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
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
South Townsville showing heritage elements and interior views

South Townsville

Visitors highly recommend South Townsville for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Maritime Museum of Townsville while you're in town.

South Townsville
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
$124 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Jan 24 to Jan 25
$137 total
Jan 24 - Jan 25, 2026
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! (1,001 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025

Hilton Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
$129 nightly
The price is $142 total per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
$142 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26, 2026
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! (1,002 reviews)
Breakfast buffet was great, location top notch. Lounge drinks and good were excellent and the staff were extremely accommodating. Property needs updating, which according to management will happen section by section. Horizon Club rooms are worth it.

Reviewed on Dec 24, 2025

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
$81 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Jan 7 to Jan 8
$89 total
Jan 7 - Jan 8, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
The room was very clean and comfortable. The staff were very helpful and friendly, specially Anthony who helped me when my brother had an episode by getting me a wheelchair. Thank you very much

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
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! (2,530 reviews)
All the staff were very friendly and helpful

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

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! (1,600 reviews)
Very Good

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

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! (754 reviews)
Nice view, the breakfast buffet was not that good.

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2025

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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