Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Great Barrier Reef showing scuba diving, marine life and coral
Great Barrier Reef showing scuba diving, marine life and coral
Great Barrier Reef which includes colorful reefs and general coastal views
Great Barrier Reef showing coral and general coastal views
Great Barrier Reef which includes marine life

The largest coral reef in the world lies just off the coast of Cairns and offers thousands of kilometres of coral, marine life and untouched white sand beaches.

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 with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(1,474 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach featuring tropical scenes, landscape views and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

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 showing a park and forests

North Ward

North Ward is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while you're in town.

North Ward
Cairns Esplanade which includes night scenes

Cairns North

Pristine beaches and ample 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
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
The price is AU$359 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
AU$359
31 Jan - 1 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Staff were amazing!!

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is AU$225 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
AU$225
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Great room and great property with excellent staff!

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is AU$162 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
AU$162
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
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 in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Room was good. There was a used room service tray outside our room though. Check-in experience was terrible. Waited inline to check in took forever. People behind us were cutting the line and getting served by check in staff, when we followed one we were told that there was a queue. We informed her ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Hilton Cairns
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 beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,542 reviews)
friendly staff, clean room and great amenities

Reviewed on 17 Jan 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,606 reviews)
Couldn't fault it at all. Perfect location, close to transport, shops etc.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays

4 out of 5
11 Altmann Avenue Cannonvale QLD
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Cannonvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (763 reviews)
The rooms were beautiful and clean

Reviewed on 8 Jan 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities