Visiting Green Island safely
Green Island jetty.
Photo credit: Tamara Vallance © Queensland Government
Relax under the umbrellas on Green Island.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
Green Island is 27km offshore from Cairns in North Queensland. Most visitors travel to Green Island on commercial charter boats from Cairns. Commercial charter boats depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal at the end of Spence Street. Travel time to the island varies between 50 and 60min.
Commercial helicopter and seaplane services also operate to and from the island. See the tourism information links for details.
Green Island offers safe anchorage for private vessels. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) provides a public mooring (blue double-cone shaped buoy) near the island. Refer to boating and fishing for more information.
A walking track provides access to the national park.
Wheelchair accessibility
Boardwalks and tracks throughout the national park and within the resort area are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Staying safe
Please enjoy a safe visit to Green Island.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid the sun in the middle of the day.
- Wear sunscreen and cover up when you are swimming or snorkelling.
- Avoid touching coral when snorkelling as it can be extremely sharp, easily causing cuts and grazes.
- Take care on the boardwalk—it can be slippery in wet conditions.
- Be aware of tidal movements on the beach and take care on slippery rocks.
- Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time, but occur more frequently in the warmer months. A full-body lycra suit or equivalent may provide a good measure of protection against stinging jellyfish and sunburn. Visit marine stingers for the latest safety and first-aid information.
- Know your own health limitations for safe snorkelling—do not put yourself and others at risk and always snorkel with a buddy so that help is at hand.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Our precious Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way. Please Be pest-free! before your visit.
Essentials to bring
Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure you bring:
- protective clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
- suitable shoes for walking on rough surfaces
- insect repellent to avoid mosquito and sandfly bites.
Opening hours
Green Island National Park is open all year round; however, visitors should check weather conditions as the island may be inaccessible if strong wind warnings, gales or cyclonic activity prevent commercial charter boats from operating. A ranger is based on Green Island but there is no staffed office. An information counter is provided at the resort.
Permits and fees
Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted on Green Island National Park.
Climate and weather
Green Island National Park has a tropical climate. In summer the daytime temperatures average 30°C with high humidity and rainfall. From April to September the days are cooler and less humid. Despite the steady south-easterly trade winds, this is usually the best time to visit.
For more information see the tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.