Islands of the Great Barrier Reef
The surface of the coral reef divides the life below and the life above. Two entirely diverse universes are separated by this sheer seemingly invisible line. The breathtaking world beneath the water's surface requires a snorkel or an entire tank of air to discover. Here you can visit marine life like inquisitive Minke and Humpback whales, porpoises, dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins, sea eagles, clown fish and coral trout; species so delicate, rare and beautiful that they have to be seen to be believed. Above the water's surface stand the Island's of The Great Barrier Reef interacting with pure effortless synergy with the life below. The islands serve as tools to explore the underwater depths of The Great Barrier Reef but are alluring attractions in their own right. Experience the Great Barrier Reef however you choose. Swim, snorkel, scuba dive, fish or study; the Islands of The Great Barrier Reef provide interactive and unobtrusive accommodation where you can stay and connect with the reef; the largest living and breathing organism on this planet, so big you can even see it from outer space! Once experienced- never forgotten.
There are several islands that fringe the Coral Coast between Townsville and The Cape Peninsula north of Cairns Australia. Each island offers something different for travellers whether it is luxury, isolation, fun or eco-friendly that you are seeking; some islands even combine all four. Island holidays are great for those that wish to experience The Great Barrier Reef and all of its dimensions. Wake up to a luminous sunrise and watch dolphins and whales frolicking in the sea, climb aboard a kayak to greet them. At night, wander barefoot in the sand with a special loved one. Watch the stars shine brighter than you have ever seen before, with no city lights to dim their brilliance. During the day let the kids play while the adults enjoy a leisurely game of golf or an indulgent Day Spa treatment. Have piece of mind knowing that the children are safe on a supervised and secure island. If it is the kid's you are wishing to escape from, some islands are adult only so intimacy and peacefulness can be experienced at a higher level.
Experience life above the Great Barrier Reef. Each Island has numerous facilities that you would expect in a five star resort. Swimming Pools, Restaurants, Day Spas, Tennis Courts, Gymnasiums, Kayaks, Canoes and Motorised Dinghies are some of the things you should anticipate. Some islands have great environmental programs where professional naturalist guides, hikes and educational activities are planned for the guests. If you are bringing the children along you may want to consider an island that has a kid's club. For example Dunk Island has an extensive children's program available day, evening and night where the kids will play and learn doing activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, snorkelling and more. You may want to experience the Great Barrier Reef Robinson Crusoe style. Haggerstone Island at the northern end of the island chain is a self sustaining island with luxury accommodation and is over 600 kilometres away from any substantial population centre. Learn, explore, relax, indulge and most of all 'just be' while on your memorable and mind blowing holiday visiting one of the Islands of The Great Barrier Reef Australia.
The following quick introduction to The Island's of The Great Barrier Reef will give you a short snapshot of each island. Click on the island to discover all of its secrets and find one that is ideal for your tropical holiday.
Orpheus Island
Orpheus Island is the southernmost island and is located off the coast of Townsville. Orpheus Island has only 21 rooms and suites which are decadently appointed with spa tubs and private terraces. This small intimate island is sophisticated indulgence at its finest. There are no children allowed, and adults can enjoy complete peace and quiet, unrivalled cuisine, stunning natural scenery and 1368 acres of National Parks.
Resort Facilities at Orpheus Island include:
- a dazzling swimming pool with swim up bar
- a heated Jacuzzi
- an open aired restaurant
- two bars
- a quiet lounge
- floodlit full size tennis court
- a water sports centre
- a post service
- a laundry facility
- a gymnasium
- a recreation room
- an internet kiosk
- a luxury 32 foot catamaran available for hire
Activities on Orpheus Island include
- water sports including canoes, kayaks, motorised dinghies, paddle skies, catamarans
- nature walks (guided and unguided)
- fishing gear
- gourmet picnic baskets
- snorkelling trips
- interpretive activities
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is off the coast of Townsville and accessible by ferry boat. This thriving tropical island has over 5000 hectares of National Park where several Australian native animals and birds such as wallabies, koalas, possums and kookaburras can be spotted. Magnetic Island has several accommodation types ranging from luxury to budget. Stay in the luxurious Peppers Blue on Blue resort or rough it in a campsite on the beach. This child-friendly island has plenty for all ages to see and do. Magnetic Island is a full service island, so expect plenty of restaurants and shops to make your holiday comfortable and effortless.
