Green island from the air

Where to go

Islands

A String of Jewel-like Islands

Scattered up the coast of Tropical North Queensland are islands that range from tiny uninhabited strips of sand to private ultra-luxury resorts.

These islands are places that will fill you with peace, take away your problems and leave you with a sense of pure adventure and child-like wonder

Jemma Craig – photographer and Green Island resident

fitzroy island great barrier reef

MILES OF ISLES

In Tropical North Queensland, there’s an island for everyone – from experienced divers to novice snorkellers, from flop-and-drop sunbakers to avid hikers, from those looking for luxury to those who want to rough it. For families and first-timers, Green Island is the place to test the waters. It’s one of only three true coral cays in the Great Barrier Reef and there’s sheltered snorkelling right off the beach. Fitzroy Island is another local favourite and its rainforest-covered hills are threaded with hiking trails, including the picturesque Secret Garden track. There are resorts on both islands, but they are also easily accessible as a day-trip from Cairns.

Manta ray swimming

THE UNDERWORLD

There are five islands in the uninhabited Frankland Islands group, about 45km south of Cairns. Only one tourist boat visits each day with a maximum of 100 passengers, making for a genuine “castaway” experience. The islands are surrounded by spectacular fringing reefs, home to majestic green turtles and manta rays.

The Frankland Islands

Low isles with light house

A LOVELY LAGOON

Low Isles is a good reef option, just 15km off the coast from Port Douglas. The protected lagoon waters are ideal for beginners who shouldn’t be surprised if a marine turtle floats by.

Low Isles

Dunk Island

CIRCLE OF GREEN

Just off the coast from Mission Beach, Dunk Island is a rainforest-covered paradise fringed with palm trees and golden sand beaches. More than half the island is a national park, with plenty of walking and hiking trails. The resort is currently closed, however there are camping facilities and a small cafe (but be sure to bring your own supplies).

Dunk Island

Edge pool at Lizard island resort

THE LUX REPORT

Luxury travellers will fall in love with Lizard and Bedarra islands. Lizard Island, off the coast of Cape York, is a 1000ha national park with 24 beaches and one ultra-luxe resort, the most northerly in the Great Barrier Reef. Bedarra Island is a small, rainforest-covered gem just offshore from Mission Beach and home to one exclusive resort and a handful of holiday villas.

Lizard Island

INTO THE BLUE

Mackay Cay off Cape Tribulation offers excellent snorkelling in its impossibly clear water; while Hinchinbrook – the largest island national park in the country – is home to the 32km Thorsborne Trail, the ideal way to discover the island’s untouched beauty and bountiful wildlife.

Dreamy Sand Cays

Tips

  • If you’re planning to camp on one of the islands, make sure you book your permit early. There are only limited spaces and they can fill up quickly, especially during school holidays. Remember that you can only camp in designated areas.

  • Most of the islands in Tropical North Queensland are close to shore, so can be easily reached for a day-trip. If you plan to visit a few, you can stay on the mainland and venture out each day.

Discover More

Find the best islands for snorkelling, diving, hiking and watersports, plus accommodation to suit every style and budget.

Lizard Island aerial
Great Barrier Reef
Lizard Island – The northern-most resort on the Great Barrier Reef

Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters that will make you question whether you’re in a dream, discover the true meaning of tropical oasis at the exclusive and ultra-luxurious, Lizard Island.

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Everything you need to know about Fitzroy Island

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8 islands south of Cairns to explore

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Vlasoff Cay: the most incredible place to picnic

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Discover Wunyami (Green Island) with Traditional Owners

Discover the Indigenous stories, legends and traditions of Wunyami (Green Island) from the Gungganji and Yidinji people as you join them on a guided island tour and learn about their cultural, ceremony and life with Wunyami Tours.

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Edge pool at Lizard island resort
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Sleep tight in paradise

Rest your head easy on a visit to Tropical North Queensland. From sleeping on a luxury island to pitching a tent on the beach, here’s your guide to an unforgettable stay in the tropics.

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Dreamy sand cays you must visit on the Great Barrier Reef

We’ve all seen those gorgeous wisps of whiteness poking out from an azure sea on Great Barrier Reef. But what are they? More importantly, where are they? And how can we get a piece of sand cay action? We’re here to reveal all.

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Gareth Phillips snorkelling on the reef
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Reef Talk – A chat with marine biologist Gareth Phillips

The Great Barrier Reef is a thriving, living marine environment. It inspires all who visit, even those who see it every day, like marine biologist and owner of Marine Discoveries, Gareth Phillips.

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8 Island Campsites on the Great Barrier Reef

Unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe by camping on the Great Barrier Reef! Have you ever dreamed of escaping from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives? Where life is simple, revolving around the rising sun and falling tide? Yep, so have we! Here’s Eight island campsites where you can unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe.

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Luxury places to rest your head

Escape to luxe island hideaways, indulgent outback retreats or tranquil ancient rainforests. Kick off your shoes, take some much needed R&R and discover the unique landscape of Tropical North Queensland.

