Discover The Natural Beauty Of Green Island In The Great Barrier Reef
Are you daydreaming of a tropical escape and breathtaking natural wonders? Green Island, a mesmerizing coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, could be your next destination.
This blog will guide you through all that this island has to offer – from its captivating wildlife to its vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches and intriguing historical background.
Keep reading as we dive into this underwater wonderland!
Key Takeaways
- Green Island is a coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. It’s full of wildlife, crystal clear waters, and bright coral reefs.
- You can reach this island off Cairns by ferry or helicopter ride. There are many tours from snorkeling to eco trips you can also join.
- Sleep at the fancy Green Island Resort to enjoy amazing views from your room. Plus, fun water activities like diving and exploring marine life are right there!
- The best time to go is between June and October due to less rain. But any time of year works as it has warm tropical weather all round!
Overview of Green Island
Green Island, a 6000-year-old coral cay, lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It’s located 27km offshore from Cairns and is one of Far North Queensland’s most visited spots.
Accessible via Green Island Ferry, this gem offers an array of luxurious experiences to travelers from around the globe. Notable for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s a hub for aquatic adventures like snorkeling or glass bottom boat tours.
The island gained national park status in 1937 and became part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in 1981. With rich historical significance tied to Gungandi people who named it Wunyami, Green Island holds an intriguing history that adds charm to its natural wonders.
Geographical Features
Green Island sits in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is 27km away from Cairns. The island is a coral cay, which means it’s made of tiny sea animals called corals. These corals have been building up for 6000 years! You can find different types of trees on Green Island too.
They make up a rainforest that covers most of the island. This small piece of land is also part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area since 1981.
Historical Background
Green Island has a long and rich past. The Gungandi people first lived on it, calling it Wunyami. In 1937, Green Island became a national park. It was named a marine park in 1974. The year 1981 saw its inclusion in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
This is part of the island’s deep history which makes it an important place to visit.
The Natural Beauty of Green Island
Witness the island’s unique wildlife, from colorful birds to marine life. Marvel at the vibrant coral reefs that are a part of the Great Barrier Reef system. Relax on pristine beaches with clear waters and white sands.
Explore undisturbed rainforests and soak in remarkable views of nature’s splendor. Every corner of Green Island exudes unparalleled natural beauty that will take your breath away.
Unique Wildlife
Green Island is a special place. It is full of life you won’t see anywhere else. Sea turtles live here and swim in the clear blue water. You can spot many types of fish with different colors swimming around the coral reefs too! A lot of birds also call Green Island home.
They fill the sky with their songs.during your visit. The island’s unique wildlife makes it a treasure for nature lovers to explore and enjoy.
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Green Island shines with vibrant coral reefs. These coral gardens live in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. They come in many colors and shapes. You can see them up close when snorkeling or from a glass-bottom boat.
The clear waters make it easy to spot sea turtles too!
Pristine Beaches
Soft white sand covers the beaches of Green Island. These pristine beaches meet clear blue water filled with coral and marine life from the Great Barrier Reef. People like to relax on these clean, calm beaches.
You can do many fun things at these beautiful spots. You can lie under the sun or play in the warm sea water. You will love every minute spent by the water’s edge! The Green Island Resort sits near these amazing shores too, giving you a great view right from your room.
Top Attractions on Green Island
Immerse yourself in the luxury of the Green Island Resort, explore aquatic life at the Green Island Jetty, and experience awe-inspiring views with various Great Barrier Reef adventures.
The Green Island Resort
The Green Island Resort is a special spot in Australia. It sits on an island near Cairns, Queensland. The resort is not far from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area.
The hotel offers many tours and packages for guests to pick from. Some let you explore the unique beauty of Green Island. Others offer fun boat rides with yummy dinner included! For those who love thrills, there are even options that include white water rafting as well! You can stay at one of their 46 classy suites hidden deep in the island’s rainforest for a peaceful getaway.
If you’re visiting Green Island and looking for the top places to check out in the Great Barrier Reef area, the Green Island Resort is where you should sleep!
Green Island Jetty
Green Island Jetty is a must-see spot on Green Island. It’s where visitors start their day trips or head to the luxury resort for rest. The jetty lies 27 km away from Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
There, you can see coral reefs and marine life by diving and snorkeling near the jetty. Many tours start at this place – they take you all around Green Island.
The Great Barrier Reef Experiences
Green Island gives an amazing way to see the Great Barrier Reef. You can go on a glass bottom boat tour with the Green Island Ferry. This lets you see colorful fish and bright corals without getting wet.
If you want to get even closer, try snorkeling! The Green Island Day Tour offers this fun water activity.
You can also take part in the Great Adventures tour. It lets you spend 2 hours on Green Island and 3 hours at the Outer Reef. By doing this, you will see different parts of this big reef system from both above and below the water surface.
For those who are more adventurous, there’s something special too. Try a helicopter ride over the reef as part of your day-out plan! It promises great views that are breathtakingly beautiful.
Activities to Enjoy on Green Island
Immerse yourself in the wide range of exciting activities Green Island offers, from delighting in eco tours and admiring the rich diversity of flora and fauna to diving into adventure with snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs.
Explore more about these thrilling escapades on our journey through this tropical paradise.
Eco Tours
You can have a good time on Green Island with eco tours. These tours let you see the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. There are many kinds of eco tours to pick from. You can go on a glass bottom boat tour. This is great for seeing fish and coral without getting wet! Another choice is snorkeling. Snorkeling lets you get close to marine life in a safe way. A semi-submarine tour is also quite exciting. It makes you feel like an explorer under the sea! Other people might like a helicopter flight to Green Island. From above, you can see how blue the water is and where the reef meets the island. If you stay at Green Island Resort, they can help plan your eco tours too!