Some examples of accommodation on Magnetic Island include
- Pure Magnetic Luxury Villas
- Peppers Blue on Blue Resort
- Segara Villas
- Beachside Palms Holiday Units
- Forest Haven Tropical Resort
- Island Life Holiday House
- Magnetic International Resort
- Magnums on Magnetic
Activities on Magnetic Island include
- jet ski tours
- sailing
- swimming
- snorkelling
- catamaran hire
- sailboards
- surf skis
- sea kayak tours
- aqua bikes
- water skiing
- sky diving
- nature hikes (guided and self-guide)
- fishing
- bike hire
- motorcycle hire (Harley Davidson)
- moke hire
- trail bike hire
- scooter hire
- horse back riding
- tennis
- lawn bowls
- golf course (9 hole)
- several shops (almost anything can be purchased on the island)
Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island is just off the coast of Cardwell two hours south of Cairns. Hinchinbrook Island has the largest island based National Park in Australia which features unique and diverse eco-systems, a paradise for nature lovers! Discerning travellers can stay at the luxurious Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort while budget conscious travellers can rough it out at the campsite. Bring the kids, grandma and grandpa because Hinchinbrook Island has plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages.
Facilities at The Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort include
- fast island transfers
- licensed restaurant
- fishing charters
- reading room with games, TV and DVD
- wireless broadband
- swimming pool
- canoes and kayaks
- beach hammocks
- snorkelling gear
- snorkelling and dive charters
- island shop and library
- kayaks
- canoes
- snorkels and masks
- beach hammocks
- fishing equipment
Activities on Hinchinbrook Island include
- fishing
- kayaking
- canoeing
- snorkeling
- hikes
- guided walks
Dunk Island
Dunk Island is just off the coast of Mission Beach and is accessible by ferry boat. Known as the "Island of Peace and Plenty," Dunk Island exists peacefully amongst The Great Barrier Reef with plenty to do for guests. This kid-friendly island has an extensive children's program as well as specialised facilities to pamper Mum and Dad such as a destination Day Spa and 9 hole golf course. Dunk Island is 3/4 National Park with kilometers of walking tracks and a stunning coral rimmed coastline for you to relax. Voyages Dunk Island Resort is the only resort on the island and consists of luxurious beachfront suites, beachfront rooms and garden rooms.
Resort Facilities on Dunk Island include
- activities centre
- daily activities program
- kids club for children 3 - 12 years
- babysitting available
- spa of peace and plenty
- daily laundry service guest laundry facilities (machine usage is complementary)
- postal service
- internet kiosk
- boutique for resort wear, souvenirs and basic pharmacy items
- two swimming pools
- three floodlit tennis courts (1 indoor and 2 outdoor)
- gym equipment
- squash court
- Coonanglebah Farm
- conference Room (maximum capacity 105 people)
- art colony
Activities on Dunk Island include
- squash
- gym
- beach volleyball
- badminton
- snorkeling lessons
- island farm
- catamarans
- paddle skis
- gym circuit
- aqua aerobics
- stretch classes
- table tennis
- children's playground
- nature walks
- bocce ball
- cricket
- nightly entertainment
- soccer
- karaoke
- banfield races
- kelly pool
- basketball
- soft hockey
- tennis and golf lessons
- fishing rod hire
- spot light tours
- aussie bush skills class
- archery
- 9 hole golf course
- fishing charters
- great barrier reef tours
- horseback riding
- skydiving
- water skiing
- tube rides
- wake boarding
- sea kayak tours
- motorboat hire
- wine and cheese sunset tour
- day spa
- kid's club
- mountain bike tours
- jet ski tours and rentals
- family island group tours
Bedarra Island
Bedarra Island is located off the coast of Mission Beach just two hours past Cairns. Bedarra Island is Australia's most exclusive island resort that has only 16 romantically designed Villas tucked away in the rainforest. Bedarra Island is sophisticated and isolated perfect for a romantic getaway or corporate retreat- leave the kids at home because this is an adults only island resort. Voyages Bedarra Island Resort is the only accommodation on the island.
The facilities at Bedarra Island Resort include
- guest DVD, book, game and CD library
- island boutique
- therapeutic massage in dedicated massage room
- massages and spa treatments also available in your Villa
- fresh water swimming pool and heated plunge pool
- gymnasium
- tennis court (day and night)
- daily laundry service
- postal service
- internet access facilities
- children 12 years and under are not catered for
Activities on Bedarra Island include
- catamaran
- paddle skis
- fishing
- snorkeling
- motorized dinghies
- picnic hampers
- guided and self guided walks
- Access to activities on Dunk Island
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is located 30 minutes off the coast of Cairns by boat. The island used to be a no-frills budget island but is now undergoing renovations where 48 luxury apartments and 48 ensuited rainforest bungalows will be erected. Fitzroy Island is covered with National Park and has a coral beach; at the southern end of the beach you will find 'nudie beach' the regions only true nudist beach. Fitzroy Island is a full service resort for day and overnight visitors. Stay tuned for up to date accommodation and facility information on the revamped Fitzroy Island which is set to be completed mid to end 2008.
