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.
Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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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 Vie Spa Palm Cove, 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 Village Shopping Centre and Clifton Beach while in the area.

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.

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
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 Harbourside Hotel
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

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
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
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
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

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! (2,446 reviews)
"Incredible experience, very friendly and professional staff. Would definitely do again!"
Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2025

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
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
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
4.5/5(1,351 reviews)
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Marlin Marina
4.5/5(664 reviews)
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Port of Airlie
4.5/5(307 reviews)
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.

Whitehaven Beach
4.5/5(287 reviews)
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.

Four Mile Beach
4.5/5(639 reviews)
Unspoiled white sand, crystal-clear blue water, swaying palm trees and stunning views of the ocean make this one of the most picturesque beaches in town.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal
4.5/5(232 reviews)
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.
Activities

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel
AU$199
per adult
96% of travellers recommend

Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld
AU$190
per traveller
90% of travellers recommend

Whitsundays Premium Private Charter - Axopar 37 'Cheeky'
AU$4,650
per traveller

Camira Whitehaven Beach Sailing Adventure
AU$192
per traveller
94% of travellers recommend

Sunset Cruise Private Charter Hamilton Island
AU$895
per traveller

Private Standard Charter Experience in Whitsundays
AU$3,250
per traveller