Green Island, a Different Style Great Barrier Reef Island

Green Island, a beautiful coral Cay on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, is easily identified from the air by it's emerald rainforest, white sandy beaches and coral reefs. It is one of 300 sand cays on the reef, but the only one with a rainforest. A true coral cay, it is said to be 6000 years old, has about 37 acres and takes about 45 minutes to walk around.

Home to over 120 species of colorful birds, native plants, marine life and the coral gardens, it is worth spending a few days to explore. While full and half day tours can be taken from Cairns, staying on Green Island offers a chance to see so much more, it is one of the most eco-sensitive developments on the reef.

There are only 46 luxurious suites, which are situated in the rainforest, secluded from the day visitors, and having two types of accommodations - Reef Suites set in clusters under the rain canopy but near central facilities; and Island suites with inter-connecting or adjoining rooms, also in the same location. There are also disabled room facilities close to the restaurants and reception area.

Once on the island, guests will discover many, included activities, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, guided night walking tours, entry to the oldest underwater observatory, windsurfers, and canoes to explore on ones own. Because this is an island that caters to day visitors who make up most of their visitor list, there are many activities offered and overnight guests benefit from being able to use all the activities available, including parasailing, seawalking helmit diving, visit to the crocodile habitat and diving trips with instructions for the novice, just to mention a few.

While not have a large varity of dining options, both day visitors and island guests will enjoy the casual and outdoor grill which serves burgers and other Grill specialities, along with a daily barbecue lunch. In the Emerald restaurant, which always has local produce on their menu, and guests can enjoy the tropical cuisine either on the outdoor terrace or in the air-conditioned dining room, andfor those guests staying overnight, a sumptous seafood dinner on the beach while watch the sun go down is the end to a perfect day.

As one of the world's most eco-sensitive tourism developments, all resort infrstructures and building were done with minimal vegetation clearance and in many instances the structures were built around the trees. No buildings extend above the tree canopy and the majority of the buildings have no gutters, allowing the rainfall to replinish the moisture needed to support the vegetation. The island is wheelchair accessibile throughout the reception area, restaurants, pools, nature walks, beaches and in the accommodations for those staying overnight.