In short
- Fitzroy Island is a 339-hectare mountainous island with steep rainforest trails.
- Green Island is a small, flat coral cay easily walked in under an hour.
- Both islands take about 45 minutes to reach by fast ferry from Cairns.
In this article
Travelers visiting Cairns often choose between these two distinct Great Barrier Reef islands. Fitzroy Island appeals to active visitors who want to hike and explore coral beaches. Green Island attracts families wanting a quick, flat walk and sandy beaches.
What is the main difference between Fitzroy Island and Green Island?
Fitzroy Island is a large continental island with a 269-meter summit, while Green Island is a flat coral cay.
Fitzroy Island covers 339 hectares. It features steep rainforest trails and coral beaches. Green Island is much smaller and completely flat. It is entirely formed from coral sand and lacks mountains.
| Feature | Fitzroy Island | Green Island |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Mountainous continental island | Flat coral cay |
| Highest Point | 269 meters | Near sea level |
| Ferry Time | 45 minutes from Cairns | 45 minutes from Cairns |
| Beaches | Coral rubble and sand | Soft sand |
Which island has better snorkeling?
Fitzroy Island offers direct access to snorkeling from coral beaches at Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach.
You can snorkel right off the beach at Fitzroy Island. Sea turtles frequently feed near the coral bommies at Nudey Beach. Green Island also offers beach snorkeling, but Fitzroy provides better access to hard corals close to shore.
Which island is better for hiking?
Fitzroy Island is the clear winner for hiking and walking trails.
Fitzroy Island National Park covers 97% of the island. You can hike the challenging 2.5 to 3-hour Summit Track. This climbs to a 269-meter elevation for ocean views. You can also walk the 45-minute Secret Garden Track.
Is Fitzroy Island better for families with kids?
Older children and active families prefer Fitzroy Island, while families with toddlers often choose Green Island.
Fitzroy Island requires walking on coral beaches, which can be tough for very young children. You need reef shoes to walk comfortably. Green Island is easier for strollers and has sandy beaches.
Can you visit both Fitzroy and Green Island in one day?
Yes, you can book a combined Great Barrier Reef tour that visits both islands in a single day.
A combo tour takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes. You get over 6 hours total on the reef. You can snorkel at both islands. This lets you experience the mountains of Fitzroy and the flat cay of Green Island.
Which island is more affordable?
Ferry prices are similar for both islands, starting around A$88 to A$105 for adults.
The 45-minute ferry journey costs roughly the same to either destination. Both islands are free to enter once you arrive. You will pay extra for food, snorkel rentals, and optional tours on both islands.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a stinger suit at Fitzroy and Green Island?
Yes. Stinger season runs from November to May. You must wear a protective lycra stinger suit when swimming at both islands.
How long is the ferry ride to the islands?
Fast catamaran ferries from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal take about 45 minutes each way for both Fitzroy Island and Green Island.
Which island has Nudey Beach?
Nudey Beach is located on Fitzroy Island. It was voted the #1 Best Beach in Australia in 2018. It is not a nude beach.