Snorkeling and Diving
Snorkeling and diving are some of the best things you can do at Green Island. Here’s why:
- You can see the beauty of coral reefs up close. The Pinnacle Reef is an amazing spot for this.
- The waters around Green Island are clear. This makes it easy to see a variety of fish and other sea creatures.
- Divers enjoy going deep into the waters around Green Island. They can explore more underwater sites this way.
- Snorkelers like swimming in these waters because they don’t have to go deep. They get to see plenty of marine life just by floating on the water.
- The Green Island Ferry takes you out for snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours. This lets you enjoy both activities in one trip!
- For a mix, try the Great Adventures tour! It gives you a semi – submarine tour as well as a chance to snorkel at the Outer Reef.
- If you want gear, book the Big Cat Full Day Green Island Tour. They give optional snorkeling gear with their package.
- To make your trip special, take a ride on Ocean Free schooner! It offers unique snorkeling and diving trips to both Green Island and Pinnacle Reef.
- You don’t have to leave after having fun in the water – stay at the Green Island Resort! They welcome all snorkelers and divers with cozy rooms and great service.
Exploring the Island’s Flora and Fauna
You will love exploring the Flora and Fauna of Green Island. Here is what you can see:
- The island has many diverse plants. These range from dry beach plants to a lush rainforest filled with vine thicket.
- The Green Island National Park keeps the island’s plants and animals safe.
- You can walk through the rainforest on the island. It’s a fun way to learn about nature.
- Plants here get their water from the rain and a small pool of fresh water under the island.
- Animals also live here. Look out for unique birds, insects, and marine life as you explore!
- Don’t miss out on seeing fish feeding presentation.
Planning Your Visit to Green Island
Before embarking on your journey to Green Island, it’s crucial to plan ahead. To reach the beautiful Green Island, you can opt for a ferry or a thrilling helicopter ride from Cairns.
In terms of the best times to visit, warm tropical weather blesses Green Island all year round! However, visiting between May and October often proves more comfortable due to lower rainfall.
As for accommodation, the luxurious Green Island Resort offers unique experiences with reef and rainforest as your backdrop. Experience Australia’s great natural wonder in comfort by booking your resort packages or luxury reef hotels in advance.
Ensure that your travel plans align with any special events or guided tours offered on the island for an enriching experience tailored just for you!
How to Reach Green Island
To get to Green Island, you have several options:
- Take the Green Island Ferry from Cairns. It leaves at 8.30am and 10.30am, and comes back from the island at 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
- Join a Great Adventures tour for a full day of fun. You spend 2 hours on Green Island and then another 3 hours at the Outer Reef.
- Book a full – day trip with Big Cat cruises. They leave Cairns at 9am and return at 5pm.
- Choose the Green Island Day Tour for an amazing ride in a helicopter to the island in the morning!
- Sail away with Ocean Free on their schooner to reach both Green Island and Pinnacle Reef.
- Stay overnight at the Green Island Resort if you want to enjoy more time on the island.
Best Times to Visit
You may enjoy Green Island all year round. But two times stand out as the best to visit. If you like warmth, go from December to February. The weather is hot but bearable. This is also when sea turtles lay their eggs! Another good time is between June and October.
You get nice warm days and less rain. But be careful if you plan a trip from November to May. This is jellyfish season! You can still swim, but wear a stinger suit for safety.
Accommodation Options
When planning your visit to Green Island, you have several accommodation options to consider. Ranging from the luxurious Green Island Resort to hotels and liveaboard options, there’s something to cater to everyone’s taste and budget.
| Accommodation Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Green Island Resort | Offers 46 elegant suites nestled in the island’s rainforest. Known for its eco-sensitive tourism development. Types of suites include Island Suites with views of the pool and rainforest, and Reef Suites with limited ocean views. Facilities include a licensed bar, dining options, boutiques, dive and snorkel shops, beach hire, and a swimming pool. |
| Hotels | Variety of hotels available with different facilities and services to suit every traveler’s necessities and budget. |
| Liveaboard Options | Gives visitors a unique experience of living on the water for an extended period, with the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef up close. |
You will find that each accommodation option provides a different perspective on the natural beauty of Green Island and enhances your overall experience of this stunning destination.
Conclusion
Green Island is a real gem. It has unique wildlife, coral reefs and sandy beaches waiting for you to explore. The trips are fun filled with lots of activities. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Green Island!
FAQs
1. What is Green Island and how can I reach there?
Green Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. You can get to Green Island by a ferry or a helicopter ride.
2. What can you do on Green Island?
On Green Island, you can enjoy activities such as snorkelling or a glass bottom boat ride to see marine life. There’s also an eco walk where you can view forest birds, seabirds and indigenous plant species.
3. Can we find food and shops on Green Island?
Yes! You would find shops at the green island along with dining options like The Canopy Grill, Emeralds Restaurant, Big Cat Buffet, and Green’s Buffet.
4. Are there any attractions related to wildlife on the island?
Yes! In Marine Aquariums on the island, crocodiles are kept including Cassius – the largest crocodile in captivity. Also sightings of Dugongs are common around the island’s reef area.
5. What is special about Marineland Melanesia?
Marineland Melanesia hosts tribes like Gunggandji and Yidinji Traditional Owners under its umbrella showcasing their culture along with other unique things like room service and romantic beachside dinner for visitors
6. How important is eco-tourism while visiting places like these?
Eco-tourism helps protect areas like Vine Forest which form vital parts of protected world heritage sites such as green islands national park.
