Green Island
A coral cay just 45 minutes by boat from Cairns, with rainforest, white sand and shore snorkelling, making it a relaxed choice for families and half-day trips.
Green Island is a 6,000-year-old coral cay covering just 12 hectares, blanketed in rainforest and ringed by coral reef. It lies 27 km from Cairns, and boats run by Great Adventures and Big Cat take 45 to 50 minutes to get there. Return fares are roughly AUD 100 to 120, or you can choose a day trip that combines Green Island with the Outer Reef. On the island, you can snorkel straight off the beach to spot sea turtles and coral, or try a glass-bottom boat, semi-submarine, underwater walk or parasailing. The rainforest loop walk takes 20 minutes. Marineland Melanesia is home to Cassius, a 5-meter-long old crocodile (around AUD 25 for adults). The island has a resort (Green Island Resort), a pool, restaurants and changing rooms, which day visitors can use for a fee. Compared with the Outer Reef, the coral here is less spectacular, but the trip is relaxed and less likely to cause seasickness, which makes it especially suitable for families with young children or older travelers. Go in the morning and return in the afternoon. Food on the island is pricey at midday, so consider bringing simple snacks. When the tide is low, the shallow snorkelling area by the shore is very shallow, so take care not to step on the coral. Nearby Fitzroy Island is another option, with richer mountain rainforest trails.
Opening hours
Boats approx. 08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Michaelmas Cay
- Fitzroy Island
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Cairns Night Markets
- Cairns Aquarium
- Rusty's Markets
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Moore Reef