Green Island National Park Tropical North Queensland

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

A small rainforest-clad coral cay, Green Island is one of the most popular destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Photo credit: © Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

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

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.

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.