Great Barrier Reef

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef which includes colorful reefs and general coastal views
Great Barrier Reef showing coral and general coastal views
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef showing general coastal views and coral

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, 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.

Where to stay in Great Barrier Reef

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

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.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

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.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

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.

Trinity Beach
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

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.

Yorkeys Knob
Queens Gardens featuring forests and a park

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.

North Ward
Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

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.

Cairns North
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
$138 nightly
The price is $151 total per night from Jan 30 to Jan 31
$151 total
Jan 30 - Jan 31
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Great room and great property with excellent staff!

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
$114 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Jan 28 to Jan 29
$125 total
Jan 28 - Jan 29
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! (1,003 reviews)
The room had a nice view of the river. The staff in the Bar and Restaurant were very friendly and helpful. The food and service was very good.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

Hilton Cairns
Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD
$113 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Feb 3 to Feb 4
$124 total
Feb 3 - Feb 4
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Staff was very kind and helpful. Room was clean and comfortable. Beach was more playground type sand than soft sand. No one really at the beach, everyone went to the Lagoon instead.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

Airlie Beach Hotel
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

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
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! (2,541 reviews)
Everything was just perfect

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026

Whitsunday Apartments
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,605 reviews)
Everything was as expected.

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays

4 out of 5
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! (763 reviews)
The rooms were beautiful and clean

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2026

Mirage Whitsundays
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.

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