Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Great Barrier Reef
Where to stay in Great Barrier Reef
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is AU$149 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$149
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (1,000 reviews)
"The cafe and restaurant was a bonus."
Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025
Hilton Cairns
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$270 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$270
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"I loved the view but prefer the Double tree Hilton up the road for the little touches. Not enough tea and coffee in the room and no facility to warm milk for coffee just little things but considering the expense … otherwise lovely clean comfortable rooms within walking distance to everything"
Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is AU$218 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$218
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Unheated, cold pool and no indoor spa instead."
Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025
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
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! (2,472 reviews)
"Was perfect"
Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025
Mirage Whitsundays
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! (709 reviews)
"lovely apartment with excellent facilities. good pools, cafe, etc would stay again"
Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025
Mantra Trilogy
101 - 105 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,257 reviews)
A great location
"Great location, room very comfortable and clean."
Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025
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.
Check Great Barrier Reef hotel availability
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Whitehaven Beach
Stroll along this famous beach on Whitsunday Island to experience its dazzling white sands and gently lapping waters in different hues of blue and green.
Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal
This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.
Port of Airlie
This sun-kissed marina is your gateway to the world-famous Whitsunday Islands. Sail or drive here to shop or dine with views over the glistering turquoise waters.
Catseye Beach
Swim, stroll, try exciting watersports or simply recline under the shade of palm trees and enjoy the views from one of Hamilton Island’s main beaches.
Airlie Beach Lagoon
Spend the day with the family enjoying the sheltered waters of Airlie Beach’s own tropical oasis, surrounded by landscaped gardens and grassy picnic areas.
Activities
Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel
AU$229
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld
AU$155
per traveller
90% of travellers recommend
Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise
AU$112
per adult
88% of travellers recommend