MY ISLAND HOME

STEP AWAY FROM THE MAINLAND FOR A SLICE OF ISLAND LIFE IN FNQ

THE Great Barrier Reef is home to hundreds of islands and, while many are uninhabited by humans, there are many beautiful islands that can be easily explored.

Leave your footprints on a deserted beach, take a dip in crystalclear waters, explore coral reefs or lounge on the sand with a cocktail on a glorious island escape off the coast of Cairns.

Green Island and Fitzroy Island are two of the closest to Cairns.

You can spend half a day, a full day or a few days soaking up the sun on these fun-filled islands.

Green Island, a 6000-year-old coral cay, is the only cay on the Reef with a rainforest, which you can explore via boardwalks.

Fitzroy Island (pictured above), a stunning continental island, is a protected National Parkland that includes spectacular walking tracks. Both islands have everything you could possibly want for your island holiday, including a variety of ways to see the Reef, and offer accommodation for those wanting to fall asleep to the sound of waves gently lapping on the shore. Green Island and Fitzroy Island are located 45 minutes from Cairns city. A number of tour operators in the region provide daily ferry services to the islands. As well as the popular Green and Fitzroy islands, there are a number of other islands in the region just waiting for you to explore them.

LOW ISLES

Low Isles, just a few kilometres off Port Douglas, are two small coral islands untouched by time. The islands are renowned for their crystal-clear water, amazing flora and fauna and spectacular snorkelling and diving.

BEDARRA, LIZARD AND ORPHEUS ISLANDS

If it’s a luxurious interlude you’re after, Bedarra (near Mission Beach), Lizard (off Cooktown) and Orpheus (near Townsville) islands are allinclusive resort islands for those seeking deluxe accommodation, total privacy and discreet, attentive service.

DUNK ISLAND

Popular Dunk Island is considered to be one of the must-do day visits from Mission Beach. With more than 75 per cent of the island being National Park, including spectacular walking tracks, Dunk lives up to its original Aboriginal name Coonanglebah, which means “the island of peace and plenty”.

FRANKLAND ISLANDS

Step out of the forest and walk straight into an underwater wonderland at Frankland Islands, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforest. Snorkel right off the beach in clear water, where you’ll marvel at rainbow-coloured tropical fish, giant clams, majestic sea turtles and a range of coral.

HINCHINBROOK ISLAND

Hinchinbrook Island, the world’s largest National Park Island, attracts thousands of visitors excited to explore an unique pristine tropical island. It is also home to the worldrenowned Thorsborne Trail trek. Visiting one of these amazing sunkissed islands couldn’t be easier when you’re here in the tropics — the only problem is that you won’t want to leave.

AS WELL AS THE POPULAR GREEN AND FITZROY ISLANDS, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHER ISLANDS IN THE REGION JUST WAITING FOR YOU TO EXPLORE THEM