Norman Reef
An outer Great Barrier Reef site northeast of Cairns with rich coral cover, often combined with Green Island in a day trip and equipped with full pontoon facilities.
Norman Reef lies on the edge of the outer Great Barrier Reef, about 60 kilometers northeast of Cairns. It is another popular outer reef pontoon destination departing from Cairns, with a rich variety of corals and steep reef walls, and visibility for snorkelling and diving is usually good. The pontoon operated by tour companies offers snorkel gear, semi-submersibles, underwater viewing rooms, underwater walks and helicopter flights. Some itineraries stop at Green Island for several hours before heading to Norman Reef, so you can experience both a sand cay and the outer reef in one trip. The crossing takes about 1.5–2 hours and can be bumpy when seas are rough, so it is best to travel in the dry season and book in advance.
Opening hours
Day tours approx. 8:30 am–5:30 pm
Nearby sights
- Michaelmas Cay
- Green Island
- Palm Cove
- Moore Reef
- Fitzroy Island
- Rainforestation Nature Park
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Kuranda / Skyrail Rainforest Cableway