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Green Island
GREEN ISLAND ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Green Island Information
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Green Island is a tiny coral cay lying
about 30km from Cairns, and only 12 hectares in area. The
island features spectacular rainforest, as well as beautiful
coral beaches. It also lies upon 710 hectares of reef, making
it a fantastic diving spot. |
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Green Island started to develop around
6000 years ago, as the waves swept the loose debris from
the reef into a large pile. This eventually emerged from
the water, at which time vegetation began to grow as seeds
were blown or carried by birds onto the island.
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Green Island was originally an initiation ground
for the males of the Gungandji people. In Aboriginal, Green Island
is actually called Wunyami which means 'place of haunted spirits'.
Green Island was given it's current name by James Cook in 1770,
after Mr Charles Green who was an astronomer onboard the Endeavour.
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Many ships were wrecked on the Green
Island reef and so along with the Aboriginal people, fishermen
removed the vegetation and planted coconuts as well as building
small huts for survivors to live.
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The island was declared a National Park
in 1937, with the waters around it declared a Marine Park
in 1974. Everything about the island is beautiful, from
the land to the waters.
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Today, Green Island offers fabulous rainforest
scenery which stretches upto 25 metres high. The rainforest is
made up of around 130 different plant species, including grasses,
palms, scramblers, trees and vines.
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The best way to see the island is to
follow the circuit track which leads around the island.
The walk is 2km and takes about 50 minutes, however, you
can also join a guided walk by one of the resorts naturalists.
If you don't have time, then a walk along the beach is still
rewarding.
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Along with the fantastic scenery, Green
island is also home to over 60 different species of bird.
These include Egrets, Doves, Ospreys, Sea Eagles, Silvereyes
and Woodswallows, which can be found all around the island.
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The beautiful clear waters surrounding
Green Island offer fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving.
The reef around Green Island is truly amazing, with various
different corals and sea creatures found within the waters.
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You should definitely join one of the reef snorkeling
or scuba diving tours, as you will be taken to some magnificent
spots. Different corals can be found on the Eastern and Western
side, so it is well worth exploring. (You should however, check
for the safest diving spots at the Dive Centre on the Green Island,
before venturing out into the water.)
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If you don't want to get wet, but want
to see the beauty of the reef another excellent way is to
go out on a glass bottom boat. You can also wander to the
Underwater Observatory, which is located at the end of the
jetty. |
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There are a number attractions on
Green Island as well as several trips out to the island. A nice way to make the journey is by luxury sail boat then enjoy snorkeling, lunch,
and a glass bottom boat trip.
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Although a day trip is well worth it,
there is also accommodation
on the island. The exclusive Green Island Reef Resort really makes you feel like you are on a desert
island, as it merges so perfectly with the setting. |
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The resort also offers great facilities,
with the attractive and sheltered boardwalk making the resort
easy to get around. The resort also features a wide range
of shops and a large eating area. The shops sell various
beachside souvenirs and gifts, as well as stylish clothing
and swimwear.
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There is also an area accessible for
day trippers to Green Island, which features a pool and
showers. You will also find a number of picnic areas around
the island, hidden amongst the trees. If you want some action,
you can also hire out various equipment for the popular
water activities.
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There is also a small aquarium and crocodile
habitat on the island, where you will get to see a number
of different sea creatures as well as the not so friendly
crocodiles. It is called Marineland Melanesia and was opened
in 1972.
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There are a couple of crocodile feeding
shows daily, where you will get to see some of the largest
Estuarine Crocodiles in captivity. There are also several
other feeding shows, as well as some interesting displays.
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Popular Queensland Travel Destinations
PLEASE NOTE: The Queensland travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Queensland Holidays can be found on the main Queensland Holidays location guide.
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