Where to go
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Find the best islands for snorkelling, diving, hiking and watersports, plus accommodation to suit every style and budget.
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.
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.
The Sunshine State might have 900 tropical islands off its coastline, but there’s one stretch of coast that’s overrepresented when it comes to idyllic island-oasis. Enter Southern Cairns and the Cassowary Coast, whose offshore attractions are as much of a drawcard as its mainland namesake.
Feel grounded the moment you arrive at a private sand cay on the Great Barrier Reef.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a little resort living on the Great Barrier Reef.
Endless summer, endless beauty. ✨🌿🏝 From palm fringed beaches to ancient volancie crater lakes and iconic waterfalls, this is #TropicalNorthQueensland 💙.
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ID A visual journey through Tropical North Queensland, capturing rainforest, golden beaches, flowing waterfalls and colourful sunsets that define the region’s endless beauty.
This is what a workweek looks like when your office is the world’s largest coral reef system. Who’s ready to swap their desk for the #GreatBarrierReef? 🎥 @puresnorkelling
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ID An underwater montage that depicts five days of working on the Great Barrier Reef. Each day reveals a different marine scene from colourful coral gardens, schools of tropical fish and snorkellers exploring the reef. The reel ends with “See you soon”.
Sunrise magic at Ellis Beach. 🌅🌴 There’s no better way to start the day than with swaying palms and a sky painted in shades of pink and gold. Who’s watching the sunrise from here next? 👇✨
📸 @stl_caption
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ID Sunrise at Ellis Beach, with shades of pink, purple and orange painting the sky. Silhouetted palm trees lean toward the shore, framing the view, while a hammock hangs between them. The ocean stretches toward the horizon, reflecting the morning light.
Just taking it all in at #LakeEacham on the @athertontablelands. 🌿💙 This stunning volcanic crater lake is located in #craterlakesnationalpark and offers day-trippers the perfect place to picnic, swim, or explore the surrounding rainforest walking tracks.
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ID An aerial view of Lake Eacham, a deep blue volcanic crater lake surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. A woman stands on a wooden viewing platform gazing out at the clear water. Submerged logs can be seen beneath the crystal-clear surface, adding to the lake’s beauty.
Lil dude’s caught in a riptide of determination... 🤙🐢🏄♂️ First stop ☝ #FranklandIslands, next stop the EAC 😉 . 🎥 @franklandislands #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID A Green Sea Turtle hatchling is making its way from the nest to the ocean, a critical part of its life cycle. After hatching from the sand, it instinctively follows the natural light reflecting off the water to find its way to the sea.
Barefoot bliss on Green Island. 🌴👣. This gorgeous #coralcay on the #GreatBarrierReef isn`t just for day-trippers, it’s also home to @greenislandgbr, a luxury eco-resort where you can wake up to the sound of the ocean and explore the reef straight from your doorstep. 🏝️💙 📸 @_letsescapetogether_
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ID A woman in a bikini and sun hat walks along the pristine shoreline of Green Island, leaving footprints in the soft golden sand. The turquoise water gently laps at the shore, while lush green foliage lines the beach under a clear blue sky.
Forget roses and chocolates 💘 Nothing says romance like a Victoria’s Riflebird pulling out all the moves. ✨ This dazzling display is the ultimate Valentine’s flex, as he fans out his glossy wings and shimmies his way into her heart. Who else is bringing this energy 😉 to their Valentine’s plans? 📍 Lake Eacham @athertontablelands
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ID A male Victoria’s Riflebird performs an elaborate courtship display on a tree stump in the rainforest. He fans out his glossy black wings, revealing iridescent blue and purple hues, and moves rhythmically in a dance-like motion.
Looking for the perfect match? 💘 Swipe left on @tropicalnorthqueensland Whether you are into heart-racing adventures or rainforest retreats, #exploreTNQ is ready to sweep you off your feet. Which one are you saying YES to? Drop your match below! 👇
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ID A collection of Tropical North Queensland experiences, from heart-pounding adventures like white-water rafting, bungee jumping and jet boating to quieter moments including rainforest escapes, romantic sunset cruises and beachfront dining.
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ID This image features a scoop of ice cream with vanilla on top and a berry mix on the bottom, served in a classic cone. The backdrop highlights a neon sign that reads “EAT MORE ICE CREAM” in pink.
✨🌅🧡 Dreaming of a unique Valentine’s getaway? Why settle for ordinary when you can experience extraordinary? From treetop houses to reef sleepovers, Tropical North Queensland offers some of the quirkiest accommodations that promise an unforgettable retreat. Perfect for adventure-loving couples or those seeking a one-of-a-kind escape. 🔗 in bio 👆
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ID This photo carousel features a compilation of photos of unique accommodation in Tropical North Queensland, from treehouse stays perched among the rainforest to luxurious outback glamping spots, each offering a distinct and immersive experience in the natural beauty of the region.
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