Hinchinbrook Island
Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

Highlights

Green Island

True coral cay covered with thick tropical vegetation. Glass-bottomed boats for reef viewing, also underwater observatory. Popular daytrip destination with small resort (max 90 people).

Lizard Island

Northernmost island with tourist facilities. Gamefishing, snorkelling, diving and bushwalking. Small, luxurious resort with bungalow-style lodgings (max 80 people) or camping (max 20 people); camping permits from Cairns parks office.

Fitzroy Island

Low-key destination with national park, white coral beaches and magnificent flora and fauna. Bushwalking, diving and snorkelling. Cabins and hostel-style accommodation (max 160 people) and camping (max 20 people).

Hinchinbrook Island

National park with wonderland of mountains, tropical vegetation, waterfalls and sandy beaches. Snorkelling, swimming, fishing and bushwalking. Small, low-key resort (max 45 people).

Magnetic Island

With national park and beautiful beaches. Horseriding, bushwalking, snorkelling, parasailing, swimming, fishing, sea-kayaking and reef excursions. Permanent population and range of accommodation from budget to deluxe.

Orpheus Island

Small island surrounded by coral reefs and protected by national park. Birdwatching, watersports, glass-bottomed boat tours, island walks and fishing. Five-star resort (max 74 people) or bush camping (max 54 people); camping permits from Ingham parks office.

Bedarra Island

Island of untouched tropical beauty, off-limits to day visitors and children under 15. Bushwalking, snorkelling, fishing, swimming, windsurfing, sailing and tennis. Exclusive resort (max 30 people).

Dunk Island

National park with walking tracks through rainforest, and prolific birdlife, butterflies and wild orchids. Parasailing, waterskiing, sailing, clay-target shooting and horseriding. Resort accommodation (max 360 people) and camping (max 30 people).

Focus On: Tropical North Islands

Island Access

Magnetic Island 8 km NE of Townsville
From Townsville, by vehicular ferry, catamaran or water taxi.
Orpheus Island 80 km N of Townsville
From Townsville or Cairns, by sea plane.
Hinchinbrook Island 5 km E of Cardwell
From Cardwell, by launch.
Bedarra Island 35 km NE of Cardwell
From Dunk Island, by launch.
Dunk Island 5 km SE of Mission Beach
From Cairns, by plane. From Clump Point near Mission Beach, by launch. From Wongaling Beach and South Mission Beach, by water taxi.
Fitzroy Island 30 km SE of Cairns
From Cairns, by catamaran.
Green Island 27 km NE of Cairns
From Cairns, by catamaran, sea plane or helicopter.
Lizard Island 93 km NE of Cooktown
From Cairns or Cooktown, by plane or sea plane.