Three islands, three very different days out – and that is what makes this decision interesting. Green Island, Fitzroy Island, and the Frankland Islands all sit within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and all depart from Cairns, yet each one delivers a completely different experience once you step off the boat.
Cairns Discovery Tours books visitors onto all three islands regularly, so the team knows exactly where the differences lie. This guide breaks down the crowds, snorkelling, beaches, access, pricing, and overall vibe of each island so you can pick the one that fits your trip.
How the three islands compare at a glance
Before diving into the details, here is a side-by-side snapshot of what each island offers. The differences are bigger than you might expect – from the type of island and how you get there, right through to what you will actually do once you arrive.
| Frankland Islands | Green Island | Fitzroy Island | |
| Distance from Cairns | ~45 km south (coach + river cruise + short ocean crossing) | 27 km east (direct ferry) | ~29 km south-east (direct ferry) |
| Travel time | ~2 hrs total (40-min coach, river cruise, 30-min ocean crossing) | 45 minutes by fast catamaran | 45 minutes by ferry |
| Island type | Continental island – uninhabited, national park | Coral Cay – resort, shops, restaurants | Continental island – resort, bar/restaurant |
| Crowd levels | Very low (max ~44 guests on the vessel) | High (multiple ferries, hundreds of visitors daily) | Moderate (multiple ferry services daily) |
| Snorkelling quality | Excellent – healthy fringing reef, regular turtle sighting, Mantaray’s in May & June | Good – coral reef accessible from the beach | Good – fringing reef at Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach |
| Facilities on the island | None – uninhabited, all-inclusive tour provides lunch and gear | Full resort, pool, restaurants, shops, aquarium | Moderate – resort, bar/restaurant, equipment hire |
| Hiking/walking | Guided island walk only | Short rainforest boardwalk (flat, accessible) | Extensive – Summit Track, Lighthouse, Nudey Beach, Secret Garden |
| Accommodation | No (day trip only) | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Snorkellers, nature lovers, and families wanting a quieter reef experience | First-timers, non-swimmers, families wanting facilities | Active travellers, hikers, and budget-conscious visitors |
The rest of this guide unpacks each of these categories so you can weigh up what matters most for your trip.
Snorkelling – where will you see the most marine life?
Three islands, three very different days out – and that is what makes this decision interesting. Green Island, Fitzroy Island, and the Frankland Islands all sit within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and all depart from Cairns, yet each one delivers a completely different experience once you step off the boat.
Cairns Discovery Tours books visitors onto all three islands regularly, so the team knows exactly where the differences lie. This guide breaks down the crowds, snorkelling, beaches, access, pricing, and overall vibe of each island so you can pick the one that fits your trip.
How the three islands compare at a glance
Before diving into the details, here is a side-by-side snapshot of what each island offers. The differences are bigger than you might expect – from the type of island and how you get there, right through to what you will actually do once you arrive.
| Frankland Islands | Green Island | Fitzroy Island | |
| Distance from Cairns | ~45 km south (coach + river cruise + short ocean crossing) | 27 km east (direct ferry) | ~29 km south-east (direct ferry) |
| Travel time | ~2 hrs total (40-min coach, river cruise, 30-min ocean crossing) | 45 minutes by fast catamaran | 45 minutes by ferry |
| Island type | Continental island – uninhabited, national park | Coral Cay – resort, shops, restaurants | Continental island – resort, bar/restaurant |
| Crowd levels | Very low (max ~44 guests on the vessel) | High (multiple ferries, hundreds of visitors daily) | Moderate (multiple ferry services daily) |
| Snorkelling quality | Excellent – healthy fringing reef, regular turtle sighting, Mantaray’s in May & June | Good – coral reef accessible from the beach | Good – fringing reef at Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach |
| Facilities on the island | None – uninhabited, all-inclusive tour provides lunch and gear | Full resort, pool, restaurants, shops, aquarium | Moderate – resort, bar/restaurant, equipment hire |
| Hiking/walking | Guided island walk only | Short rainforest boardwalk (flat, accessible) | Extensive – Summit Track, Lighthouse, Nudey Beach, Secret Garden |
| Accommodation | No (day trip only) | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Snorkellers, nature lovers, and families wanting a quieter reef experience | First-timers, non-swimmers, families wanting facilities | Active travellers, hikers, and budget-conscious visitors |
The rest of this guide unpacks each of these categories so you can weigh up what matters most for your trip.
Snorkelling – where will you see the most marine life?
This is where the Frankland Islands genuinely stand apart. The Frankland Group National Park is a protected cluster of five uninhabited islands with extensive fringing reefs that benefit from cool-water channels and tidal flows. The result is some of the healthiest coral you will find on any island day trip from Cairns. Turtle sightings are a near-daily occurrence, and guided snorkel tours led by marine biologists point out giant clams, reef sharks, and clownfish tucked into anemones.
Green Island sits on a 6,000-year-old coral cay, so there is a reef right off the beach. It is a solid choice for beginners and families because the water is shallow and calm. That said, the sheer volume of visitors means the reef closest to shore sees heavy foot traffic, and the coral quality varies. Glass-bottom boat tours offer a dry alternative if you would rather not get in.
