ISLANDS
 Map
 Webcam
 Events
 Editor Picks
Welcome to the tropical islands and island resorts of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Boasting over 140 Great Barrier Reef islands scattered throughout the region, it’s easy to turn daydreams about tropical island holidays and romantic island escapes into reality here in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.
Part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, all of the islands in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region are protected National Parks, home to thousands of endangered species of birds, coral, fish and other marine and wildlife. In many cases, the islands of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef also hold strong cultural significance for indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Internationally acclaimed, luxurious, Great Barrier Reef islands Bedarra Island, Double Island, Haggerstone Island and Lizard Island are all accessible by boat and/or light plane from Cairns. Ultimately private, luxury five-star resort accommodation, restaurants, spas and modern conveniences set against a stunning back drop of virtually untouched Great Barrier Reef and nationally protected wilderness are why these islands have been renowned by Vogue magazine as the world’s best romantic hideaways.
Closer to Cairns, Green Island offers a five-star island resort, a variety of water sports, shops, restaurants, spas, interpretive walking tails, and modern conveniences making it an ideal location to relax and unwind with a tropical cocktail after a big day of scuba diving, sea kayaking, snorkelling, parasailing, jet skiing, wilderness hiking or fishing on the Great Barrier Reef. It’s proximity to Cairns also makes Green Island perfect for families, day trippers or travellers tight for time.
CLICK TO READ MORE
Less inhabited but still breathtakingly beautiful, Low Isles off the coast of Port Douglas, Fitzroy Island and the Frankland Islands off the coast of Cairns, and the “Family Group of Islands” off the coast of Mission Beach are also worth including on your Great Barrier Reef island itinerary. You can reach these islands onboard a Great Barrier Reef day cruise vessel or organise your own private vessel.
Camping permits are available for Fitzroy Island and the Frankland Islands as well as The Family Group’s Wheeler and Coomb Islands and all have walking/hiking trails and great snorkelling spots.
Just minutes off the coast of Mission Beach, internationally famous Dunk Island is fully equipped with a resort, restaurant, spa, kids club and full suite of water sports and Great Barrier Reef activities like snorkelling, sea kayaking and scuba diving, Dunk Island is a favourite for local (and visiting) romantics and families alike.
Cairns and Great Barrier Reef is also home to a large number of the network of islands in the Torres Strait. Traditional Torres Strait Islander indigenous communities equipped with accommodation and airplane access on Thursday Island and Horn Island welcome visitors into their island home to experience the beauty and culture of Torres Strait Island life first hand.
Check out the editors picks below and use our accommodation, dining and things to do searches to find out more about what you can see and experience on the islands of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.
|
Fitzroy Island...Jump aboard one of the vessels cruising daily from Cairns to Fitzroy island or make your own way there and have fun snorkelling, glass bottom boating, sea kayaking, and swimming or follow one of the interpretive walking tracks and learn more about this magnificent national park. The view from Fitzroy Island’s lighthouse lookout is a must-see!
Dunk Island...Go Horse-riding along the beach, walking through national park rainforest, take a guided jet-ski tour, enjoy a round of golf, some time at the spa or visit the Island Farm. Home to an island resort and just 45 minutes from Mission Beach, Dunk Island is a family favourite with something for everyone.
Bedarra Island...Depart from Cairns or Mission Beach and Indulge in total intimate serenity and luxuriously private island resort accommodation on romantic Bedarra Island.
Low Isles...Low Isles was named by Captain James Cook in 1770. Prime snorkelling and coral viewing spot, the Low Isles sand cays were the subject of the world’s first extensive coral reef scientific research and their landmark lighthouse built in 1878 still guides ships through the main shipping channel between Port Douglas and Cairns today.
|
|
 
|
|
The Frankland Islands
A group of three coral cays, the uninhabited Frankland Islands are popular fishing and leisure spots for locals and ideal places to take the family. Visit these islands and experience the only cruise in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef to offer a calm river cruise as well as a Great Barrier Reef and island experience all in the one day.
|
|
|
Green Island
Just 45 minutes by boat from Cairns, Green Island National Park is one of Australia's premier environmental heritage sites. Surrounded by a magnificent coral reef and tropical wilderness, you can swim , snorkel, helmet or scuba dive, parasail, go sea kayaking, hiking or chill out at the beach, resort, restaurant, shops or spa.
|
|
|
Lizard Island
Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef island indulgence. Snorkel from your island beach to uncover coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams. The Ribbon Reefs and the Cod Hole near Lizard Island are renowned for some of the best big game fishing and diving in the world.
|
|
Diving,
Snorkelling,
Kayaking,
Spa,
Sightseeing,
Scenic Flight,
Skydiving,
Fishing,
Wilderness,
Bush walking,
Birding,
Golf,
Nature Park,
Guided Tour,
Water Sports,
Horse riding,
Whale watching,
Wildlife spotting,
Learn to dive,
Overnight dive trip,
Cruise,
World Heritage,
Unique Experiences,
Resort,
There is so much to explore and do on the islands of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Here’s just a small taste of the activities you can experience when you visit:
- Snorkelling and marine biologist guided snorkel tours
- Guided glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tours
- Sea kayaking & guided sea kayak tours
- Scuba diving
- Helmet diving
- Jet skiing
- Horse riding
- Swimming
- Lazing on the beach
- Interpretive national park walking and hiking trails
- Spa treatments
- Private gourmet picnics & beach front dining
- Beach volleyball
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Parasailing
- Golf
- Jet skiing
- Windsurfing
- Catamaran sailing
*NB. Not all activities are available on every island
 From five-star a-la-carte resort restaurants, to sumptuous buffets, cafes and casual beach barbeques, our Great Barrier Reef island menus showcase the finest local fruit and produce and fresh local seafood from around the region.
Great Barrier Reef island dining highlights include romantic and private, ocean front dining with deliciously sophisticated dishes and tropical fruit wines prepared by award winning chefs and private, five-star caters.
Gourmet picnic hampers filled with the finest local wines, fresh cheeses, local fruit and seafood you can take to the beach or spa to enjoy while you relax the day away are another island dining must do.
|
|