Idyllic escape from the everyday
There are islands and then there are the islands of Tropical North Queensland, which are among the most beautiful in the world.
Scattered right along the coast, the islands of the Great Barrier Reef offer an idyllic escape from the everyday. Whether you want to camp out and fall asleep beneath a blanket of stars, or prefer to lie back in luxury and enjoy a little five-star pampering, there is an island that’s right for you. And with many of the islands accessible by ferry or even water taxi, getting there is easy.
If untouched nature is your thing, Dunk Island delivers, with its golden reef-fringed beaches, virgin rainforest and well-maintained campground – all just a quick boat trip from Mission Beach. If you’re partial to a hike, don’t miss the 9km trail that takes you through fern forests and eucalypt stands to the island’s highest point, Mount Kootaloo.
For a family-friendly, easily-accessible option, Fitzroy Island is hard to go past. Wander its pretty bush tracks to access beaches such as Welcome Bay and Nudey (definitely not nudist), the latter strewn with dramatic granite boulders. Expect to encounter turtles and clownfish in the shallow reefs that surround the island.
Looking for something more indulgent? Bedarra Resort, beloved by the likes of Elton John and Russell Crowe, is the perfect romantic retreat, with just eight luxurious villas. Or try Lizard Island, where the reef begins just metres from the beach and where world-famous dive sites such as Cod Hole are within easy reach. Lizard’s other great attraction is its beautiful beaches. With 24 to choose from, you can count on finding a deserted stretch of sand whenever you need one.
This island life
Discover the perfect patches of paradise that are the islands of Tropical North Queensland.
Vlasoff Cay: the most incredible place to picnic
Feel grounded the moment you arrive at a private sand cay on the 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.
Everything you need to know about Fitzroy Island
If you want proof not all Great Barrier Reef islands are born equal, pay a visit to the supermodel of the island world, Fitzroy Island.
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.
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.
Stunning waterfront bars in Tropical North Queensland
Beaches and bars are a match made in heaven – especially in the tropics, where any excuse to down a cool beverage is welcomed. Here are some of the coolest waterfront and beach bars Tropical North Queensland has to offer.
Secret Beaches & Coves of Mission Beach
Mission Beach would be better referred to as Mission Beaches with its 14km stretch of sand interlinking three beaches and four villages. Lesser known are the smaller beaches and coves that make up a huge part of its charming appeal.
25 Fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef
As you’d expect from one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is home to some weird, wonderful and just plain loveable creatures. Here’s 25 fun Great Barrier Reef facts about a marine world larger than Italy.
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.
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.
Explore Islands
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eco certified
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Fitzroy Island Adventures
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accessible
Calypso Reef Cruises
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accessible
Great Adventures Reef and Green Island Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Spirit Of Freedom
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accessible
Tropic Wings Cairns Tours and Charters
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accessible
Quicksilver Cruises
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accessible
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Nautilus Aviation
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diving
Sailaway Port Douglas
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accessible
Dunk Island Reef Adventures
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croc spotting
Marineland Melanesia
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cairns northern beaches
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
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camping
Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi
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daintree cape tribulation
Ocean Safari
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cairns northern beaches
Coral Expeditions | Great Barrier Reef
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cairns northern beaches
Ocean Freedom – Personal Snorkel & Dive
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cairns northern beaches
Ocean Free – Sail to Green Island & the Great Barrier Reef
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accessible
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
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islands
Horn Island
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dive sites
Raine Island
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boat tours
Dunk Island Ferry Connections
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dive sites
Vlasoff Cay
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boat charters
Great Barrier Reef Safaris
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cairns northern beaches
Cairns Dive Adventures
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cairns northern beaches
Fitzroy Island National Park
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islands
Thursday Island
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dive sites
Green Island
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great barrier reef ocean
Hinchinbrook Island National Park
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great barrier reef ocean
Goold Island National Park
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cape york
Haggerstone Island
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dive sites
Low Isles
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dive sites
Dunk Island
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dive sites
Bedarra Island
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boat tours
Peddells Thursday Island Tours
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great barrier reef
Frankland Group National Park
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cairns northern beaches
Green Island National Park
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cairns northern beaches
Fitzroy Island
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cape york
Lizard Island
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boat tours
Russell Island Camping transfers by Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
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beaches
Reef Sprinter
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beaches
Coral Sea Kayaking
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