Cairns Great Barrier Reef Islands

The moment you step into a tropical north Queensland tour office, you'll realise there are literally dozens of different tour companies offering trips to the Great Barrier Reef. The brilliant coral and sea life of the Great Barrier Reef will amaze you and a visit to this natural wonder is guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip to Cairns tropical north.

Apart from the reef's magnificent spectacle, there are other wonders waiting to be discovered off the coast of Cairns in Australia's Coral Sea.

Queensland's Green Island lies just 45 minutes from Cairns' Trinity Wharf and makes an unforgettable day trip and if you really love it, you can stay a while in the resort. This tiny patch of rainforest, surrounded by white sand and coral filled seas is simply beautiful.

Green Island is without a doubt the most popular of the nearby Barrier Reef Islands, but nearby Fitzroy Island could certainly give it a run for its money, having one of Cairns' and Queensland's most beautifully situated backpacker hostels. It's also a great spot for snorkelling, hiking and water play.

Double Island is another hidden gem of tropical northern Australia. Just off the coast of Palm Cove, this private resort island is one of the most exclusive in Australia, while the Lowe Isles, located just half an hour's sail from Port Douglas, give visitors a completely different island experience. These uninhabited islands are home to a historic lighthouse, a spectacular range of soft corals and more sea turtles than you'll see anywhere else in the tropical north of Australia.