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

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.