Green Island Ferry explore Cairns Favourite Great Barrier Reef Island
Explore Green Island: Your Perfect Day Trip from Cairns
Spend a full day exploring the stunning Green Island, just a 45-minute boat trip from Cairns. With daily departures from the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street, Cairns, this adventure is easily accessible and perfect for the whole family, including young children.
Plan Your Day at Green Island
Green Island offers several daily ferry departures, allowing you to choose the best time for your schedule. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by white sandy beaches and a lush interior of tropical rainforests, all set on the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef.
While on the island, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained (optional extras):
- Snorkelling: Dive into crystal-clear waters and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Eco Walk in the Rainforest: Stroll through the island’s tropical rainforest and discover its rich flora and fauna.
- Kayaking: Paddle around the island’s calm waters and take in the stunning coastal views.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: Get a unique perspective of the reef’s marine life without getting wet.
- Scenic Helicopter Flights: Soar above the island and the Great Barrier Reef for breathtaking aerial views.
- Relax on a Sunbed: Unwind on the beach with a good book or simply soak up the tropical sun.
About Green Island
Green Island is one of the most popular stops on the Great Barrier Reef, offering visitors a true coral cay experience. Formed over thousands of years from coral rubble and sand, the island boasts a vibrant ecosystem. Explore the tropical vine forest, home to an array of birds and insects, or snorkel offshore to spot green and hawksbill turtles, along with a variety of coral, clams, and reef fish.
The island is part of the traditional marine territory of the Guru-Gulu Gungandji Aboriginal people, who have a deep connection to this land. Known as Wunyami, Green Island holds cultural significance, and visitors can learn about this ancient culture through a Wunyami walking tour.
A Rich History of Conservation
Green Island has been a treasured destination for over a century. Designated as a national park in 1937, it became part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 1974 and was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1981. The island is home to over 120 native plant species and 55 species of birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Where is Green Island?
Located approximately 45 minutes northeast of Cairns, Green Island is easily accessible by ferry. Surrounded by coral gardens and an abundance of marine life, the island offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Keep an eye out during the winter months for migrating humpback whales, a sight you won’t want to miss.
For those interested in exploring the outer barrier reef, check out our recommended Reef Experience tour for an unforgettable adventure.
Plan your trip to Green Island today and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this tropical paradise!