Green Island
Green Island is 45 minutes off the coast of Cairns and is accessible by catamaran, helicopter and sea plane. Green Island is frequented by day visitors but also has a five star resort hidden beneath a rainforest canopy in the center of the island. Green Island Resort and Spa is an eco-certified resort with luxury suites that are sustainably incorporated into the rainforest. The resort is romantic and peaceful and is a great escape from life in the City.
Facilities on Green Island include
- concierge
- club spa with facials, massages, waxing and eye care
- private guest swimming pool
- heated day visitor pool
- restaurant and bar
- pool bar
- casual grill
- sandwich bar
- ice cream shop
- boutique
- dive shop
- guest laundry
- guest lounge with games, play station, books, videos and internet
- conference room
Green Island Activities include
- welcome sunset drinks
- glass bottom boat tours
- snorkeling equipment
- guided night nature walks
- self guided rainforest walks
- fish feeding
- underwater observatory
- windsurfers
- surf skis
- canoes
- beach volleyball
- beach chairs and umbrellas
- snorkeling
- introductory scuba dives
- great barrier reef tour
- club spa
- parasailing
- helicopter
- seaplane scenic flights
- sea walker helmet diving
- marineland melanesia aquarium
- crocodile
Double Island
Double Island is just 10 minutes off the coast of Palm Cove; Palm Cove is 25 minutes north of Cairns. Double Island is the only island of The Islands of the Great Barrier Reef which can be rented on a whole island basis meaning you and your friends or family will have the entire island to yourself. This island is perfect for functions, weddings and conferences and sleeps 40 people but can handle nearly 500 for events. Double Island is five stars in every regard and once accommodated for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston! This exotic private Island has only recently been re-opened and made available for couples to book for a minimum of two or three nights as per other Great Barrier Reef Island hotels.
Facilities on Double Island include
- barbeques
- business center and services
- cocktail bar
- conference facilities
- games room
- gymnasium
- indoor and outdoor cinemas
- internet facilities
- laundry services
- library
- postal services
- restaurant services
- spa
- swimming pool
- water sports gear
Activities on Double Island include
- 46 acres of rainforest
- catamarans
- jet skis
- kayaks
- wind surfers
- motorized dinghies
- outdoor cinema
- indoor cinema
- table tennis
- computer games
- palm cove nearby
Lizard Island
Lizard Island is off the coast of Cooktown which is about 300 kilometers north of Cairns. Lizard Island has some of the most stunning and pristine coral waters in Australia, very popular amongst scuba divers and fisherman. Lizard Island has its own luxury five star resort, Voyages Lizard Island Resort, which is luxurious in every regard appealing only to the most discerning travellers. Lizard Island is an adult only resort that features full services, a thriving rainforest environment surrounded by a stunning coral coastline. Lizard Island is elegant and romantic.
Facilities on Lizard Island include
- book and games library
- island boutique
- fresh water swimming pool
- floodlit tennis court
- postal service
- azure day spa
- gymnasium
- disabled services
- guest lounge
Activities on Lizard Island include
- catamarans
- glass bottom paddle skis
- motorized dinghies
- snorkeling equipment and lessons
- picnic hampers
- self guided nature walks
- paddle ski tours
- nature slide presentations
- gymnasium
- diving and snorkeling trips on The Great Barrier Reef
- diving courses
- full and half day game fishing
- glass bottom boat tour
- day spa
- research station tours
- champagne sunset cruise
Haggerstone Island
Haggerstone Island is located in the middle of nowhere amidst the Coral Sea. 600 kilometers away from civilization you will truly feel isolated while staying on this luxurious five star island. A holiday on Haggerstone Island is a true Robinson Crusoe experience. All meat, fruit and veggies are grown and prepared on the island and the cuisine and service has been internationally recognised for its excellence. Only 8 people at a time can stay on the island so you are guaranteed a peacefully remote and isolated holiday on one of the most beautiful tropical islands in Australia.
Facilities on Haggerstone Island include
- main pavilion with restaurant
- library
- jetty
- laundry service
- lounge area
- medical supplies
- farm
Activities on Haggerstone Island include
- sand boarding
- fishing
- spear fishing
- skin diving
- snorkeling
- bird watching
- beach combing
- helicopter tours
Instead of staying on the mainland, looking out at the Great Barrier Reef from a beach in Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas why not stay on the Great Barrier Reef- become a part of it! Discover what is on top and underneath the ocean's surface, the evasive invisible boundary that separates two distinctly different worlds. Both worlds hold an overwhelming abundance of beauty and intrigue for you to discover and explore on your tropical island holiday in Far North Queensland.