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Clown fish in an anenone

Getting here

  • helicopter on a sand cay

    By air

    Helicopter transfers are available between Cairns, Green Island and Bedarra Island. Private charter services operate between Cairns and Lizard Island for guests of Lizard Island Resort and liveaboard vessels; Mike Ball Dive Expeditions and Spirit of Freedom. Daily touring options are available to Lizard Island with Daintree Air Services.

  • Sunlover boat at Fitzroy island

    By boat/ferry

    Boats depart daily with ferry transfers services to Dunk Island, Bedarra Island, Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Frankland Islands and Low Isles. Private charters or liveaboard dive vessels offer a unique journey to Lizard Island.

Stay

Enjoy a little resort living on the Great Barrier Reef.

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR

There’s so much to love about @lizardisland but the world famous “Cod Hole” is one of our favourites! Why? Because of these curious potato cods of course🐠 

🎥 @tabithalipkin #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia 

[ID: Woman diving on the Great Barrier Reef while a curious potato cod (large fish) is investigating her. Text on screen reads “POV: You make friends with a potato cod named Tater Tot at the Great Barrier Reef and she loves the camera. LOVES IT. She especially wanted to show you her spots…”See!? This is why they call me a potato cod! My spots look like potatoes!” “What’s personal space?!” “Hi again” “Can we take a picture before you leave?” Absolutely]
Nothing screams tropical like an island getaway & @bedarraisland should definitely be at the top of your list! 🏝🍹 Oh, did we mention all inclusive? 🍾 From private candlelit dinners on the beach, to fishing gear & kayaks, to meals & cocktails, the staff at Bedarra Island go above & beyond to make sure your luxury escape is unforgettable 🌴🌸 Not to mention the view is pretty great 😉 So, when will we see you here? 👋

🎥 @_markfitz #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast 

[ID: Aerial video panning over the beach on Bedarra Island. There are bright green palm trees and blue ocean waves lapping a white sandy shore. Text on screen reads: Amazing tropical beaches in Australia: Bedarra Island, Qld]
Don’t have time to visit the Great Barrier Reef while you’re in #Cairns? Or if you just want to learn a little more about the reef, there’s nowhere better to explore than the @cairns_aquarium 🩵🐠

🎥 @tabithalipkin #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia 

[ID: Clips of the Cairns Aquarium and marine life that is housed inside it. Text on screen reads: An aquarium that brings the Great Barrier Reef to you”
Today we take time to commemorate the brave men & women who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Soldiers from Tropical North Queensland joined the defence force to help protect Australia, including many Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to these people, we now live in an incredible location that we’re very proud of 💙🌴

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the region, visit the Cairns Museum or check out some of the many historical sites around the region including the ANZAC trail ✨

Lest We Forget ❤️
If bright blue milky waters and a jacuzzi-like spa spells bliss for you then we’ve got you covered 🙌🌴 Cardwell Spa Pool, located along the Cardwell Forest Drive, is just one of few colourful swimming spots in the area! 🦋 If you enjoy waterhole hopping, head further along the track to Attie Creek Falls & Dead Horse Creek 🚙🌿

🎥 @jessadventuresaus #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast

[ID: Video clips of the Cardwell Spa Pool, which has bright blue water and is surrounded by lush green rainforest. Text on screen reads: Is this the bluest swimming hole in all of Australia?]
Happy Earth Day! 🌏🌱
This year for Earth Day, we’re working to reduce plastic use in Tropical North Queensland, here’s how you can help on your next holiday!

☕️ Reusable water bottles, coffee cups, straws and more! 
🏝️ Support local conservation efforts like beach clean ups
🦋 Choose eco-friendly accommodation, restaurants and tours who are also working to reduce plastic use
🗑️ Reduce and recycle your rubbish (make sure it goes in the right bin and doesn’t end up on the ground!)

Hit the bio link to learn more ☝️

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsgbr #earthday2024
There’s more than one way to see the Great Barrier Reef, but a Seawalker Helmet Dive has got to be one of the best! Discover this underwater world without even getting your hair wet! 

#exploreTNQ #exploreGBR

[ID: Collection of clips from an underwater helmet dive in the Great Barrier Reef. Featuring yellow tailed fusilers and other fish]
Want an escape from reality? Try @fitzroyisland 🏝️☀️

📸 @jesswardphoto #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #greatbarrierreef #island 

[ID: A breathtaking pink and orange sunset over the ocean, with a pier and a boat gently floating on the calm waters. Rainforest covered mountains visible in the distance.]
So, you’re all booked in for your trip to Tropical North Queensland (YAY!) But what do you pack? 🤔🌴 @kellerdiaries is here to help you out! Here are our top tips on what to pack for your next holiday to the tropics:
 
📍 Summer clothes (no jumpers needed ❌)
📍 Sun protection - hat, sunnies and sunscreen
📍 Reusable water bottle and keep cup (if you’re a coffee drinker)
📍Don’t forget your thongs (or flip flops, jandals, whatever you want to call them!)
 
#exporeTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #packing
If you need a reason to become a morning person, this is it! 🎈No better way to watch the sunrise over the Atherton Tablelands than gliding above it with @hotairballooncairns

#ExploreTNQ #ExplorecairnsGBR #athertontablelands

[ID: sunrise from a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands]

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