Green Island and Fitzroy Island are Cairns' two most accessible reef islands — both roughly 45 minutes by fast catamaran from the Reef Fleet Terminal, both part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and both offering snorkelling, swimming and rainforest. But that's where the similarities end. They're fundamentally different in geography, character and the type of experience they offer.
Green Island (Wunyami) is a small, flat coral cay — about 12 hectares — with white sandy beaches, shallow reef right off the shore, a resort with day-visitor facilities and a range of organised activities. It's polished, accessible and very popular with families and first-timers. Fitzroy Island (Gabar) is a large continental island — about 339 hectares — once connected to the mainland. It's mountainous, 97% national park, with hiking trails, boulder-strewn beaches, the famous Nudey Beach and a turtle rehabilitation centre. It's wilder, more adventurous and typically quieter.
This guide compares the two islands across every category that matters, to help you decide which one — or both — to include in your Cairns itinerary.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | 🍸 Green Island (Wunyami) | 🔵 Fitzroy Island (Gabar) |
|---|---|---|
| Island type | Coral cay — flat, sandy, 12 hectares | Continental island — mountainous, 339 hectares |
| Distance from Cairns | 27 km (~45 min ferry) | 29 km (~45 min ferry) |
| Beaches | White sand, multiple beaches, shallow wading — easy for families | Coral-stone at Welcome Bay; Nudey Beach (white coral sand + granite boulders) via 15-min walk |
| Snorkelling | Shallow reef off beach — good for beginners; best near jetty; boat tours to outer sites | Fringing reef at Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach; generally better coral; sea turtles very common |
| Hiking | Flat rainforest boardwalk; walk the full island in ~1 hour | Nudey Beach (1.2 km return), Secret Garden (700 m), Lighthouse & Summit (3.6–4 km, 2–3 hrs, steep) |
| Wildlife | Sea turtles off beach; 120+ plant species; Marineland Melanesia (crocodiles, aquarium) | Sea turtles very common; Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre; echidnas on trails; diverse birdlife |
| Day-visitor facilities | Resort pool (day-visitor access), restaurant, cafe, bar, shops, glass-bottom boat, semi-sub, underwater observatory | Foxy's Bar & Cafe, General Store, glass-bottom boat; no pool access for day visitors |
| Activities | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat, semi-sub, Seawalker helmet dive, intro/certified diving, parasailing, helicopter scenic flights | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, guided snorkel tours, hiking, turtle centre |
| Accessibility | Flat — pram/wheelchair accessible on main paths; shallow gentle beach entry | Hilly terrain — not pram/wheelchair friendly; coral-stone beach at Welcome Bay |
| Crowds | Busier — multiple ferry operators, more day-trippers, especially peak season | Quieter — fewer operators; island absorbs visitors well due to size and trail network |
| Overnight options | Green Island Resort — 46 luxury suites | Fitzroy Island Resort (varied room types) + council campground near the beach |
| Cultural significance | Wunyami — historically used by the Gungandji people as an initiation ground | Gabar — part of the Sea Country of the Gungandji people |
Green Island (Wunyami) — In Detail
Green Island is a true coral cay — formed over roughly 6,000 years by sand and coral rubble accumulating on a reef platform. It's the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest growing on it, which makes it ecologically unusual. Practically, what visitors notice is that it's small, flat and very easy to get around — you can walk the entire island perimeter in about an hour.
The beaches are white sand — genuinely comfortable to lie on and wade from, a significant difference from Fitzroy's coral-stone main beach. The water is shallow near shore, making it easy for families with young children or nervous swimmers. The best snorkelling is near the bend in the jetty, where you'll find coral gardens, reef fish and a good chance of seeing green and hawksbill turtles feeding on seagrass close to shore.
Green Island's day-visitor infrastructure is extensive. The resort allows day-trippers to use its swimming pool, and dining options include Emeralds Restaurant, Canopy Grill and Lite Bites café. Optional activities are plentiful: glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submersible rides, Seawalker helmet diving (walk on the sea floor in a helmet with no swimming ability required), introductory and certified scuba diving, boat snorkel tours to outer reef sites 1.5 km from the island, parasailing, and 10-minute helicopter scenic flights from the island's helipad.
