Green Island is a coral island of the Great Barrier Reef, located approximately 27 km offshore from Cairns, in Queensland. Accessible by ferry in under an hour, it combines reef, tropical forest and white sand beaches on a single coral cay — a rare configuration that allows you to move from canopy to snorkeling in just a few steps.

Why visit Green Island

The island presents a notable geological feature: it is one of the only coral cays of the Great Barrier Reef to support a mature tropical forest. This vegetation, accumulated over millennia on a foundation of coral debris, is home to seabirds and small endemic fauna. The reef encircling the island remains accessible directly from the beach, without the need for an additional boat, making it one of the simplest gateways to the Great Barrier Reef for casual swimmers.

Listed as part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the island is co-managed by park authorities and the Gunggandji community, guardians of a living cultural heritage.

History and cultural heritage

For the Gunggandji, the Aboriginal people of coastal north Queensland, the island bears the name Wunyami. More than six millennia of indigenous presence are documented there: hunting, fishing and seasonal rituals shaped the use of the site long before European arrival.

In 1770, James Cook sighted the island while sailing up Australia's east coast. The name "Green Island" was given in honour of Charles Green, the astronomer aboard the Endeavour. In the 19th century, naturalists and explorers became interested in its reefs and dense forest.

The island was designated a national park in 1937. In the 1950s, it hosted Australia's first underwater observatory, which opened the reef to the general public long before modern diving activities emerged. The current eco-tourism complex has been operating since 1974, with lodges, walking trails and direct access to the lagoon.

What to do on Green Island

Reef and underwater activities

• Snorkeling: departure directly from the beach, shallow coral gardens, parrotfish, green turtles frequently spotted.
• Scuba diving: introductory dives for beginners and outings for certified divers at sites around the island.
• Seawalker: underwater walking equipped with a sealed helmet supplied with air, accessible without swimming ability and without certification.
• Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible: reef observation without getting wet, suitable for families and non-swimmers.

Tropical forest and lagoon

• Marked trails: a short network traverses the central forest, beneath a canopy of pisonias, palms and ferns.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding: rentals available on the beach to explore shallow waters, where rays and turtles glide among seagrass beds.
• Scenic helicopter flight: option to fly over the island and surrounding coral patches.

Culture and discovery

• Marineland Melanesia: historic park featuring crocodiles, aquariums and a collection of Melanesian tribal art.
• Gunggandji cultural encounters: presentations on traditional uses of Wunyami according to current programming.
• Emeralds Restaurant: the main dining venue of the complex, for lunch between activities.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: half a day is enough for an overview; plan a full day to combine snorkeling, forest exploration and lunch.
• What to bring: swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky areas, stinger suit recommended from October to May.
• Reservations: some activities (Seawalker, diving, helicopter) have limited spots and require advance booking.
• Rates: ferry transfer is included in most day packages; budget extra for guided activities.

When to visit

Green Island enjoys a warm and humid tropical climate year-round. The dry season, from June to October, offers the best conditions: clear skies, clearer water, calm seas and virtually no box jellyfish. This is the preferred period for diving and snorkeling.

From November to May, heat and humidity intensify; box jellyfish may be present, and wearing a protective suit becomes necessary for swimming.

How to get there

The ferry departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal, in central Cairns, with several daily rotations. The crossing takes between 45 and 60 minutes depending on the operator and sea conditions. Several companies offer simple shuttle service or packages that include meals and activities.

Cairns is served by an international airport and remains the logical base for visiting the island, in combination with other Great Barrier Reef excursions.

Nearby attractions

• Cairns: host city and starting point for all excursions to the reef and Daintree rainforest.
• Grampians National Park: to extend your nature experience in Victoria, with its gorge landscapes and Aboriginal rock art.
• Cradle Mountain National Park: another major Australian natural site, in a contrasting tropical climate.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

Green Island naturally fits into an itinerary combining Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's rainforest. To build a custom trip incorporating these stages, explore our Australie travel packages.