Green Island

Green Island is a small Coral Cay, 30 kilometres across the ocean, east of Cairns. The island is tiny in size (12 hectares) but it sits like an emerald solitaire amid 710 hectares of magnificent coral reef and azure ocean.

You can go there: with the kids too. We want you to go there and experience the magnificence of Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ask us about reef tours and daytrips to Green Island

when you book your Cairns Accommodation.

Trips to Green Island available from Trinity Beach Accommodation & Palm Cove Accommodation too.

How Green Island formed: Six thousand years ago, the island began to develop. Waves swept loose debris from the surrounding reefs into a large pile. As the pile grew and emerged from the water, bird droppings fertilized the debris mound with tropical seeds and vegetation that could survive the fierce elements of sun and salt water.

When the debris mound became solid ground, the young island became a sacred initiation place for the males of a local Aboriginal tribe: the Gungandji people. These people called the island “Wunyami”: place of haunted spirits.

How Green Island got its name: In 1770, explorer, Captain James Cook, christened the island “Green Island.” Named after Mr. Charles Green (astronomer onboard the Endeavour) the island lives up to its name as a haven of green vegetation, green fish, green coral and green tourism.

Is it a family or singles activity: Both. Green Island offers something for the flirty singles or the entire family….but, instead of flirting with each other most families are seen snorkeling together and creating precious memories of their trip to the Great Barrier Reef.  Together you will spend hours snorkeling to view fish, coral and sea grass: each seeing something different to share and remember.

The different varieties of sea cucumber and feather stars are amazing. Just off the beach too!  Children and adults alike just love to see them when snorkelling.

Will you find Nemo? Yes you will. Nemo’s extended family is likely to pay you a visit. Their colourful aquatic dancing is unsurpassed by the animation of the film. In their natural environment of the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the little Clown fish are a highlight of the day.

Not into snorkeling? No worries. Green Island offers sport (beach volley ball is a BLAST),  glass bottom boats to view the reef and marine life, cafes, resort shops, accommodation, walking tours, bird watching, shade to sleep in and a marine museum.

We live here and we love it. We give both our thumbs up to Green Island.