Trying to decide which of the Great Barrier Reef islands is right for you? We break down what the best has to offer and match them to every type of traveller.
A vast subaquatic wonderland, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is truly a paradise for dive enthusiasts and curious, adventurous spirits. Above the water lie more than 900 islands, promising unparalleled access to the marvels of the deep; some play host to world-famous luxury resorts, while others are practically deserted and promise castaway-style camping experiences for just a handful of dollars. Here, our guide to navigating the best Great Barrier Reef islands so you can find a perfect-fit escape.
1. Hamilton Island
Yachts sail from Hamilton Island for Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)
Best for: Luxe-loving families and a coastal village lifestyle
The Great Barrier Reef island treated to the most amenities, Hamilton Island is one of the best options if you’re after ample activities, and aren’t turned off by the sound of screeching kids. If you’re a family, you’ll love careening around the island on golf carts (car seats are readily hired across the island) to hot spots like Hamilton Island Wildlife or the Island Arcade’s bowling, two of the best things to do on Hamilton Island. If you’re child-free, you’ll love the wide variety of dining options, plus a wealth of day trips. Dial up the luxe with a stay at adults-only qualia on the isle’s secluded northernmost tip, one of the finest Great Barrier Reef accommodation options, or treat your whole brood by booking into one of the island’s many family-friendly hotels, like the The Sundays on Catseye Beach which opened at the end of April, 2025.
2. Green Island
Kayak along the crystal clear waters of Green Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Best for: Cultural awakenings
Filled with unique birdlife and enveloped in a wonderland of marine life, Green Island is home to one-of-a-kind activities and unique cultural experiences. Green Island Resort is its only accommodation, which is understandable given the tiny 12 hectares it occupies. Proving that tiny is truly mighty, however, the resort offers a one-hour Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour which pays tribute to the island’s ancient warriors and its connection to the wider reef. Additionally, there’s also Australia’s largest captive crocs to gawk at inside Marineland Melanesia, the island’s animal attraction, plus sea walking (you’re walked on the floor of the sea, for real) guided snorkelling tours, diving, helicopter flights, parasailing, glass bottom boat tours, fish feeding and more. Additionally, there are multiple eateries to dine at and various rooms ranging from connecting family rooms to larger configurations.
3. Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island is home to hidden swimming holes, scenic peaks and sandy beaches. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Best for: adventure seekers
For authentic Robinson Crusoe vibes in the Cassowary Coast Region, consider Hinchinbrook Island. Australia’s largest island national park, this uninhabited destination welcomes a maximum of 40 hikers and campers at any one time, so you’ll share its jagged verdant peaks, golden shoreline, expansive mangroves and towering sand dunes with few other souls. It’s perfect for those seeking to get into the thick of nature and explore hidden swimming holes and waterfalls. The best time to visit is outside cyclone season (November to April) when conditions are typically calm for camping — May to October is the busiest time to visit. Remote bush camping is the name of the game on Hinchinbrook, and visitors can choose from 16 different designated sites. Permits are required (max 40 at a time) and fees apply, so check out the Queensland National Park booking system to secure your spot.
4. Lizard Island
See the stunning natural beauty of Lizard Island up close. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Best for: couples and exclusivity
One of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, Lizard Island is a cut above in the luxury stakes. An hour’s flight from Cairns, the extraordinary accommodation is located smack bang on the Great Barrier Reef, offering some of the best access to the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem (not to mention gourmet dining and luxurious rooms, villas and suites). Simply pop your snorkel on and step off the sugar-white sand beach and you’re in among the action, chancing upon giant clam gardens, manta rays, turtles and schools of fish. Alternatively, journey just by boat from the island to explore numerous outer reef systems. The resort offers all manner of complimentary activities too, such as tours of the island’s research station, and access to motorised dinghies, stand-up paddle boards and sea kayaks.
5. Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes from Townsville via ferry. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Best for: adventures in comfort
Effectively a suburb of Townsville, this island paradise is a 20-minute ferry ride away from the mainland. Historically popular with backpackers, ‘Maggie’ as it’s affectionately known, has plenty more to offer than the odd hostel and bar. Mountainous Magnetic Island serves up plenty of adventurous outdoorsy activities, not to mention an abundance of natural beauty. Take a hike in Magnetic Island National Park, which engulfs most of the island; follow one of the snorkel trails; go koala spotting (Magnetic Island is home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas); trace the island’s palm-tree lined shore by kayak; or simply laze away the day on one of the sweeping arcs of golden sand, lapped by crystalline aquamarine waters and framed by giant granite boulders. For a stay you won’t forget, try the modern and comfortable waterfront villas at Pure Magnetic.
6. Fitzroy Island
Go snorkelling in the protected paradise of Fitzroy Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Best for: budget-conscious families
A wildly photogenic destination, Fitzroy Island is a quintessential tropical isle for family-friendly activity. Coated in tropical rainforest and open woodlands (some 97 per cent of the island is classed as National Park), it’s a great place to take a hike or two. Don’t leave without taking the Summit walk to gorge on 360-degree views of the island and the sea, soaking up the beauty of their contrast. Fitzroy Island is also an optimal spot for those suffering from decision fatigue. There’s just one resort here – home to studios, suites, beach cabins, bungalows and a campground. It’s super accessible to boot, just a 45-minute boat transfer from Cairns, making it a great and economical option for families.
7. Lady Elliot Island
Be surrounded by magnificent coral reefs on Lady Elliot Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Best for: eco-adventure and reef access
Home to an overachieving eco-resort that’s run entirely off-grid, Lady Elliot Island is just the ticket for creature comforts and reef access without all the fripperies (and high price points) that other remote isles feature. The southernmost coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef, life on Lady Elliot revolves around the ocean. Two snorkelling trails are accessible straight from the beach, plus there are daily glass bottom boat and snorkel safari tours, and Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort dive staff run a minimum of two dives per day, as well as optional night dives, at the 20 dive sites that cluster around the island. As for your stay in the resort, guests can choose between multi-bedroom units, eco cabins and glamping tents (complete with an ensuite and private balcony of their own).
Originally written by Chloe Cann with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams
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