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Island · Port Douglas, Queensland
Low Isles
Two small coral islets about 15 km from Port Douglas, with a shallow reef for snorkelling, seabirds and a lighthouse active since 1878, inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Low Isles
The Low Isles are two small coral islands about 15 km northeast of Port Douglas that share the same reef. The smaller, Low Island, has a beach, vegetation and the lighthouse; the larger, Woody Island, is covered in mangroves and reserved for seabirds.
The lighthouse was lit in 1878 and was the first in northern Queensland, built to guide ships through the inner channel of the Great Barrier Reef. In 1928 and 1929 the island hosted a British and Australian scientific expedition that carried out one of the first detailed studies of a coral reef. The island and the lighthouse are on Australia’s heritage list.
The surrounding reef is shallow and begins near the beach, which makes snorkelling easier for beginners. Glass‑bottom boat trips show the corals and, often, sea turtles.
Only a few operators are authorised to take visitors to the island, on half‑day or full‑day trips from the Port Douglas marina. The island is cared for by caretakers who live on site.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day or a full day, depending on the trip.
Best time
From May to October the weather tends to be more settled for boat trips. During the tropical jellyfish season, wear the lycra suit provided on the tour.
How to get there
Only on an organised tour, from the Port Douglas marina, by sailboat or motorboat.
Tip
Book in advance: the number of visitors per day is limited. The lighthouse tower is not open to the public, but the surrounding area may be visited.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Low Isles
How far are the Low Isles from Port Douglas?
About 15 km to the northeast, generally 30 minutes to 1 hour by boat, depending on the vessel.
Are the Low Isles good for someone who has never snorkeled?
Yes. The reef is shallow and begins close to the beach, and tours usually include an in-water guide and flotation equipment.
Can you visit the Low Isles lighthouse?
The area around the lighthouse can be visited on tours, but the tower is not open to the public.