Fitzroy Island has a fringing reef at Welcome Bay and around Nudey Beach Point. The snorkelling is decent – you will spot fish, the occasional turtle, and some colourful coral formations – but most visitors and locals agree that the reef here is not as vibrant as what you will find at the Frankland Islands or on an outer reef trip. The real draw on Fitzroy is the combination of reef and rainforest, not the snorkelling alone.
Bottom line: If snorkelling quality is your top priority, the Frankland Islands win this category convincingly.
Crowds and atmosphere
One of the biggest reasons travellers choose the Frankland Islands is how few people are there. Only one commercial operator is licensed to visit Normanby Island, and the purpose-built vessel Wantaim carries a maximum of 44 guests. You will share the beach with fewer people than most hotel pools.
Green Island is one of the most visited islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Multiple ferry operators run several departures per day, and on busy days, hundreds of visitors are on the island at once. It is well-managed,` and there is plenty of space, but if you are after a quiet, secluded feel, this is not the island for you.
Fitzroy Island sits somewhere in the middle. It is popular with locals and tourists alike, and several ferry services operate daily. However, because the island is much larger and has multiple beaches and walking trails, the crowds spread out. Nudey Beach – once voted one of Australia’s best beaches – can feel surprisingly peaceful if you time it right.
Beaches
The Frankland Islands have long stretches of natural white sand, untouched by development. There are no sun loungers, no beach bars – just sand, water, and rainforest. During low tide, sand spits between islands can appear, creating even more shoreline to explore. It is as close to a deserted island as you will get on a day trip from Cairns.
Green Island has a sandy beach that wraps around the island, with calm, shallow water. It is well-maintained and has easy access to facilities, shade, and food. The beach itself is pleasant, though it gets busy during peak hours.
Fitzroy Island’s main beach at Welcome Bay is a coral beach – beautiful to look at, but rough underfoot. Reef shoes are highly recommended. The real highlight is Nudey Beach, a short walk through the rainforest from the main area. Despite the name, it is a family-friendly stretch of soft coral sand backed by granite boulders.
Getting there
Frankland Islands: The journey is part of the experience. A coach collects you from Cairns Hotel or central pick up locations and drives 40 minutes south to Deeral, where you board the vessel for a scenic cruise down the Mulgrave River – keep an eye out for crocodiles on the banks. From the river mouth, it is a short 30-minute ocean crossing to Normanby Island, the shortest open-water crossing of any Cairns reef tour.
Green Island: The most straightforward trip. Fast catamarans depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal in central Cairns and reach Green Island in 45 minutes. Multiple departure times are available throughout the day.
Fitzroy Island: Also departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal in central Cairns. The ferry takes about 45 minutes, with multiple departures available for both half-day and full-day visits.
Related reading: Discover the magic of the Frankland Islands with a day cruise
What is there to do beyond snorkelling?
The Frankland Islands day trip is all-inclusive. Beyond snorkelling, the tour includes a guided island walk led by a marine biologist, a semi-submarine coral viewing tour (ideal if you want to stay dry), kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a beachside buffet lunch. There is also an optional introductory dive available. It is a curated, guided experience rather than a self-directed one.
Green Island offers the widest range of optional activities: glass-bottom boats, Seawalker helmet diving, parasailing, scuba diving, the Marineland Melanesia aquarium (home to Cassius, one of the largest captive crocodiles in Australia), and a self-guided rainforest boardwalk. There is also a swimming pool, restaurants, and shops. If you like having lots of choices, Green Island delivers.
Fitzroy Island is the pick for anyone who wants to combine reef time with serious hiking. The island has five walking tracks, including the Summit Track (4 km return, about 3 hours), which climbs to 269 metres with views across the Coral Sea and back to the mainland. The Nudey Beach walk is shorter and easier, and the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre runs guided tours. Equipment hire for kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear is available on the island.
Here is how the three islands stack up across the main activities:
| Activity | Frankland Islands | Green Island | Fitzroy Island |
| Guided snorkel tour | Included | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| Glass-bottom boat/ semi-sub | Included | Available | Available |
| Kayaking/ paddleboarding | Included | Hire available | Hire available |
| Hiking trails | Guided island walk | Short boardwalk only | 5 trails (easy to challenging) |
| Introductory diving | Optional extra | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| Turtle rehabilitation centre | No | No | Yes |
| Lunch | Included (buffet) | Buy on the island or pre-book | Buy at Foxy’s Bar or pre-book a picnic |
| Resort/ accommodation | No | Yes (46-suite resort) | Yes |
If you want to tick every box in a single day without organising a thing, the Frankland Islands’ all-inclusive format is hard to beat. If you would rather build your own day and pick activities as you go, Green Island or Fitzroy Island give you that flexibility.
How much does each island cost?
Price is often the first thing people compare, but the headline number does not always tell the full story. The Frankland Islands tour looks more expensive upfront, but it includes everything. Green Island and Fitzroy Island base fares cover the ferry transfer only – snorkel gear, lunch, and activities are either extra or require a package upgrade.
