Visit Green Island, Cairns, Australia

Experience the Great Barrier Reef

Green Island is a small coral cay only 27km offshore from Cairns, Australia. The 6,000-year-old island is situated within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area, one of the seven wonders of the world.

About Green Island

Cairns is a popular tourist destination as it is the perfect base to get to the Great Barrier Reef and explore the surrounding World Heritage Rainforest. Green Island is the most easily accessible island from Cairns which makes it a popular choice for day trips.

The island is home to more than 120 native plant species and over 55 bird species. Explore the rainforest boardwalks, take a walk on the beach or explore the ocean and coral gardens just metres off the beach. You don't have to be a strong swimmer to experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, spotting turtles or swimming next to them is a common occurrence.

There are over 3,000 coral cays on the Great Barrier Reef, but Green Island is the only one with a rainforest growing on it. This is amazing considering it's 1.6km circumference.

Getting to Green Island

There are a number of companies that offer day trips to Green Island. The most popular and both with great reputations are Great Adventures and Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises.

Both companies offer similar packages, the main difference being lunch options. If you choose to include a lunch option, Great Adventures provides this on the island and Big Cat on their catamaran. Great Adventures also owns the island and the resort on it, therefore Great Adventures guests can use the resort pool on Green Island at no charge.

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises full day package is $73 for adults, $40 for children and $192 for a family. The full day tour includes return transfers by catamaran, tea and coffee, self guided eco island walk and rainforest boardwalk access and a choice of either a glass bottom boat tour or snorkelling rental (you can choose both for an additional fee).

The catamaran takes about 45 minutes to reach the island and a full day at Green Island leaving at 9am, gives you 5 hours to explore and relax. Half day options leave at 9am or 1pm, allowing 2 hours on the island, same prices apply.

Big cat also gives you the option when booking of adding optional extras that include a semi-submarine tour, buffet lunch or both. Lunch on the island can be very expensive, so pre-booking lunch or taking a picnic lunch is highly recommended. For more information and prices, visit Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises.

Tours leave daily from the Reef Fleet Terminal located on the Cairns Esplande at 8:15am. Coach pick-up service from hotel accommodation in Cairns and the Northern Beaches is an additional $12 per adults and $6 per child.

Activities

There is so much to see and do on Green Island! You can go snorkeling, do an introductory or certified scuba dive, take a glass bottom or semi-submarine tour, helicopter scenic flight, parasailing, view the underwater observatory or visit Marineland Melanesia.

Marineland Melanesia is located in the centre of the island and is home to the largest captive crocodile in captivity called Cassius. This is also your chance to get your photo taken holding a baby crocodile if you dare!

For more information and prices on Green Island activity options, click here.

Staying at Green Island

A 5 star luxury resort is also located on Green Island. The resort has an extensive recycling program, energy and water minimisation and conservation practices.