Double Island is a small, rainforest-covered island just 1.5 km off Palm Cove in the Cairns Northern Beaches. Once a celebrity retreat, it has been closed and derelict for years and is now undergoing a major $40 million redevelopment by the Morris Group, with public access planned as a priority.

🏝️ About Double Island Cairns

Double Island is a small rainforest-covered island located just 1.5 km off Palm Cove in the Cairns Northern Beaches. Covering approximately 16–18 hectares, it was once an exclusive resort that hosted high-profile guests but has been closed and largely derelict for several years. In June 2026 the Queensland Government awarded a long-term lease to the Morris Group for a $40 million redevelopment, with public access facilities planned as a priority.

🚧 Current Status Double Island Redevelopment

🚫 Island currently closed to the public
🏗️ $40 million redevelopment by the Morris Group announced June 2026
🏖️ Public beach bar and restaurant planned as first stage
🏨 Later stages include 24-villa Double Island Lodge, spa and pool
📅 Construction expected to start in 2026 (subject to approvals)

🚤 How to Experience the Area Now

🛶 Kayak tours from Palm Cove paddle around Double Island and its reefs
🐢 Snorkelling and turtle spotting in the surrounding waters
📸 Best views of the island from Palm Cove beach and the jetty
🚁 Scenic flights and boat charters offer aerial and water perspectives

🌤️Best Time to Visit Double Island Cairns

☀️ May to October — Best conditions for kayaking and viewing the island from the water
🪼 November to May — Stinger season — wear a stinger suit if entering the water around the island
🌴 Year-round — Good for scenic views from Palm Cove and boat/kayak trips in calm conditions

🗺️ Getting There

📍 1.5 km offshore from Palm Cove, approximately 30 minutes north of Cairns
🚗 Easy access to Palm Cove by car or bus from Cairns Airport
🚤 Future public access will be by boat (details to be confirmed once facilities open)

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

💡 Local Tips

🚫 Island is currently closed — No landing, overnight stays or public facilities available
🛶 Best way to experience it now — Join a kayak or snorkel tour from Palm Cove that paddles around the island and nearby reefs
🐢 Wildlife — Turtles and marine life are commonly seen in the waters around Double Island
📸 Best views — From Palm Cove beach, the jetty, or from the water on a calm day
📅 Future access — Public beach bar and restaurant planned as the first stage of the redevelopment

📍Nearby Attractions

🌴 Palm Cove — Closest mainland beach with cafes, restaurants and the main launch point for water activities
🏝️ Haycock Island (Scout’s Hat) — Small nearby island often visited on the same kayak tours
🚢 Great Barrier Reef Tours — Day trips departing from Palm Cove and Cairns
🌳 Kuranda — Rainforest village with Skyrail and Scenic Railway, easy day trip from the Northern Beaches

📆 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 Cairns

🚫 No accommodation currently available — The former resort is closed and the island is under redevelopment
🏨 Future plans — Luxury Double Island Lodge with 24 villas is planned in later stages of the $40m project
🛏️ Stay nearby — Best options are in Palm Cove or other Cairns Northern Beaches resorts while the island remains closed

🧭Plan Your Trip to Double Island Cairns

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.

📖 Read Beach Reviews
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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}

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