Green Island

Green Island is a coral cay 27 kilometres offshore from Cairns, and the only one on the Great Barrier Reef with rainforest growing on it. Fast catamarans reach it in 45 minutes, which makes it the easiest reef day trip from the city.

Overview

The cay formed on the reef platform over about 6,000 years, and enough soil built up for a closed-canopy forest of 120 plant species — most coral cays hold only grass and scrub. The island is national park with a small resort, and the surrounding reef is a marine sanctuary zone. Because the reef starts at the beach, you can snorkel straight off the sand.

Highlights

The walking track circles the island in about half an hour, through forest and out to the jetty. Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible trips run continuously for those who prefer to stay dry. Go on the first boat and return on the last; the island is markedly quieter before ten and after three.

Overview

Highlights

Location