Marineland Melanesia, a family-run attraction operating on the island for over 40 years, houses Cassius — recognised as one of the world's largest captive crocodiles — along with an aquarium and a collection of Melanesian artefacts.
The main trade-off with Green Island is crowds. Multiple ferry operators bring large groups daily, and during peak season (June–October and school holidays) the island can feel quite busy. The commercial facilities and wide activity range are an advantage for families and those who want a structured, comfortable day — but visitors seeking solitude will find Fitzroy more appealing.
Reef snorkelling off both islands — Fitzroy Island's fringing reef has a strong reputation for coral quality and frequent sea turtle encounters at Nudey Beach.
Fitzroy Island (Gabar) — In Detail
Fitzroy Island is a continental island — part of the mainland until rising sea levels separated it over 10,000 years ago. At 339 hectares, it's roughly 28 times the size of Green Island, and its peak rises to 375 metres. Almost the entire island (97%) is national park, covered in dense tropical rainforest running right down to the water's edge.
The main arrival point is Welcome Bay, where the jetty, resort, Foxy's Bar and the beach hire hut are located. Welcome Bay's beach is coral stone — beautiful to look at but less comfortable underfoot than Green Island's sand. For proper sand, walk the Nudey Beach Track (1.2 km return, about 15 minutes through rainforest) to reach Nudey Beach — a stunning white coral sand beach framed by granite boulders, rated among Australia's most beautiful. Despite the name, it is not a nudist beach.
Snorkelling on Fitzroy is generally regarded as equal to or better than Green Island, particularly around Nudey Beach and Shark Fin Bay (named after a shark-shaped rock, not actual sharks). Sea turtles are very common — green turtles in particular feed on seagrass around the island and are frequently spotted while snorkelling from shore.
The Hiking Trails
Fitzroy's four walking trails are what truly distinguish it. The Nudey Beach Track (1.2 km return, 15 minutes) is the easiest — mostly flat through rainforest. The Secret Garden Track (700 m return, 20 minutes) is a short loop through dense forest. The Lighthouse and Summit Track (3.6–4 km return, 2–3 hours) is the main event — a steep climb to the island's lighthouse at 375 metres, rewarded with 360-degree views across the Coral Sea, nearby islands and on clear days all the way to the outer reef. One of the best short hikes accessible from Cairns.
The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is a volunteer-run facility caring for sick and injured sea turtles. Guided talks run Tuesday–Sunday (check times on arrival), with a small entry fee going directly to rehabilitation. Worthwhile for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Fitzroy's day facilities are more limited — Foxy's Bar and the General Store cover food and basics, and the resort pool is not available to day visitors. Kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear can be hired from the beach hut. The island's size and trail network mean visitors spread out naturally, and it's quite possible to find yourself alone on a trail or stretch of beach.
Fitzroy Island's Nudey Beach — white coral sand, granite boulders and fringing reef. Rated among Australia's best beaches, 45 minutes from Cairns.
Which Island Should You Choose?
Green Island (Wunyami)
You're travelling with young children or family members with limited mobility — flat terrain, sandy beaches, resort pool and dry activities mean everyone enjoys the day regardless of swimming ability.
You want a wide range of organised activities — Seawalker, parasailing, helicopter flights, semi-sub and intro diving are all available and easy to book on the day.
You're short on time — half-day tours are available, giving you a reef island experience in just a few hours.
You prefer comfort and convenience — restaurants, bar, shops and resort facilities are all at hand.
Fitzroy Island (Gabar)
You enjoy hiking — the Summit Track alone makes Fitzroy worth the trip, and combining it with Nudey Beach and snorkelling makes for a seriously good full day.
You prefer quieter, more natural settings — Fitzroy receives far fewer visitors and feels much less commercial. Nudey Beach can feel genuinely secluded.
You're a confident snorkeller — the fringing reef is generally considered to have better coral, and sea turtle sightings are very common.
You want to feel like you've gone somewhere genuinely wild — mountainous terrain, boulder-strewn coastline and dense rainforest give Fitzroy a remote character just 45 minutes from Cairns.
🤔 Can You Visit Both?
