• Stay dry and see Green Island's reef through a glass-bottom boat. Photo credit: © Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
• Enjoy a family picnic with a backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef. Photo credit: © Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
• The patrolled beach is the safest place to swim on Green Island. Photo credit: © Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
• Enjoy a picnic lunch at the tables on the beach in the day-use area. Photo credit: Pat Kirby © Queensland Government
• Enjoy ocean views from resting platforms in the day-use area. Photo credit: Pat Kirby © Queensland Government
• Green turtles are drawn to the waters around Green Island by the beds of undulating seagrass. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
• A parasailer's perspective! There are many ways to enjoy all Green Island has to offer. Photo credit: Billy Craig © Marineland Melanesia
• Windsurfers enjoy the turquoise waters off Green Island. Photo credit: Billy Craig © Marineland Melanesia
• The coral reef surrounding Green Island is home to a stunning array of marine life. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
• Enjoy a scenic picnic at the Green Island day-use area. Photo credit: © Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
• Keep an eye out for sea turtles as you build your sandcastle. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
• Relax and recharge on Green Island’s sandy beaches. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
• You can get beach and snorkelling equipment from the Beach Hire. Photo credit: Tam Vallance © Queensland Government

Extending along the shore from each side of the jetty, the day-use area offers sandy beaches for sunbathing, clear shallow waters for snorkelling and a patrolled section of beach for swimming. At Beach Hire, you can rent towels, beach umbrellas, sun lounges and non-motorised water sports equipment.

After an energetic morning, enjoy a lazy lunch at one of the shady picnic tables in the day-use area and soak up stunning ocean views framed by casuarinas and swaying palms. After lunch, explore the Boardwalk or wander around the Beach walk. Or simply relax some more in the shade! A day in paradise!

Green Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, famed for its superlative natural beauty, outstanding examples of reef ecosystem development, evolutionary history and amazing diversity.

Getting there and getting around

The Green Island day-use area is in Green Island National Park and Recreation Area, 27km offshore from Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef.

• The day-use area extends along the beach from each side of the jetty.
• The island can be reached by ferry or private boat, and is one of the most accessible islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Commercial helicopter services also fly to and from the island.

Ferry

Most visitors travel to Green Island via regular ferry services, which depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Spence Street, Cairns.Travel time to the island is about 50mins.

• For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Private vessels

Green Island has safe anchorage and public moorings for private vessels.

• Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Wheelchair access

• Wheelchair-accessible toilets are provided in the Green Island day-use area.
• The Boardwalk, jetty and the paths in the resort area are also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Drinking water

• Treated water is available on tap in the amenities block in the day-use area.
• You can purchase bottled drinking water from the resort.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Green Island day-use area is open 24 hours a day

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Green Island safely.