The small coastal town of Agnes Water may consider itself Queensland’s best kept secret but surfers know better. The Discovery Coast is the northern most mainland shore break where surfers can get their wave fix. Northwards from here the Great Barrier Reef becomes the surfers nemesis. Boaties, snorkellers, divers and anyone with a love of offshore islands and reef however...

A rugged, thickly wooded, continental island, 29 km southeast of Cairns, most of the 339ha of Fitzroy Island is National Park, with the exception of Fitzroy Island Resort at Welcome Bay. Large granite boulders border coral sand beaches, with star performer Nudey Beach rivalling WhitehavenBeach as the most photographed beach on the Queensland coast, Fitzroy has much to offer. It’s...

Offshore from the Mulgrave River south of Cairns, five islands make up the Frankland Group National Park. Unpopulated and little visited, Normanby Island is one hour away from civilisation but may as well be on another planet. Snorkelling, diving and beach combing on a far-flung island are the main reasons to visit. Frankland Island Cruises are the only operator permitted...

The vast lagoon of Lady Musgrave distinguishes it from other coral cays in the Capricornia Cays National Park. The big difference is that boats are able to anchor within the reef-encased lagoon. For cruising boaties Lady Musgrave offers the sort of idyllic lagoon anchorage often dreamt about (when the conditions are right of course!) 60km offshore, it’s a long trip...

The low-lying Low Isles are located 15km offshore from Port Douglas. Popular with daytrippers due to their close proximity, the Low Isles offer an easy option for enjoying the GBR’s delights. There are actually two islands poking above a vast reef, one called Woody, the other Low, though they’re known collectively as the Low Isles. No matter, Low Island is...