|
There are so many islands here, and at least one is perfect for everybody
Even though I liked Dunk, some members of my family prefer Fitzroy and Bedarra Islands. Dunk Island is more of a "honeymooners island". Some of the other islands, such as Great Keppel are said to be great places if you're looking for romance and are popular with the younger people. I think that Hamilton Island is meant to be the most luxurious. I always wanted to go to Lizard Island - it's known as the "Diver's Island", and they only ever allow a very small number of people to visit the island. Unfortunately because of this, it has become very expensive, and it is most popular now with royalty and famous people who want to get away from the papparazzi.
|
|
|
None of the photos I found did true justice to the experience of snorkelling. I took bread with me and hundreds of fish came right up to my face and took the bread out of my hands. The world under the water is amazing - it is like hills and caves of colored coral. As well as brightly colored fish, I saw various sized turtles, giant clams and brightly colored starfish. It's so peaceful down there! |
This is a parrot fish and you will see them everywhere even in the water off the island beaches.
|
|
|
|
Heron Island
Another excellent island for snorkelling |
Green Island
I spent about a week on this island. It's just across from Cairns and it does get a lot of day-trippers, but when they all go home in the afternoon, it's very peaceful. That white line you can see coming off the island is a pier where theh boats pull in. There is an underwater observatory at the end of it. For years and years, people on the island have put food off the end of the pier early every morning and evening to keep the fish coming in to the island.
My grandfather caught the train every year all the way from Brisbane to Cairns and visited the island every year almost up until the time he died in his eighties so I'm very sentimental about Green Island.
|
|
|
|
This is another of the many cays where people snorkel from. I think this one was near Fitzroy Island. |
Green Island Again!
The beach at Green Island. The kids love it.
|
|
|
|
This is the accommodation I stayed in on Green Island. It's just like an extremely luxurious hut surrounded by banana and coconut trees. |
Great Keppel Island
As far as I know, Fitzroy has a very interesting history which I must find out about. Like Dunk, it is also famed for it's butterflies.
|
|
|
|
Little Fitzroy Island
Very close to Fitzroy Island, people also come here to snorkel and dive. There is an abundance of bird life on this tiny island. |
|
Great Keppel Island
Great Keppel used to be known for it's nightlife for the younger people.
I have some interesting photos of the Great Island Aborigines taken in the 1880's.
|
|
