A guide to the Great Barrier Reef islands to help you choose right

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 sailing during the Hamilton Island Race week — 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

a couple kayaking at Green Island, Great Barrier Reef — 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

a couple standing on top of Hinchinbrook Island, Great Barrier Reef — 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

an aerial view of Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef — 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

the boardwalk at Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island, Great Barrier Reef — 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

a woman snorkelling at 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

an aerial view of Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef — 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

Discover the best Great Barrier Reef tours

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.