Great Adventures is based in Cairns and operates an exciting range of day tours to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Our modern high speed catamarans depart daily to whisk guests away in comfort to the spectacular outer reaches of the reef and the beautiful rainforest-clad Green Island.
We are recognised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as a High Standard Operator and all of our tours are accredited with Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Innovator Certification. Our tours ensure our guests have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate this most important World Heritage area. As part of the Quicksilver Group, we are committed to sustainable environmental practices and ongoing conservation for future generations to enjoy.
Our friendly and knowledgeable crew are ready to share a wonderful day of discovery and adventure in this very special part of the world.
We look forward to welcoming you on board!
Great Adventures’ history can be traced back over a century, growing from a small family operation with the pioneering Hayles Family, when they commenced a ferry service between Townsville and Magnetic Island in 1890. The first Green Island ferry service, and what was to become the forerunner to Great Adventures some 64 years later, was established in 1924. With many world firsts, the Hayles Family established a long history of innovation and setting the benchmark in marine tourism – a tradition proudly continued today by Great Adventures and the Quicksilver Group.
| 1924 | Hayles commenced the first regular ferry service to Green Island |
| 1937 | Introduction of the world’s first glass bottom boat on Green Island |
| 1954 | Opening of the world’s first underwater observatory on Green Island |
| 1983 | Semi-submersible boat pioneered for coral viewing |
| 1987 | Outer reef pontoon established at Norman Reef |
| 1988 | With the change of ownership from the Hayles Family, Great Adventures was established. |
| 1992 | Installation of multi-level pontoons at Norman Reef and Moore Reef |
| 1993 | Opening of day facilities on Green Island |
| 1994 | Opening of the eco-sensitive Green Island Resort |
| 2005 | Acquired by the Quicksilver Group (Port Douglas) |
| 2008/9 | As part of the Quicksilver Group, inducted into the Australian Tourism Awards and Queensland Tourism Awards “Hall of Fame”. |
| 2013 | Reef Spirit, 24 metre high speed catamaran joins Great Adventures Cairns fleet |
| 2015 | 30 m Reef King undergoes complete refurbishment |
| 2016 | Reef Adventure, 33 m high speed catamaran joins Great Adventures fleet |
| 2018 | Acquisition of Seawalker Green Island operations. |
| 2021 | Inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame with 20 years of continuous Advanced Ecotourism certification. |
