Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef

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

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Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park, 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

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
Cairns Esplanade showing a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

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
The Strand showing a park, a sunset and hiking or walking

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

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is AU$130 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
AU$130
19 Nov - 20 Nov
includes taxes & 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! (1,020 reviews)
Love this place everytime

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
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$389 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
AU$389
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Great holiday

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$198 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$198
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,036 reviews)
Nice room ocean view

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Cairns Harbourside 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.
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! (2,498 reviews)
Great option for a group of 4 or more. Great view and convenienly located close to the dock. The room was clean and equiped for cooking. The only thing needs a lot of improvement is internet. The speed is extremely slow, you can barely navigate in your browser basic content, don't even think about ...

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Whitsunday 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! (732 reviews)
booked penthouse, really awesome view

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Mirage Whitsundays
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! (1,579 reviews)
Property was perfect for us as we needed 2 connecting rooms. Property Manager was great as he was always there to help ordering a Cab when Ubers cancelled trips. Kids loved the option of 3 pools. Great aircon and fans in rooms. Would definatley stay again.

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
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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