Jetty walk
Wander along the jetty, as island visitors have done for nearly 100 years, and see Green Island from a different perspective.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 500m return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 30min walking time.
- Grade
- Easy (walk)
Accessible by
- Boat
Journey facilities
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Walking
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Get a different view of the island from the end of the 250m-long jetty. Photo credit: Billy Craig © Marineland Melanesia
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Enjoy the peace and quiet of a sunset wander along the jetty if you are staying overnight. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
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Green Island jetty is a great place to spot green turtles. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
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From the jetty, look for green turtles surfacing for a breath. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
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Look for birds such as white herons as you walk along the jetty. Photo credit: Billy Craig © Marineland Melanesia
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A green turtle glides through the crystal clear water off Green Island's jetty. Photo credit: Billy Craig © Marineland Melanesia
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Visitors arrive on the jetty, as they have done for nearly 100 years, on this popular island. Photo credit: Tam Vallance © Queensland Government
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Arrive on the island with a long scenic walk along the jetty. Photo credit: © Tourism & Events Queensland
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For a different perspective of the reef, Green Island's jetty walk offers clear views to the sea life below. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
Walk to the end of the jetty to capture a classic postcard shot of the island set in the midst of the blue sea. Peer over the edge of the jetty to spot the large pelagic fish that live underneath, gliding in and out of the shadows.
As you walk back, gaze into the clear waters below to glimpse coral bommies that home to colourful reef fish and other marine life. Scan the sandy bottom for stingrays, which send up a cloud of sand as they dart away; and keep an eye on the waters’ surface for turtles popping up for a breath.
Green Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, famed for its superlative natural beauty, outstanding examples of reef ecosystem development, evolutionary history and amazing diversity.
Getting there and getting around
The Jetty walk is in Green Island National Park and Recreation Area, 27km offshore from Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef.
- The Jetty walk is a walk along the jetty, the point of arrival for visitors on ferries and boats to Green island.
- The island can be reached by ferry or private boat, and is one of the most accessible islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Commercial helicopter services also fly to and from the island.
Ferry
Most visitors travel to Green Island via regular ferry services, which depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Spence Street, Cairns.Travel time to the island is about 50mins.
- For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.
Private vessels
Green Island has safe anchorage and public moorings for private vessels.
- Find out more about boating, mooring and anchoring requirements for waters around Green Island in the Green Island Recreation Area and Green Island National Park Management Plans .
- Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.
Wheelchair access
- The Jetty walk as well as the Boardwalk, and the paths in the resort area are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available in the Green Island day-use area.
Drinking water
- Treated water is available on tap in the amenities block in the day-use area.
- You can purchase bottled drinking water from the resort.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Jetty walk is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Green Island safely and Walk with care.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.