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 Kuranda National Park.

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 Cairns.

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
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
Clifton Beach featuring mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while you're in town.

Clifton Beach
The Strand which includes hiking or walking, a sunset and general coastal views

The Strand

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to The Strand. A stop by The Strand Beach or Strand Waterpark might round out your trip.

The Strand
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
$79 nightly
The price is $87 total per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
$87 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"It was good"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$126 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$139 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Hilton Cairns
Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

5 out of 5
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
$182 nightly
The price is $200 total per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
$200 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"You can judge quality by the quality of sunbeds. And they’ve got nice ones. Also you can tell 5 star by the quality of service received especially during breakfast as they waft around tidying plates but unnoticed as subtle. Mix up with paying twice but resolved satisfactorily. Quality products in ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Crystalbrook Riley
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
Stay at this 4-star 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! (2,477 reviews)
"Just say here, everything is perfect!"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,555 reviews)
"Noisy at night when guests use the pool. To be expected."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays

4 out of 5
11 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, QLD
Stay at this 4-star 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! (711 reviews)
"Very accommodating."

Reviewed on Aug 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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