your childhood, your career and ultimately something you become responsible for protecting?
In this episode of Tourism Leaders Unplugged, Abbey sits down with Amy Gash, Executive General Manager and Custodian of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, to explore a tourism career shaped by one of Australia's most extraordinary natural environments.
Amy first visited Lady Elliot Island when she was five years old. Her family became involved with the island through aviation before becoming its custodians in 2005, and Amy grew up spending school holidays, weekends and Christmases surrounded by the reef. Those experiences eventually led her to study tourism at The University of Queensland and build her own career within the family business.
Today, Amy helps lead a 44-room eco-resort located 80 kilometres off the Queensland coast, where conservation and sustainability influence almost every operational decision. She shares what it really takes to operate an island resort off-grid - from renewable energy and desalination to freight, weather, infrastructure and the everyday realities behind delivering extraordinary visitor experiences.
The conversation also explores the enormous variety of careers that exist within tourism, Amy's role on the Board of Ecotourism Australia, the importance of collaboration across the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and what Queensland's growing focus on ecotourism could mean for the industry's future.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:
- what it means to be a custodian, rather than simply an operator, of a tourism destination
- the diverse careers behind an island resort
- how Lady Elliot Island has progressively transitioned towards renewable energy and lower-impact operations
- why education and creating an emotional connection with the reef are central to the visitor experience
- the growing demand for authentic, low-impact tourism experiences.
Enjoyed this conversation? Share this episode with someone working in tourism, studying tourism or passionate about the future of Queensland’s visitor economy.
RESOURCES
Ellie’s Reef Adventures
Amy has also added children's author to her career.
Her first book, Ellie's Reef Adventures with Bubbles the Bottlenose Dolphin, was inspired by the experiences she had growing up around Lady Elliot Island and her desire to introduce younger generations to reef conservation.
The story follows Ellie and Bubbles as they explore the Coral Gardens, meet marine life and learn about challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef. Designed for children aged 2–10, the book aims to build curiosity, connection and a desire to protect the ocean.
Ellie's Reef Adventures: https://elliesreefadventures.com.au
ABOUT AMY GASH
Amy Gash is Executive General Manager and Custodian of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, located on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
After growing up on and around the reef, Amy graduated from The University of Queensland with a Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management in 2014. Her career has included an internship at Walt Disney World and roles spanning reservations, marketing, reception, the dive shop and hospitality before moving into senior leadership at Lady Elliot Island.
Alongside her work with the resort, Amy serves as a Director of Ecotourism Australia and is passionate about sustainable tourism, environmental education and encouraging the next generation to consider careers within tourism.
FIND OUT MORE
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/amy-gash-87961a96
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort: https://ladyelliot.com.au
Ellie's Reef Adventures: https://elliesreefadventures.com.au
ABOUT TOURISM LEADERS UNPLUGGED
Tourism Leaders Unplugged is produced by The University of Queensland in partnership with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).
Tourism Leaders Unplugged brings you candid conversations with the people shaping Queensland tourism, exploring the careers, ideas, challenges and opportunities behind one of the state’s most important industries.
Learn more about The University of Queensland Business School and its Tourism academics:
UQ Tourism: https://business.uq.edu.au/research/research-areas/tourism
Website: https://business.uq.edu.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/uq-business-school/home/
Connect with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council:
Website: https://www.qtic.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/queensland-tourism-industry-council/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheQTIC/
