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.

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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

@cairnsindigenousartfair has begun and we can’t wait to celebrate the incredible First Nations Cultures of the tropics with you all this week ✨👣

See you at the opening night party from 6pm tonight! 👋

#exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #ciaf 

[ID: short clips of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Fashion Show. Content includes First Nations models showcasing Indigenous designs and prints, inclusive of Indigenous dance, light show and music.]
A little rain can’t dampen the beauty of the tropics! If anything we think it gets even prettier ✨🌸

📍 @portdouglasdaintree 

#exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #portdouglasdaintree #sunsetlovers #sunset #storm
Ever wanted to swim with the crocs? 🐊😳

Yeah neither have we, that’s why @wildlifehabitat built the croc tank where you can safely swim next to some magnificent saltwater crocodiles and see them in action right up close

Did you know that saltwater crocodiles don’t always live in salt water? Also known as the estuarine crocodile, these guys are more likely to be spotted in freshwater creeks and mangroves but are sometimes found travelling from one place to another through the ocean 🌊

🎥 @amys.camera.lens #tropicalnorthqueensland #wildlife #crocodile #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr
Yee-haw partners 🤠🤠

📍 Send this to someone you want to take to @kurcowbarnwellfarm 

#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #kurand
We hear that the Cardwell Spa Pool in @cassowarycoastaustralia has been looking particularly blue this week 🩵🌴

Have you been out to visit? Don’t forget to tag us in your photos so we can follow along on the adventure 💫🚙

📸 @ranijayzee #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast

[ID: Two people swimming in the bright blue water of the Cardwell Spa Pool, surrounded by green trees. The ground and trees are damp from recent rainfall.]
If only every day could finish on a high like this 💫 

@yagurlitours and @balloonaloft have teamed up to give you the chance to experience a breathtaking hot air balloon float over  spectacular Gulf country 🌅✨

Australia’s largest salt pans can be found in Burketown in the Gulf of Carpentaria, country of the Gangalidda & Garawa peoples. This incredible tour teaches guests about connection to the land & how the intricate weave of patterns & textures below closely resemble the beautiful art they create 👣🌺

Tours are currently scheduled through July and August, so don’t miss your chance to experience the beauty of the outback from a balloon basket ☀️

🎥 @bronni #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #gulfsavannah #outback
As much as we love chatting to you all online, don’t forget to look up from your screen sometimes…we’ve got some pretty great stuff to see out there! 🌴✨

📍@skyrailcairns

📸 @_sarahlatham #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR

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