If your Cairns itinerary is five days or longer, you can comfortably fit both islands on separate days. There's no combined tour (they're in different directions from Cairns), so they need to be separate day trips. Given how different the two islands are, visiting both gives you a much richer picture of the reef — one polished and accessible, the other wild and adventurous.
If you only have one island day, the choice comes down to your priorities: comfort and activities (Green Island) or nature and adventure (Fitzroy Island). There is no wrong answer.
Practical Tips for Both Islands
What to Bring
Swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based — protect the coral), hat, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle. For Fitzroy, bring closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals if you plan to hike — the Summit Track is steep and the coral-stone beach is sharp underfoot. Both islands have limited shade on beaches, so sun protection is essential. Bring cash or card for food and activities. During stinger season (November–May), stinger suits are provided by tour operators or available to hire on the island.
Snorkel Gear
Most Green Island packages include snorkel gear. On Fitzroy, it depends on the package — some include gear, others charge hire at the beach hut. If you have your own mask and snorkel, bring them for a better fit and no hire queues.
Food & Drink
Green Island has more dining options — restaurant, café and bar. Fitzroy has Foxy's Bar and the General Store but choices are more limited. Both islands allow you to bring your own food and drinks — packing a picnic is a smart, budget-friendly option especially for Fitzroy where restaurant capacity is limited at peak times.
Combining with the Outer Reef
Both islands can be combined with an outer reef experience in a single day. Great Adventures offers a Green Island + Outer Reef Pontoon combo. Sunlover offers a Fitzroy Island + Moore Reef Pontoon combo. These are long days but give you the island beach experience plus the deeper, more diverse outer reef in one outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which island has better snorkelling — Green Island or Fitzroy Island?
Fitzroy Island generally has a better reputation for reef quality — visitors report more live coral and more frequent sea turtle sightings, particularly around Nudey Beach and Shark Fin Bay. Green Island's best snorkelling is near the jetty — coral gardens, reef fish and often turtles. Both are inner-reef sites; for the most spectacular coral diversity, an outer reef day trip is the best option.
Which island is better for families with young children?
Green Island. The flat terrain is pram-friendly, the beaches are sandy with gentle shallow entries, the resort pool is available to day visitors, and there are dry activities including glass-bottom boat, semi-sub and Marineland for children who aren't confident swimmers. Fitzroy's hilly terrain and coral-stone main beach are less suited to very young children, though older kids who enjoy hiking and snorkelling will love it.
How much does a Green Island or Fitzroy Island day trip cost from Cairns?
Ferry transfers to both islands cost roughly $80–130 per adult return depending on operator and inclusions. Packages including activities (snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat) typically run $120–180 per adult. Children's fares are usually around half price. Optional extras — diving, helicopter flights, Seawalker, parasailing — are additional. Check current prices with operators as they vary seasonally.
Can I do a half-day trip to Green Island or Fitzroy Island?
Green Island is well set up for half days — multiple departure and return times allow trips of 2–3 hours on the island. Fitzroy has fewer ferry services so a full day is more practical. If you only have half a day, Green Island is the easier option.
Is Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island actually a nudist beach?
No. Despite the name, Nudey Beach is not a designated nudist beach and swimwear is expected. The origin of the name is disputed. Regardless, it's one of Australia's most beautiful small beaches — white coral sand framed by granite boulders with fringing reef for snorkelling.
Can I stay overnight on Green Island or Fitzroy Island?
Yes. Green Island Resort offers 46 luxury suites — intimate and peaceful once the day-trippers leave. Fitzroy Island Resort has a wider range of room types plus a council-managed campground near the beach. An overnight stay on either island gives you sunrise and sunset on the reef, and the islands largely to yourself outside of ferry hours.
Which island is less crowded?
Fitzroy Island. Fewer ferry operators, a much larger island (339 ha vs 12 ha), and visitors spread across trails and beaches. Green Island can feel quite busy midday during peak season (June–October). For quieter conditions at Green Island, take the earliest ferry to get a head start.
Do I need to book in advance for a Green Island or Fitzroy Island day trip?
During peak season (June–October) and Australian school holidays, booking a few days ahead is recommended for both islands. Activity packages and outer reef combo tours sell out faster than basic ferry transfers. Off-peak, walk-up availability is more common, but advance booking ensures your preferred departure time.