Cairns Travel Forum

From Cairns what is the best island to visit to see the Great Barrier Reef?

You just need a boat from Cairns to take you there to the reef - it's everywhere...no island necessary.

On the southern end, the Whitsunday Islands (72 of them) are much prettier than Cairns in my opinion and you can still reach the reef.

For visiting the Reef you need to use a boat trip.
Be aware you have to sail a couple of hours before reaching the reef.
Best way to see the colours is by diving or snorkeling.

happy travels
jaap

You could go to Green Island, which is 45 minute sailing from Cairns. Otherwise, as the others said, you need to book a boat trip out to the reef. Companies such as Sunlover and Quicksilver do full day trips to the outer reef and it's a long way offshore, a couple of hours sailing in the big wave-piercer catamarans.

In Cairns you will need to go on a boat trip. Plenty of them everywhere. If you want to visit an island in the area, go for either Green Island, close to Cairns, or join a boat that will take you to the Whitsunday Islands. Absolutely beautiful. You can also join a liveaboard and spend a couple of nights sailing.

Cheers,
Maria

Dunk Island for me, although that's a little south of Cairns. I've always wanted to go there :o) Did someone say the Whitsunday Islands?...welll that's a bit further south, but Hamilton Island was fabulous and I liked South Molle too. ...Plenty to choose from :o) ...Have we confused you yet?
Cheers, Ann.