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 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)

![Great Barrier Reef showing general coastal views and coral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/dc553132-64e3-4976-8534-a6222fc414bb.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.

### Where to stay in Great Barrier Reef

![Palm Cove](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 Central Business District](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(266 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](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)

![Yorkeys Knob](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)

![North Ward](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)

[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

![Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/16100/16032/c088688e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

$138 nightly

$152 total

Apr 25 - Apr 26

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...

9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)

Very nice hotel. Great location, right at the seaside, next to the reef terminal, and close to the night market. Also friendly staff. Had a wonderful stay.

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=4%2F25%2F2026&endDate=4%2F26%2F2026&selected=16032&PinnedHotelID=16032&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6061129)

![Hilton Cairns](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1300/1233/7475abd3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hilton Cairns

34 Esplanade Cairns QLD

$113 nightly

$124 total

Apr 19 - Apr 20

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 ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)

The water view was amazing and the breakfast every morning was fantastic. Room service was quick and delicious.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=4%2F19%2F2026&endDate=4%2F20%2F2026&selected=1233&PinnedHotelID=1233&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6061129)

![Airlie Beach Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2660000/2650800/2650713/a8903305_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Airlie Beach Hotel

Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD

$102 nightly

$114 total

Apr 23 - Apr 24

Total with taxes and fees

Book a stay at this beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)

Lovely location. Fun pub. Remodeling. Happens. But started too early and was impossible to sleep through it.

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=4%2F23%2F2026&endDate=4%2F24%2F2026&selected=2650713&PinnedHotelID=2650713&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6061129)

[See all 4,962 properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F28%2F2026&regionId=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! (2,570 reviews)

Beautiful view from the balcony, nice staff keeping the room clean and tidy, can’t wait to get back

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Whitsundays-Hotels-Whitsunday-Apartments.h1655585.Hotel-Information)

![Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9730000/9721000/9720960/32de99dc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD

Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...

9.4/10 Exceptional! (773 reviews)

Short visit, arrived late, left early but everything was great.

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Hotels-Cairns-Coconut-Holiday-Resort.h9720960.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! (1,627 reviews)

The apartment has no elevator. We stayed at 3rd floor and was hard to carry heavy luggage to it. The AC is not cool at all. I don't recommend the 3rd floor living especially during the hot summer due to AC inefficiency.

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026

[](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Hotels-Southern-Cross-Atrium-Apartments.h1119287.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=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&regionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-26&endDate=2026-03-27)[Mar 26 - Mar 27](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-26&endDate=2026-03-27)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-27&endDate=2026-03-28)[Mar 27 - Mar 28](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-27&endDate=2026-03-28)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F29%2F2026)[Mar 27 - Mar 29](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=3%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F29%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=4%2F3%2F2026&endDate=4%2F5%2F2026)[Apr 3 - Apr 5](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=4%2F3%2F2026&endDate=4%2F5%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(256 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(60 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)

![Take a wide angle lens if you're heading out to the Barrier Reef- the skies are amazing!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6131595/889a7b40-4935-483a-a3b3-c7932151eba3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Macrossan Street

4.5/5(45 reviews)

During your visit to Port Douglas, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours. 

[](https://expedia.com/Macrossan-Street-Port-Douglas.d6210818.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(178 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)

![Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340801489/f40dd38e-4c9a-458d-b599-d7304acca1e5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Cairns Marlin Marina

4.5/5(109 reviews)

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

[](https://expedia.com/Cairns-Marlin-Marina-Cairns-Central-Business-District.d553248634340801489.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)

![](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