Welcome to Green Island, an island gem in the Great Barrier Reef just 45 minutes from Cairns by ferry. Green Island is a unique national park that is hugely popular with people who visit from all corners of the globe including Queen Elizabeth II who dropped by in 1970.
The Green Island Eco Resort opened in 1994 and has been giving guests the opportunity to sleep on a coral cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef for almost 25 years. The resort offers two styles of rooms including the Reef Suites and Island Suites. Each room type has private balconies with views of the rainforest or pool and is just steps away from the oceans edge.
Day 1: Travel to Green Island
Head to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal for a 45 minute ferry transfer to Green Island on fast, comfortable catamarans. When you arrive, you will feel like you are worlds away at this coral cay island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. The glittery waters surrounding the island will beckon you to come snorkelling or for a swim.
One of the most exciting features of the island apart from the fringing coral reef is the rainforest walk that covers the island and attracts vibrant plant and bird life. After you settle into your room take a self-guided walk or join the daily guided walk to learn more about the different flora and fauna that you can see here. You may also like to visit Marineland Melanesia- the island’s crocodile park with an indoor aquarium. The park houses the largest collection of Melanesia tribal artefacts. Others may prefer to celebrate being on island time with a swim or a cocktail by the beach.
The island can be busy at times when guests from the mainland visit but after 5pm hotel guests have free reign to explore. One of the best things to do here is to dine by beach and watch the sun set (something that day trippers cannot do). Spend the first evening dining on the beach with a private seafood dinner. A experience that you will never forget!
Day 2: Explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Today you will explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef on a day cruise to the reef activity platform. Jump in the water and head out snorkelling and diving to find ‘Dory’ and ‘Nemo’ as well as the many other marine animals that call the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem their home. The platform also has an underwater observatory, coral viewing boat tours and a sundeck for the non-swimmers. Visitors even have the opportunity to join a scenic helicopter flight, a dive or try the Scuba-Doo underwater Scooter (for an additional fee). Don’t worry about provisions, as you morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea is provided throughout the day.
As you arrive back to the island after a long and busy day discovering the Great Barrier Reef you can head to the Emeralds Restaurant & Bar to taste some of Tropical North Queensland’s finest cuisine or if you are feeling sleepy you can order room service and enjoy dining in your own room.
Walk off dinner and venture outside for some stargazing. The remote location of Green Island from the mainland makes it an ideal location to enjoy the night’s sky (weather permitting).
Day 3:Enjoy island time
On your last day, spend some time snorkelling and reef walking in the lagoon that surrounds the island. The resort also offers several beach activities and equipment for hire through their beach hut. Take part in windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking or rent a sun lounge and umbrella and enjoy time in the sun with a good book before you leave the island.
To view tours and experiences of Green Island and the Outer Great Barrier Reef visit our main experiences page.