Southern Great Barrier Reef

Travel Guide

A diver underwater with fish, a seagull flying, and people on a boat.
A sea turtle swimming near a coral reef.
A turquoise lagoon with a pier leading to a small island with a hut.
A clear shallow sea with a shark swimming near the shore, a rocky outcrop, and a forested island in the background.
Three boats tied to a dock in clear turquoise water under a bright blue sky.

Head to Southern Great Barrier Reef for sun-soaked beaches, coastal adventures, and unique natural landscapes waiting to be explored.

Southern Great Barrier Reef is an ideal destination for beach travelers. You can explore nearby Agnes Water Beach for sunbathing and swimming, while the 1770 Marina offers opportunities for boating and fishing. For those interested in recreation, East Shores Park provides a pleasant area for outdoor activities, and you can also visit the Boyne Island Tannum Sands Golf Club for a round of golf. If you're looking for natural features, Boyne Island is known for outdoor adventures, and Hummock Island is another spot for enjoying the scenery.

While you're in Southern Great Barrier Reef, visit some of its interesting nearby neighborhoods. Turkey Beach is known for outdoor adventure experiences, making it a great spot for those looking to explore nature. Gladstone and Seventeen Seventy are also known for beach experiences; in Gladstone, you can check out the Tondoon Botanic Gardens and the Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum, while Seventeen Seventy features Joseph Banks Conservation Park for those interested in local wildlife.

The best time to visit Southern Great Barrier Reef is from October to March when the weather is warm, mostly dry, and often sunny. During these months, you can expect temperatures to range from 72 to 79°F. This period typically experiences fewer rainy days, making it an appealing time for beach activities and outdoor exploration, though it may be busier with travelers.

Heron Island Resort

Heron Island Resort

3.5 out of 5
Via Gladstone Heron Island QLD
$177 nightly
The price is $195 total per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
$195 total
Nov 26 - Nov 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Heron Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a private beach, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (326 reviews)
"We appreciated the room - and listening to the birds. The food at the restaurant was very good and the staff throughout the property were excellent and very kind."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2026

Heron Island Resort
Great Keppel Island Hideaway

Great Keppel Island Hideaway

3 out of 5
The Esplanade The Keppels QLD
$105 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
$115 total
Nov 26 - Nov 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in The Keppels. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Fishermans Beach and Putney Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (129 reviews)
"For the price you pay don’t expect much. No shampoo no one that’s very happy to be working there and lots of banging construction. I would choose the holiday house over this place"

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2026

Great Keppel Island Hideaway
Empire Apartment Hotel

Empire Apartment Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1-5 East Street Rockhampton QLD
$162 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from Nov 14 to Nov 15
$162 total
Nov 14 - Nov 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Rockhampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Empire Apartment 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.
Cape Keppel Beach Cottage 1

Cape Keppel Beach Cottage 1

Curtis Island QLD
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Curtis Island. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and laundry facilities.
Cape Keppel Beach Cottage 1
Empire Apartment Hotel

Empire Apartment Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1-5 East Street Rockhampton QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Rockhampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Empire Apartment Hotel
Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel

Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel

4 out of 5
79 Goondoon Street Gladstone QLD
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Gladstone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Good hotel in centre of the city, everything was good, no complaints, would stay there again when I go to Gladstone."

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2026

Oaks Gladstone Grand 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.

Stay near popular Southern Great Barrier Reef attractions

Cities near Southern Great Barrier Reef

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