5 minute read
Finding Nemo and Spotting Turtles on Green Island
If you only have time for one island when exploring Tropical North Queensland from Cairns, heading to Green Island with Great Adventures is a top choice!
I said to my son, ‘’Look, there’s another turtle!’’ He had only just announced on the short boat trip over that turtles were his favourite “under-water“ animal.
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Whipping around to look where I was pointing, he asked excitedly if we could follow it. We were standing in the water’s edge at Green Island, just 45 minutes from Cairns and it was the fourth turtle we had spotted that morning. Turtle number four was chilling about in the shallow waters just a few metres from the shore line.
The first two were on a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour which we jumped on board as soon as we arrived and the third was as we were snorkelling over the sea-grass in the shallows just 20 minutes earlier.
YouTube Link - https://youtu.be/GuIHJYWp5SI
Before I could answer, the turtle picked up speed and headed back towards the deeper ocean. ‘’Never mind, he’s gone now,’’ I said. ‘’I’m hungry now anyway.’’
Realising that nobody has actually grabbed the bag that contained our sandwiches for the day when we left, we went in search of a cafe. I suspect that Green Island’s convenience is one of the reasons the island is said to be the most popular.
We headed to the day visitor area and found a cafe within minutes, ordering four burgers with a side of chips, which we ate picnic style spread out on an oversized towel on the beach. I didn’t regret forgetting our lunch one bit, this was way better than vegemite sandwiches, as was the ice-cream we treated ourselves too afterwards.
Aerial view of Green Island from the jetty
Credit - Jemma Craig / Tourism & Events QLD
Why Green Island?
At 6000 years old, Green Island is only around 29 acres in size and offers a unique reef and rainforest experience, being the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest.
It’s surrounded by marine life and coral gardens and offers a range of snorkelling opportunities. The shallows are an ideal introduction to snorkelling and there’s a good chance of finding Nemo … who we all forgot about when we realised spotting turtles was on the cards!
There is a resort, restaurant, facilities with showers and everything families need for a comfortable visit.
About to head in to the clear water surrounding Green Island
Credit - Jessica Palmer
Why Great Adventures?
We headed over with Great Adventures and I wouldn’t do it any other way. The experience was seamless and professionals from beginning to end. Great Adventures’ Green Island Discovery package is perfect for families and includes:
• Fast return catamaran cruise to Green Island
• Use of snorkelling equipment
• Glass-bottom boat coral viewing tour
• Exclusive use of the island swimming pool
• Exclusive eco-island walk
• Use of day visitor facilities
• Beach bag.
We took full advantage of the snorkelling equipment and I was pleasantly surprised to find that sizes were available for both my five and seven-year-old, who were very excited about getting kitted out with fins, masks and a snorkel. Although they can both swim, we also grabbed a life vest for them so they could just concentrate on learning to snorkel properly.
It was ''smooth sailing'' with the Great Adventures fast cat from Cairns to Green Island
Credit - Jessica Palmer
Fun Things to do on Green Island
Find Nemo on a Glass Bottom Boat Coral Viewing Tour
*Part of the Green Island Discovery Package
The Glass bottom boat tours go for around 30 minutes and leave from the ‘bend’ in the jetty. Make sure you book your departure time when you arrive on the island. Expect to see an amazing array of marine life and coral including Nemo and some of his well-known friends!
Seagulls joining in the glass bottom boat tour
Credit - Jessica Palmer
Stroll the Exclusive Great Adventures Eco Island Walk
*Part of the Green Island Discovery Package
Green Island is the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with rainforest and there is a beautiful Eco-Island Walk exclusive to great adventures that allows families to enjoy it. Featuring informative signs and a well maintained walking track, families can stroll back along the beach on the sand.
Teach the Kids to Snorkel in the Shallow Waters
*Snorkel hire is included in the Discovery Package
The dive shop has everything you need for a no-fuss snorkelling adventure. If younger kids are a little afraid of swimming over coral (like one of mine is), they will still be able to spot fish and possibly even turtles in the sea grass patches close to shore near the lifeguard area.
Learning to snorkel on Green Island
Credit - Jessica Palmer
Don a Seawalker Helmet for a Unique View
The Seawalker is an amazing underwater helmet diving experience on the Great Barrier Reef. The experience is unique in that you are able to walk on the seafloor surrounded by the colourful tropical fish and corals at Green Island.
No diving experience is necessary and nonswimmers are even welcome. The experience is fully supervised and is suitable for adults and kids over 12 years of age only.
See More of Green Island’s Amazing Marine Life on a Boat Snorkel Trip
A short five to seven minute trip offshore and you will find yourself at one of Green Island’s four beautiful dive and snorkel sites. The boat snorkel trip allows you to experience much more of the islands amazing marine life than swimming just off-shore. Buoyancy vests are included.
One of the relaxing beaches on Green Island
Credit - Jessica Palmer
Splurge on a Helicopter Flight
The scenic helocopter flight is a stunning way to experience the magnitude and beauty of one of the world’s most fascinating natural wonders. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of the reef and of course, Green Island in all its glory.
See the Largest Captive Crocodile in Australia at Marineland Melanesia
Marineland Melanesia is home to Cassius, the largest capitive crocodile in the whole of Australia. At 5.48 metres long, Cassius is estimated to be at least 110 years old.
It’s also home to one of the largest private collections of exotic Melanesian tribal articfacts and aquariums. Marineland Melanesia is a hit with kids with daily croc shows and a chance to hold a baby croc.
