Broken into three groups and stretched over roughly 2 thousand kilometres of Reef the islands of the Queensland Coast rate as some of the best in the world.

From the Golden Tropical North to the more recent and still growing Coral Cay islands of the South the Great Barrier Reef is resplendent with natural beauty of an incredible depth.

Remember that in the enormity of the Great Barrier Reef only 22 of the over 900 islands here cater for tourists. Queenslanders are very careful to protect this massive marine park for future generations.

From Gladstone at the southern end of the Reef to Cooktown in the north, the aqua marine coloured waters, majestic colourful reefs, massive array of sea life and intense interaction of nature on the Great Barrier Reef is astounding. Resort style accommodation is available on very few of these islands and for the truly adventurous with time to prepare and pre book there are camping only expeditions that are a once in a lifetime experience.

Magnetic Island

With a resident population of only 2500 Magnetic Island blends National Park and Holiday resort together seamlessly. Accessible by high speed ferry from Townsville in a short 20 minute ride and averaging almost 320 days of Sunshine per year Magnetic Island is clearly a hot favourite amongst travellers to this region.

More than half the island is dedicated National Park centred in a fashion around the almost 500 meter high Mt Cook. With over 24kms of walking track through eucalypt forest, rainforest and passing by secluded beaches you’ll discover the pristine charm of Magnetic Island along with it’s other residents, the possums, koalas, rock wallabies and bird life. Did I mention you should bring a camera?



With regular ferry service to the mainland and a large array of budget through to resort style accommodation available this is a holiday destination that caters for virtually every need. Jetski around the entire island, snorkel the reef or scuba dive, sail a catamaran or surfski, sail board, canoe or aquabike. Every activity you can imagine is available on Magnetic. The coral reef fishing is fantastic and keep an eye out for Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Sea Eagles while you’re out and about!

Orpheus Island

A little further north of Magnetic Island lies Orpheus Island, a coral fringed island resort boasting it’s own National Park and higher end resort facilities. Orpheus is only 11km long and at it’s widest point just 1 km across. It has seven beautiful sandy beaches and only one privately owned area, the Orpheus Island Resort.

There are three walking tracks though the National Park which are easy to traverse but the resort offers guided walks for those who want to gain a little more insight into the Marine Creatures and the perfect environment they are visiting. They also provide epicurean picnic hamper delights that will transform your hike into somewhat of a restaurant experience!

By the way the whole island was declared a National Park in 1960, making this island a rare place to visit and enjoy. Orpheus Island lies within the bounds of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area and when you visit this perfect destination, you’ll know just why!

Dunk Island

With strictly set tourist numbers Dunk Island offers some 360 Resort Spots and 30 campers a day maximum population of the Island. It lies not far off shore from Mission Beach with it’s nightlife and party revelry and like it’s near neighbouring Islands, is mostly National Park.

Offering a wide variety of activities such as Rainforest walks and even a 9-hole golf course, Dunk will draw you here and make you want to stay. Try some horse riding along the beach, go fishing, paddle skiing, check the view from the top of Mt Koo-Tal-Oo along the palm fringed beaches of Dunk and over to distant Islands that beckon you with Tropical enchantment.

Dunk is a family orientated place but with all it’s natural beauty pouring through the surrounding turquoise seas, pristine rainforests and lush Tropical Flora you’ll feel it really is place for just about everyone to enjoy.

Fitzroy Island

A low-key tourist destination with even fewer spots available per night than Dunk, this island again abounds in natural beauty that with inspire you. White Coral beaches, abundant Flora and Fauna, great activities and a relaxing vibe, Fitzroy Island lies close to the coast near Cairns.

There are 2 main hiking trails through the National Park that lead to beautiful lookouts. Native Orchids abound here along with Tamarinds, Native Nutmeg and Indian Beech Trees. Fitzroy is virtually surrounded by coral reef so bring your snorkelling gear and get wet!

Hinchinbrook Island

Australia’s largest National Park Island is alive with natural attraction. It is a bushwalkers paradise and along with the mangrove waterways, palm lined beaches, rugged granite chasms and crags you’ll encounter a mountainous spine to the Island that is home to rainforests of Palms and Vines , 66 species of birds and 22 species of Butterfly! Stay at the Hinchinbrook Island Resort (max 45 people) and enjoy the relaxation, fishing and spectacular nature that this island has to offer.

