Double Island is a stunning 18-hectare rainforest-clad island just 1.5km offshore from Palm Cove in Cairns. Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, it features crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine sandy coves, vibrant fringing coral reefs, and lush peaks. Perfect for kayaking, snorkelling, and day trips, this hidden tropical paradise offers an accessible yet secluded escape.

Double Island Adventures 🐢

Double Island is a stunning tropical paradise just off Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef, featuring pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent snorkelling and adventure opportunities right near Palm Cove.

Popular scenic flights, Double Island jetski tours, Great Barrier Reef snorkelling & Cairns experiences available near Double Island:

🏝️Why Visit Double Island?

Double Island is one of Cairns’ most accessible and raw island gems, perfect for nature lovers, snorkellers, and kayakers. With vibrant fringing reefs teeming with turtles and fish, calm sheltered waters, and rainforest trails offering ocean views, it provides an authentic back-to-nature experience. Unlike resort-heavy islands, Double Island remains mostly untouched – a serene contrast to the bustling mainland.

🏖️Things to Do at Double Island

• Snorkeling & Swimming: Explore colourful fringing reefs right off the shore (turtles, fish, corals visible in clear water).
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Paddle from Palm Cove around the island; spot turtles and rays en route.
• Swimming & Beach Relaxation: Enjoy secluded sandy coves in calm, turquoise bays.
• Wildlife Spotting: Look for sea turtles, reef fish, rays, and birds.
• Hiking & Bushwalks: Short rainforest trails to hilltop viewpoints.

🛍️Facilities & Accessibility

Double Island is rustic and uninhabited, with no operating facilities:

• 🏨 Former resort site overgrown and unsafe – stay on beaches and reefs
• 🚻 Natural beaches and fringing reefs
• 🚶 Rainforest walking tracks
• 🛟 Kayak/private boat access only
• ♿ Not wheelchair accessible

🌤️Best Time to Visit Double Island

• 🌞 May to October: Best conditions for kayaking and snorkelling, with clear waters and dry weather.
• 🪼 November to May: Marine stinger season — stinger suits recommended.
• 🌴 Year-round: Tropical climate with hot summers and warm, dry winters.

🗺️ Getting There

🚗 Driving: Head to Palm Cove (30 minutes north of Cairns Airport). Launch kayaks or book private boats from the beach/jetty.
✈️ Public Transport: No direct public options to the island. Bus or transfer to Palm Cove, then self-guided kayak or private charter.
🚗 Parking: Available along Palm Cove esplanade or nearby lots.

💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Fitzroy Island Resort and ferry operators for current departure times and conditions.

💡 Local Tips

Double Island is a pristine continental island known for its turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and easy kayak access from Palm Cove.
Popular half-day kayaking tours paddle around the island, stopping at nearby Haycock Island (Scout’s Hat) for snorkelling.
Turtles are commonly spotted on the eastern side; calm bays perfect for swimming.
Bring your own gear/snacks – self-sufficient day trips only. Visibility best on incoming high tide; avoid strong winds.
With its close proximity and untouched beauty, Double Island offers one of the most rewarding short adventures from Cairns.

📍Nearby Attractions

• 🌊 Palm Cove Beach → Relaxed esplanade with cafes and spas.
• 🐠 Haycock Island (Scout’s Hat) → Nearby snorkel spot often combined on kayak tours.
• 🌳 Fitzroy Island → Ferry-access national park with trails and reefs.
• 🚠 Great Barrier Reef Tours → Day trips from Cairns or Palm Cove.

Double Island Adventures 🏝️

Double Island is a pristine continental island just off Palm Cove, featuring turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, excellent snorkelling, and easy kayak or jetski access in the Great Barrier Reef.

Popular jetski tours, kayaking adventures, Great Barrier Reef snorkelling & scenic experiences available near Double Island:

📆 Events & Markets Nearby

Double Island is peaceful and remote, but markets are easily visited in Palm Cove or Cairns before/after your adventure.

• 🍍 Palm Cove Markets (monthly/seasonal) → Local crafts, food, and gifts.
• 🎨 Cairns Night Markets → Daily handmade goods and street food.
• 🛍️ Rusty’s Markets (Cairns weekends) → Fresh produce, plants, and artisan stalls.

For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Cairns & Northern Beaches Region Attractions | Best Things to Do in Far North Queensland

🏕️Accommodation on Double Island

• 🏨No accommodation currently available (former resort closed)
• 🏕️ Day trips only from Palm Cove/Cairns resorts

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🍴 Places to Eat & Drink

Double Island has no cafes or restaurants – pack picnics and enjoy meals on secluded beaches surrounded by reef views. Palm Cove’s beachfront esplanade offers world-class dining (seafood, cafes) before or after your trip — share your favourites below!

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🧭Plan Your Trip to Double Island

Double Island is perfect for half-day kayak adventures from Palm Cove, delivering reef snorkelling, turtle spotting, and tropical island vibes just minutes from the mainland. Ideal for an easy yet memorable Great Barrier Reef experience.

💬 Share Your Double Island Beach Photos & Reviews

📸 We’d love to see your favourite moments from the Cairns & Northern Beaches Region! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other visitors discover the stunning tropical coastline stretching from Cairns to Port Douglas.

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💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby

Discover more of the tropical Cairns coastline and nearby islands:
Clifton Beach ➜ | Palm Cove ➜ | Ellis Beach ➜ | Trinity Beach ➜

🌊 About This Beach Directory

🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland — there are simply too many! We’ve selected the most significant and unique beaches based on a range of factors including natural beauty, accessibility, and local popularity.

💌 If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!

📧 Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.

☀️ Happy surfing, swimming and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!

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_{Last updated: June 2026}