Great Barrier Reef and Islands

AROUND CAIRNS

The largest reef in the world measuring 2011 km in length and 72 km across at its widest point. Of the many hundreds of varieties of coral growing on the reef, the Staghorn (antler type) is one of the most common. The Great Barrier Reef is a true wonderland of color and beauty. The reef can be reached from many coastal points and can be explored on private charters,daily cruises, by seaplane, air charter and now, on special helicopter flights.

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LOW ISLES

A Quicksilver fast catamaran departs Port Douglas daily at 10 am for the short 20-minute journey to idylic, unspoilt Low Isles.

MICHAELMAS CAY NATIONAL PARK

Just north of Green Island, Michaelmas Cay, whitch is surrounded by coral reefs, is unique as it is the nesting place for thousands of seabirds. Access on the cay is restricted to protect the birds.

GREEN ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

A true coral cay visited daily from Cairns, Green Island is more than a tropical island surrounded by magnificent coral reef. There's white sandy beaches, safe swimming year round, self-guided snorkelling trails, glass-bottom boats, the Underwater Observatory (where you can see a wide variety of fish) and Marineland Melanesia.

FITZROY ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

A true continental island, comprising almost 324 ha of lush tropical rainforest with its main peak rising to about 271 m above sea level. Almost completely surrounded by coral reef and with the calm waters of the bay providing a deep natural anchorage, the island has always been a favorite spot for boating, diving and fishing enthusiasts.

FRANKLAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

This beautiful, uninhabited national park is situated directly off the coast from Russell Heads, 40 km south of Cairns.

DUNK ISLAND

Most of this tropical island is National Park with only one resort and an area set aside for campers. Author,E. J. Banfield, was attracted to the area in 1898.The island can be reached by air from Townsville or Cairns, by launch from Clump Point, or by water taxi, and is accessible to the reef with a variety of day charters available.

HINCHINBROOK ISLAND

The world's largest island National Park, uninhabited apart from a luxury resort at Cape Richards. On the eastern side of hinchinbrook a 30 Km trail links Ramsay Bay with George point offering bush walkers the best of scenery on a 3-5 day hike. Excellent caming and bushwalking tracks Macushla Point.