Title: Visit Great Barrier Reef: Best of Great Barrier Reef Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.com [Hotels in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.com/Great-Barrier-Reef-Hotels.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.com/Great-Barrier-Reef-Vacation-Rentals.d6061129.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Car-Rental-Guide)[Great Barrier Reef Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Great Barrier Reef ## Travel Guide ![Great Barrier Reef featuring diving, marine life and colorful reefs](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/ab4d2ac1-badb-4946-beac-2ab9b841fa87.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef featuring diving, marine life and colorful reefs](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/ab4d2ac1-badb-4946-beac-2ab9b841fa87.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef which includes colorful reefs and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/8323ad10-e4f7-4a53-a27b-db2c2888f384.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef showing coral and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/db653a87-4c5c-44ef-b5d0-c477bf20e1b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef featuring marine life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/d1198592-930a-44e5-9aae-ece32404dc1d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Great Barrier Reef Where to stay Things to do #### The largest coral reef in the world lies just off the coast of Cairns and offers thousands of kilometers of coral, marine life and untouched white sand beaches. Situated in [Wangetti](https://www.expedia.com/Wangetti.dx6333109), this marine ecosystem is worth including in your schedule. But you'll find a great deal more to check out in the area. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, and Wangetti Beach are within easy reach of Great Barrier Reef. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_6061129) ### Where to stay in Great Barrier Reef ![Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/177486/e8103af6-5bdb-41dd-9b23-8b45673a5ba4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Palm Cove Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove. [](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Palm-Cove.dx177486) ![Cairns which includes a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340801489/716fe001-2c59-4ffe-bc83-f653f7609941.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Cairns Central Business District 4.5/5(264 area reviews) Cairns Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tropical North Waterfront. [](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Cairns-Central-Business-District.dx6268031) ![Trinity Beach showing landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/12091/18cfccf6-39c1-49ec-9bce-15a058949af1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Trinity Beach Travelers to Trinity Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach. [](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Trinity-Beach.dx12091) ![The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6131529/180ef19c-8f96-4116-a1dd-83cce1df4d64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Cairns North Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area. [](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Cairns-North.dx6131529) ![Queens Gardens featuring forests and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967683/bdd2acd1-9eb3-4991-88ee-56da0400fb50.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### North Ward North Ward is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while in the area. [](https://expedia.com/Townsville-North-Ward.dx6217111) ![Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047619/68758683-7101-43f8-bc20-58667e10ae8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Yorkeys Knob Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course. [](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Yorkeys-Knob.dx6047619) [See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Great-Barrier-Reef.dx6061129.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP.Dest.Neighborhoods) - Great Barrier Reef Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Great Barrier Reef ![Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8100/8065/6ffe09e2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay $237 nightly $261 total Mar 13 - Mar 14 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews) Staff were so welcoming and helpful, they really went out of their way to make our stay feel special. The room was beautiful and very clean. A nice touch was the on tap sparkling and chilled water in the corridor. Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F13%2F2026&endDate=3%2F14%2F2026&selected=8065&PinnedHotelID=8065&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6061129) ![Hilton Cairns](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1300/1233/5c3e5487_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hilton Cairns 34 Esplanade Cairns QLD Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay $120 nightly $132 total Mar 13 - Mar 14 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ... 9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews) Nice service Reviewed on Mar 4, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F13%2F2026&endDate=3%2F14%2F2026&selected=1233&PinnedHotelID=1233&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6061129) ![Airlie Beach Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2660000/2650800/2650713/b924af49_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Airlie Beach Hotel Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD $119 nightly $130 total Mar 19 - Mar 20 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews) The room was very clean and comfortable. Staff were friendly. Excellent location. Loved the view of Airlie Beach Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F19%2F2026&endDate=3%2F20%2F2026&selected=2650713&PinnedHotelID=2650713&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6061129) [See all 4,997 properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F7%2F2026®ionId=6061129) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Whitsunday Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1660000/1655600/1655585/c3fb8456_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Whitsunday Apartments 14 Resort Drive Whitsundays QLD Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ... 9/10 Wonderful! (2,562 reviews) The location, overlooking Catseye Beach, was perfect for us. The beach was a short walk away, and there were nearby restaurants, buggy hire and souvenir shop. The room was clean, spacious and well-equipped. The staff were friendly and helpful. Stayed 7 night s there and would happily go back. Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Whitsundays-Hotels-Whitsunday-Apartments.h1655585.Hotel-Information) ![Southern Cross Atrium Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1120000/1119300/1119287/a2480dd6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Southern Cross Atrium Apartments 3-11 Water Street Cairns QLD Stay at this aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,624 reviews) Clean and spacious room. Property is close to lots of bars and restaurants. Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Hotels-Southern-Cross-Atrium-Apartments.h1119287.Hotel-Information) ![Mirage Whitsundays](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11070000/11066300/11066236/1c0aec6f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mirage Whitsundays 11 Altmann Avenue Cannonvale QLD Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Cannonvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (776 reviews) Very comfortable room, including laundry. Reviewed on Feb 18, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Airlie-Beach-Hotels-Mirage-Whitsundays.h11066236.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6061129&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Great Barrier Reef hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-05&endDate=2026-03-06)[Mar 5 - Mar 6](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-05&endDate=2026-03-06) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-06&endDate=2026-03-07)[Mar 6 - Mar 7](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-06&endDate=2026-03-07) [This weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F8%2F2026)[Mar 6 - Mar 8](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=3%2F6%2F2026&endDate=3%2F8%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=3%2F13%2F2026&endDate=3%2F15%2F2026)[Mar 13 - Mar 15](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=3%2F13%2F2026&endDate=3%2F15%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Cairns Esplanade which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127785/4d6928c8-cfa7-41e9-ba62-fe6f27b138d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cairns Esplanade 4.5/5(253 reviews) Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea. [](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Esplanade-Cairns-North.d6127785.Vacation-Attraction) ![Whitehaven Beach showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6152056/23f4869a-6a0e-4537-be75-68343aa63aec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Whitehaven Beach 5/5(59 reviews) Stroll along this famous beach on Whitsunday Island to experience its dazzling white sands and gently lapping waters in different hues of blue and green. [](https://expedia.com/Whitehaven-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152056.Vacation-Attraction) ![Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061139/574cc203-78ff-4692-8a72-d7f7b2caeb98.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Palm Cove Beach 4.5/5(142 reviews) Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure. [](https://expedia.com/Palm-Cove-Beach-Palm-Cove.d6061139.Vacation-Attraction) ![Four Mile Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047615/67dfb39c-7b78-4624-9757-e849703f6d2d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Four Mile Beach 4.5/5(92 reviews) One of the most-photographed stretches of beach in Australia has pristine white sands, waving palm trees, clear blue water and spectacular views across the ocean. [](https://expedia.com/Four-Mile-Beach-Port-Douglas.d6047615.Vacation-Attraction) ![One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635404168639/326c5b35-009e-425f-a91d-03f0ccba2866.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cairns Central Shopping Centre 4/5(172 reviews) During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours. [](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Central-Shopping-Centre-Cairns.d6127783.Vacation-Attraction) ![Airlie Beach Lagoon showing a pool, swimming and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6283231/4b1c74df-8b44-44cf-a2bb-312d86bed5d0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Airlie Beach Lagoon 4.5/5(41 reviews) Spend the day with the family enjoying the sheltered waters of Airlie Beach’s own tropical oasis, surrounded by landscaped gardens and grassy picnic areas. [](https://expedia.com/Airlie-Beach-Lagoon-Airlie-Beach.d6283231.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app