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 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 showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach 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 featuring 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
Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

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

Clifton Beach
Queens Gardens showing forest scenes and a park

North Ward

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

North Ward
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is AU$115 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$115
includes taxes & fees
9 Apr - 10 Apr
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"It was suitable for a one night accommodation that was last minute was very pleased with the service"

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
4 out of 5
209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$122 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$122
includes taxes & fees
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"We booked The Cairns Harbourside as a quick getaway from the Tablelands. We received a fantastic rate. The hotel has older rooms that will need a reno soonish, but the room itself was clean, beds very comfortable, fabulous pillows. The water pressure in the bathroom was great! after The lifts are ..."

Reviewed on 8 Mar. 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
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$409 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
AU$409
includes taxes & fees
12 Mar - 13 Mar
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! (932 reviews)
"The property itself is exceptional, the gym, spa, pools etc are great. Restaurants were amazing. We may have gone in an off peak season so I am thinking the resort was understaffed as the cleanliness was lacking. For example our bed was made and towels replaced daily however the actually bathroom ..."

Reviewed on 4 Mar. 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
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.
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! (661 reviews)
"We had villa 32 with pool. It was spacious and clean."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2025

Mirage Whitsundays
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! (2,446 reviews)
"Incredible experience, very friendly and professional staff. Would definitely do again!"

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
5 out of 5
Mitre Street, Craiglie, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Craiglie. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Vie Spa Port Douglas ...
9/10 Wonderful! (973 reviews)
"The Pullman is one of the farthest hotels from the Port Douglas village, but it is self-contained, and the staff are incredibly helpful with any requests. We self-drove but there was also a shuttle available at most times into town. We selected the Pullman for the timeless decor. I had read a few ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
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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