As part of my 2002 round the world trip, I spent a few days in Cairns, Queensland Australia. I really wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air so I decided to take a helicopter trip (as you do) to the Green Island resort which is a small tropical island nestled right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. I decided to swim back (only joking).
Trip date
November 2002
The day trip included a helicopter flight there and a boat trip back including an amazing snorkelling session. Pic’s below.
The whole day was a truly unforgettable experience.
Here’s a few pic’s I took using the photo function in my old Panasonic Camcorder. Bear in mind this was back in 2002 and digital technology wasn’t that great so they aren’t particularly sharp but you’ll get the idea.
View from the helicopter cockpit.
If I remember rightly the flight only took about 10 minutes but it’s worth every penny to be able to see the 7th wonder of the world from the air.
Beautiful, crystal clear water.
My pictures don’t do it justice really.
An aerial view of Green Island.
It’s only a small island but it’s got more than enough to keep you occupied. I could have sat on the beach and snorkelled in the sea for days.
Coming in to land.
I sat here on the beach imagining what it would be like to be Robinson Crusoe 🙂
It was so peaceful and quiet. Such a relaxing, beautiful place. I think I need to go back immediately.
Feeding time for one of the monster Croc’s that live in the Marineland Croc Park on the Island. Marineland has been on the island since 1954 and is home to ‘Cassius’ the largest crocodile in captivity measuring 5.5 metres in length.
I wouldn’t want to meet that on a dark night (when he was alive of course).
The skin of ‘Oscar’ the 18ft croc. He died aged 75 apparently.
I love snorkelling, especially when there’s sharks knocking around.
Don’t be put off by the fact that you might encounter sharks in open water. We’re not on their menu so they are unlikely to bother you.
Maybe if a monster Great White had turned up I may not have been so blasé.
I can’t recommend going to Green Island enough. The whole day was fantastic and totally unforgettable.