Green Island

A tiny coral cay island lying about 30km from Cairns is a beach goers dream. It didn’t start it’s interaction with humans quite like that though. It was the Gungandji Peoples male initiation place and in their tongue was known as ‘Wunyami’ or ‘place of haunted spirits’.

Today it’s the place to go to see the reef at it’s vibrant best! Tired of snorkelling and scuba diving? Then keep nice and dry and take in the vibrant colours of the reef from a glass bottomed boat or from the Underwater Observatory located at the end of the Jetty.

Lizard Island

I won’t fall into the trap of saving the best to last. Lizard Island has everything that the rest of this beautiful group of islands has to offer it’s just a little more remote, that’s all. Lizard Island is a true haven of isolation and an absolute tropical paradise. It lies north east of Cooktown and is the northernmost tourist capable island in the chain.

Bungalow style lodgings are available at the resort and there is 20 person maximum for campers at any one time on the island. It’s a pretty exclusive place but not for any reason other than it’s physical location. Permits for camping can be obtained in Cairns but remember how this island came to be named. Goannas were so plentiful when Captain Cook landed here in 1770 that he named the island after them. Keep the tent zipped up and you ought to be just fine!

Secluded beaches, a blue lagoon, pristine waters, abundant bird life, amazing fishing and an exclusive resort await you here. You’ll be dazzled by the scuba diving. Come face to face with a true giant of the depths, the Potato Cod, at the Cod Hole just off the Island and above all take your time. It’s an experience you won’t forget for the rest of your life!!

The Whitsunday Islands

Heading further south you’ll encounter the Whitsunday islands which are largely accessible from the city of Mackay or Airlie Beach just a little further north. This chain of Islands includes Daydream, Hook, Brampton, South Molle, Hayman, Whitsunday, Hamilton, Lindeman and Long Islands. There are 74 islands in this group in total with only 8 being inhabited. They are all extremely beautiful, natural paradises and rate as true natural wonders of the world!

There are only 11 island resorts sprinkled through the Whitsundays and it from here that the pure escapism of water sports, golf, tennis and world-class restaurants can be experienced. This is paradise discovered, but don’t fear the exclusivity of these islands, as there is camping and cabin style accommodation readily available as well.

Whitehaven Beach

Whitsunday Island is home to one of this regions greatest drawcards, Whitehaven Beach. The pristine silica sands of this beach are world famous and there is little doubt in my mind just why. It is unreservedly stunning!

The 7 kilometre stretch of purest white sand has become an iconic attraction for Queensland and the reef and for the best view of this beach from end to end try a walk to the top of Whitsunday Island lookout or Tongue Point lookout. You won’t be disappointed. Scenic flights are also available and well worth the price.

Luxury cruising yachts offer day trips to Whitehaven departing from Airlie Beach.

The Southern Reef Islands

Much further south again are the group of islands known collectively as the Southern reef island chain. These islands are the newest editions to the Great Barrier Reef and represent the growing end of this fascinating natural phenomena. The group includes Rosslyn, Lady Musgrave, Masthead, Northwest, Tryon, Herron, Lady Elliot and Wilson Islands.

Great diving, fishing, snorkelling and shipwreck exploring are favourite activities here and there are plenty of opportunities to get into the water in these parts. As with the Whitsundays further north there are limited numbers of resorts available here and it’s well worth booking ahead to make sure of a place to stay. Camping is a fantastic way to experience this natural paradise but again numbers are limited by National Parks and Wildlife who are trying desperately to lessen the human impact on the region.

North West and Tryon Islands are exceptional coral cay islands and are the seasonal home of the Green Turtle, which nests here between November and February. The fishing is sensational off both these islands so be prepared for the seafood delights of the Coral Trout, Spangled Emporer and Red Emperor! Bring them onshore and bake them straight away for the freshest and most delicious seafood experience of your life!

While camping on North West don’t be surprised to see chickens roaming wild around you. They are not natives of the island originally but in fact were deliberately left here to sustain sailors in the early days if they found themselves shipwrecked. They’re pretty skinny too so it’s not recommended that you eat them!

Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave islands offer beautiful selections of diving and snorkelling for virtually level of capability. The Coral is colourful and there are natural blowholes and shipwrecks to explore as well.

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