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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

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
The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland

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
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
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
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is AU$224 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$224
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
Accomodation flawless. Everything within walking distance.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD
The price is AU$206 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$206
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
The best location and the atmosphere downstairs in pub and bistro are fantastic. Best place to watch sports with huge screens and awesome sound.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Airlie Beach Hotel
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is AU$170 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$170
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (1,011 reviews)
Ocean harbor views were fantastic

Reviewed on 10 Mar 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! (2,564 reviews)
The location, overlooking Catseye Beach, was perfect for us. The beach was a short walk away, and there were nearby restaurants, buggy hire and souvenir shop. The room was clean, spacious and well-equipped. The staff were friendly and helpful. Stayed 7 night s there and would happily go back.

Reviewed on 17 Feb 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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,626 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 5 Mar 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

3.5 out of 5
23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (768 reviews)
Had a wonderful stay at the resort. Clean accommodation and beautifully manicured gardens. The accommodation was clean and spacious with more than adequate room to have family members stay overnight with us. All amenities were easily accessible and start with friendly and very helpful. The resort ...

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Cairns Coconut Holiday 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.

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