Great Palm Island's rich volcanic soil supports tropical flora such as mangroves, eucalypt forest, rainforests, hoop pine, mango, banana, pawpaw (papaya) and wild plum trees.
The surrounding bays have diverse marine fauna, including coral trout, crayfish and coral reefs.

However the island has been affected by human settlement and introduced species.

There are hundreds of brumbies (feral horses) on the island, considered to be owned by the community.
In 2003 there were reports of horses having been tortured and beaten by local teenagers.
The problem of the feral animals had been brought to the attention of the Palm Island authorities as well as the Queensland Government, but to no avail.
An RSPCA representative said that they needed to involve the children in helping to solve the problem.
Since then, the Shire Council and the RSPCA have acted to care for the horses and educate residents, and children are now engaged in helping to round up troublesome animals.

Feral dogs are also a problem on the island.
Great Palm Island's rich volcanic soil supports tropical flora such as mangroves, eucalypt forest, rainforests, hoop pine, mango, banana, pawpaw (papaya) and wild plum trees. The surrounding bays have diverse marine fauna, including coral trout, crayfish and coral reefs.
However the island has been affected by human settlement and introduced species.
There are hundreds of brumbies (feral horses) on the island, considered to be owned by the community. In 2003 there were reports of horses having been tortured and beaten by local teenagers. The problem of the feral animals had been brought to the attention of the Palm Island authorities as well as the Queensland Government, but to no avail. An RSPCA representative said that they needed to involve the children in helping to solve the problem. Since then, the Shire Council and the RSPCA have acted to care for the horses and educate residents, and children are now engaged in helping to round up troublesome animals.
Feral dogs are also a problem on the island.
Great Palm Island