Quick Answers
How big is Green Island?
About 1.7 kilometres long and 500 metres wide, so everything is within walking distance.
Where do I arrive?
At the main jetty on the western side. The resort, Emeralds Restaurant, activity desk, equipment hire and kiosk are all nearby.
Where is the best snorkelling?
The northern and eastern sides usually have the best coral and clearest water. Island staff can point you to the best spots on the day.
“Green Island is small enough that a map is almost unnecessary — and interesting enough that you will want one anyway.”
Finding Your Way Around Green Island
Green Island is a coral cay approximately 1.7 kilometres long by 500 metres wide, an area small enough to walk across in a few minutes and to circumnavigate in under 20. Despite its modest dimensions, the island has a distinct geography: a forested national park interior, a perimeter beach that circles the entire island, the resort and activity areas near the main jetty, and the surrounding fringing reef. Knowing where things are makes a significant difference to how efficiently you can use your time on a day visit.
The Jetty and Arrival Area
The main jetty is on the western side of the island, and it is here that day visitors arrive and depart. The resort, Emeralds Restaurant, the activity desk, equipment hire, and kiosk facilities are all concentrated in the area around the jetty. This is the starting point for glass bottom boat tours, the Seawalker activity, and helicopter flights. Snorkelling access is available from the beach in any direction from here.
The Beach Perimeter
The beach encircles the island completely, and walking the perimeter path allows access to all sections of the shoreline. The northern and eastern sections of the beach tend to have the best snorkelling conditions due to coral density and currents. The western beach faces back toward the mainland and catches the setting sun. The southern section is typically quietest in terms of visitor numbers and provides good swimming conditions in most weather.
The National Park Walking Trail
A walking trail leads through the island’s interior forest, departing from near the main facilities area and looping through the national park vegetation. The trail takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and provides a view of the island’s forested interior, coconut palms, pisonia trees, native species, that is quite different from the beach and reef experience. Information signs along the trail provide context for the ecology and history of the island’s vegetation.
A Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Green Island?
Green Island is a small, compact coral cay that can be walked around in a short time. Its manageable size is part of its appeal, letting you easily explore the beach, reef, rainforest and attractions all in one day on foot.
What is the layout of Green Island?
The island centres on a rainforest interior surrounded by sandy beaches and fringing reef. The jetty, resort, dining, shop and attractions such as Marineland Melanesia are within easy walking distance, connected by shaded boardwalks and sandy paths.
Where do you arrive on Green Island?
Ferries arrive at the island’s jetty, from which it’s a short walk to the beach, resort, dining and attractions. The compact layout means everything is close by once you step off the ferry.
Can you walk around the whole of Green Island?
Yes. Green Island is small enough to walk around, with beach and boardwalk routes letting you explore the shoreline and rainforest interior. It’s an easy, relaxed walk suitable for most visitors.
Where is the best snorkelling on the Green Island map?
The fringing reef is accessible directly from the beach around much of the island. Staff and signage can point you to the best current snorkelling spots and any marked swimming areas on the day of your visit.
Travel Kindly
At Hot Getaways, care is our compass — and a little kindness makes every journey better. When you visit Green Island, we gently ask you to:
- Protect the reef — wear reef-safe sunscreen and never touch or stand on the coral.
- Respect the wildlife — admire the turtles, seabirds and marine life from a distance, and take your rubbish home with you.
- Support local — choosing local operators, cafés and guides helps this beautiful place thrive.
- Honour Country — we travel on the traditional lands and sea Country of Australia’s First Peoples, with gratitude and respect to the Traditional Custodians past and present.
- Be kind to each other — a smile, a little patience and a helping hand make the day lovelier for everyone.
Small acts of care add up to something wonderful. Thank you for travelling kindly.