Frankland Islands
- Adult: $260
- Child (4-16 yrs): $160
- Family (2A+2C): $680
This is an all-inclusive price covering coach transfers, river cruise, guided snorkel tour, semi-submarine tour, island walk, buffet lunch, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Browse the Frankland Islands Reef Cruise for full inclusions and booking.
Green Island
- Half day (ferry + basic access): from $120 adult / $60 child (4-14 yrs) / $300 family (2A+2C)
- Full day: from $122 adult / $61 child / $305 family
- Activities like snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat, and Seawalker are available as add-ons
See all Green Island tours for current options and pricing.
Fitzroy Island
- Full day (ferry + basic access): from $105 adult / $60 child (4-15 yrs) / $270 family (2A+2C)
- Best Of Package (includes snorkel gear + glass-bottom boat + lunch): $166 adult / $110 child / $442 family
View Fitzroy Island tours for packages and departure times.
A fuel levy may apply to some tours, payable on the day. Prices listed are current as of April 2026. Check the tour page for the latest rates.
Which island is best for families?
All three islands work well for families, but in different ways.
The Frankland Islands are a standout for families. The shallow beach entry means even younger kids can wade straight in, and with strict visitor caps on the island, there is room to explore without feeling herded. Everything is included – snorkel gear, lunch, kayaks, guided tours – so you are not juggling extras or wallets on the day. Kids especially love the guided snorkel tour, where master reef guides point out turtles and clownfish right in front of them, and the island walk turns the whole beach into an open-air classroom.
Green Island is the easiest pick for families with toddlers, nervous swimmers, or anyone who wants everything within arm’s reach. The water is calm and shallow enough for little ones to splash around safely, and when they have had enough of the beach, there is a swimming pool, shaded picnic areas, restaurants, and change rooms right there. The glass-bottom boat is a hit with kids who would rather watch the fish than swim with them, while Marineland Melanesia – home to Cassius, one of the largest captive crocodiles in Australia – tends to keep them talking for days.
Fitzroy Island is where families with older, more adventurous kids come into their own. The Summit Track is a proper hike with rewarding views at the top, and even the shorter walk to Nudey Beach feels like an expedition through the rainforest. One thing to know – the main beach at Welcome Bay is coral, not sand, so pack reef shoes for the little ones. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is worth timing your visit around, and it is one of those experiences that sticks with kids long after the holiday is over.
You may also like: Best islands to visit on the Great Barrier Reef
Which island should you choose?
There is no single right answer – it depends on what matters most to you.
Choose the Frankland Islands if:
- You want the best snorkelling on any island day trip from Cairns
- A quiet, uncrowded experience matters more than on-island facilities
- You prefer an all-inclusive tour where everything is sorted before you arrive
- You like the idea of having an entire island almost to yourself
Choose Green Island if:
- This is your first time on the Great Barrier Reef, and you want an easy introduction
- You are travelling with very young children or non-swimmers
- You want plenty of activity options and full facilities on the island
- You are short on time, and a half-day trip works best
Choose Fitzroy Island if:
- You want to combine reef time with proper rainforest hiking
- Budget is a priority, and you are after the most affordable island day trip
- Nudey Beach and the Summit Track are on your must-do list
- You prefer a more independent day where you set the pace
And if you cannot decide? The Two Island Explorer combines both Fitzroy Island and Green Island in a single day.
Frequently asked questions
Which island has the best coral?
The Frankland Islands consistently rate as having the healthiest and most diverse coral of the three options. The reefs benefit from cool-water channels, limited visitor numbers, and strong national park protections. Green Island and Fitzroy Island both have reefs accessible from the beach, but the quality of the coral is generally more variable.
Is the Frankland Islands tour worth the higher price?
For most visitors, yes. The all-inclusive format means you are not paying for extras throughout the day, and the snorkelling quality and uncrowded setting are hard to match on any other island trip from Cairns. If budget is a primary concern, Fitzroy Island offers excellent value for a simpler day out.
Can you stay overnight on any of these islands?
Green Island has a 46-suite boutique resort. Fitzroy Island also has resort accommodation and a campground. The Frankland Islands are a day-trip-only destination for commercial tours, though bush camping is available on Russell and High Islands with a permit.
Which island is best for non-swimmers?
Green Island. The glass-bottom boat, Seawalker helmet dive, and semi-submarine options all let you see the reef without getting into open water. The Frankland Islands also offer a semi-submarine tour, but the overall experience is more geared toward snorkelling.
Find the Right Island for Your Trip
Each of these three islands gives you a different window into the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you want the untouched seclusion of the Frankland Islands, the easy accessibility of Green Island, or the hiking and reef combo on Fitzroy, Cairns Discovery Tours can help you find the right fit. The team has been matching visitors with the right reef and island experiences across Tropical North Queensland for over 28 years. Browse all Great Barrier Reef island tours to compare your options, or call us on (07) 4028 3567 if you need a hand deciding. You can also get in touch by email – we’re happy to help.
