Overview

  • Features: Great Barrier Reef island close to mainland
  • Opening Times: Any time
  • Best Time to Visit: June to November
  • Duration: Any
  • Transport Options: Ferry
  • Budget: Moderate
  • Address: Green Island, Queensland, Australia
  • Type: Island

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What We Liked

Easy to get to from Cairns.

What We Disliked

Low quality of reefs nearby.

Summary

If you’re staying in Cairns and looking to head out to one of the islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island may be of interest to you. Read on to find out why Green Island makes for an excellent day trip from Cairns as well as all the important information you will need to plan your trip to this Queensland island.

Why Green Island is Perfect for a Day Trip

 

If you’re staying in Cairns and looking to head out to one of the islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island may be of interest to you. Read on to find out why Green Island makes for an excellent day trip from Cairns as well as all the important information you will need to plan your trip to this Queensland island.

 

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What Makes a Green Island Day Trip so Good

  • Green Island is only a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns
  • This beautiful 15-hectare (37-acre) coral cay is small enough so you can walk around the island in about 30 minutes
  • There are enough activities to keep you and your family entertained for an entire day
  • The Green Island Resort is partially open to day trippers who can enjoy one of the pools, its main bar, the casual or upscale restaurants there, ice-cream parlour, watersports facilities and lockers and showers
  • There are multiple options to get to Green Island from Cairns including a round-trip ferry transfer and cruises to the island and nearby reefs

 

 

Where is Green Island Located?

Green Island is situated in the Coral Sea off the east coast of Queensland, Australia. In terms of distance, it is located 27km (17 miles) east of the mainland city of Cairns.

 

Green Island Map

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Green Island Activities

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Green Island has plenty of activities for the entire family including a rainforest interior with interpretative walks, a fringing white-sand beach and snorkelling just offshore. You can rent snorkel gear, windsurfers, and paddle skis; take glassbottom-boat trips; go parasailing; take an introductory or certified dive; or laze on the beach. The beach is coral sand though, so it’s a little rough underfoot.

 

1. Green Island Gardens

Green Island has a small attraction called Marineland Melanesia which has an aquarium with fish, turtles, stingrays and crocodiles, including Cassius, reputed to be the largest croc in captivity in the world. It also has a collection of Melanesian artefacts including old nautical artifacts and primitive art. Croc shows are at 10:30am and 1:45pm daily.

 

2. Green Island Snorkeling

Green Island’s proximity to the mainland tourist areas and the consequent marine traffic and pollution means that the coral is not as spectacular as around islands further afield. However, there are still snorkeling spots around the island; ask the beach staff to recommend the best snorkeling spots.

If you don’t snorkel, it’s worth the admission charge to see the display of clownfish, potato cod, and anemones at the little underwater observatory.

 

 

Green Island Resort

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Green Island is home to an exclusive, luxurious five-star resort which opened in 1994. Luxurious Green Island Resort has stylish split-level suites, each with a private balcony. The resort has pools, restaurants, bars, ice-cream parlour and watersports facilities. Island transfers are also included.

 

 

Green Island Ferry – Cairns to Green Island

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Great Adventures and Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises run day trips from Cairns to Green Island. Both companies pick up from hotels in Cairns, the northern beaches, and Port Douglas for an extra cost.

 

Green Island Cruises

Both Great Adventures and Big Cat Green Island Cruises offer a range of half-day and full-day trips including optional glass-bottomed boat and semi-submersible tours.

Alternatively, hop aboard Ocean Free spending most of the day offshore at Pinnacle Reef, with a short stop on the island.

 

 

Tell us what you think. What attracts you to Green Island? If you’ve been to the island before, please share any ideas or tips to help make a holiday here more memorable.

We love to hear from you so please leave your comments below.

 

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