Explore our beautiful Great Barrier Reef Islands
The Great Barrier Reef is home to around 900 islands and islets. These islands vary in size and character, offering visitors a wide range of experiences. Some of the more well-known and larger islands, such as Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Island, Lizard Island, and Lady Elliot Island, are popular travel destinations. However, many smaller and less-visited islands contribute to the overall diversity and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef region.
The islands encompassing the Great Barrier Reef support 2,195 known plants, three of which are endemic. Green Island, off Cairns, is a 6,000-year-old coral cay and a national park.
The southern islands, especially in the Whitsunday region, are the most diverse and support 1,141 plant species propagated by birds.
Would you like to know more about the Great Barrier Reef Islands?
Our Great Barrier Reef Islands list includes something for everyone, all with a tropical holiday vibe.
Starting with Green Island and Fitzroy Island, just 45 minutes off the coast of Cairns, they offer lovely island experiences.
Next, we feature a day trip to Lizard Island or a fantastic Haggerstone Island or Orpheus Island getaway.
Cairns
Visitors can explore Fitzroy Island and Green Island from Cairns. Both islands offer coral viewing off the beach and suit families and couples. During your stay, you will see rainforest walks, a glass-bottom boat, and crocodiles at Marineland Melanesia.
Next, visitors can spend a day exploring the Frankland Islands group, snorkelling, and paddleboarding south of Cairns.
Other exclusive luxury islands include Bedarra Island, Lizard Island, Magnetic Island, and Haggerstone Island. There are also great liveaboard and sleep-on-the-reef options out of Cairns for something different.
Port Douglas
From Port Douglas, visitors can spend a whole day or half a day on the beautiful Low Isles. An inner reef comprises two coral cay islands and over fifty-five acres of the surrounding Reef.
Visitors have fantastic accommodation options, including excellent holiday apartments, resorts, and hotels. The surrounding areas are perfect for families. Family-friendly islands include Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Heron Island.
Visiting Whitehaven Beach is a must while you are in the beautiful Whitsundays.
Southern Great Barrier Reef
The Southern Region offers quaint accommodation options of camping, cottages, and bungalows. These islands are better suited for weekend and multi-day getaways.
Visitors can access these islands from Yeppoon, Agnes Water, Town of 1770, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay. All offer different types of accommodation, with several eco-design options.
Lady Elliot Island, Lady Musgrave Island, and Pumpkin Island are nature-focused destinations with eco-resorts that offer snorkelling straight off the beach.
Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, is also in this region. This island features stunning perch lakes, beaches, and rock pools.