Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
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 Cairns Esplanade and Esplanade Lagoon.

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

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade or Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland might round out your trip.

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 Beach and Palm Cove 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 Park while you're in town.

North Ward
Madison Plaza Townsville
Madison Plaza Townsville
4 out of 5
409 Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Townsville, QLD
The price is AU$125 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$125
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"your hospitality says it all well done guys."

Reviewed on 8 Oct. 2024

Madison Plaza Townsville
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Pacific Hotel Cairns
4.5 out of 5
Corner Esplanade And Spence Street, Cairns, QLD
The price is AU$209 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$209
per night
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Best Location
"Returning guest. Walking distance to all tourist amenities, restaurants. galleries, casino and shops. Popular breakfast venue onsite for $20pp was enjoyed a few times. Hotel is popular with international guests. Onsite car parking at $15 pn was excellent and a spot was available every day despite ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2024

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road, Cairns, QLD
The price is AU$270 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$270
per night
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"I had the best stay!! The staff were amazing, the room was just perfect and everything was great. Thank you!!!!!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct. 2024

Shangri-La The Marina, 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.
Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel
Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel
4 out of 5
79 Goondoon Street, Gladstone, QLD
Stay at this 4-star 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! (829 reviews)
Would stay there again!
"Great place to stay. Was on 7th floor with a balcony and had a great view. Reception staff were friendly and helpful. Very central to restaurants. Breakfast was great at coffee club as well."

Reviewed on 8 Oct. 2024

Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel
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! (1,494 reviews)
"It wasn't quiet at all"

Reviewed on 15 Oct. 2024

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
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! (2,405 reviews)
"Good!"

Reviewed on 15 Oct. 2024

Whitsunday 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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