Warm greetings from Tropical North Queensland

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 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!

Our History at a Glance

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 evolve into 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 metre Reef King undergoes complete refurbishment
2016
Reef Adventure, 33 metre 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