What to do in Great Barrier Reef

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Great Barrier Reef AU$145. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

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Top places to visit

1. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.
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Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, a pool and swimming

2. Cairns Marlin Marina

The Cairns Marlin Marina is where all your Great Barrier Reef adventures start, with tour boats coming and going throughout the day. Enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining along the waterfront promenade.
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Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

3. Whitehaven Beach

Subtropical Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is the most famous beach in Queensland and consistently ranks high among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stroll along the beach, dive in for a swim and let the beauty of the beach rub off on you.
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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.

4. Hamilton Island Marina

The Hamilton Island Marina is a convenient place to launch your voyage into the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands or stopover for a relaxing stay in a waterfront villa. With spacious berths for yachts and super yachts, the marina is fitted out with state-of-the-art facilities and professional boat care specialists. Alternatively, jump on board one of the passenger ferries or charter tours that depart from the Hamilton Island Marina to explore Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef or the Whitsunday Islands.
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Hamilton Island Marina featuring a bay or harbour, boating and landscape views

5. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

The Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal is the main entry and exit point for Magnetic Island, Townsville’s enchanting outpost in the Coral Sea. Regular ferries connect the island to the mainland, just 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.
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Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal featuring a ferry as well as a small group of people

6. Port of Airlie

Boasting year-round warm weather, subtropical waters, shops, restaurants and accommodations, the Port of Airlie can be seen as a destination in itself, although most visitors come here to take a trip out to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
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Port of Airlie which includes a bay or harbour

7. Palm Cove Beach

Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees.
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Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

8. Airlie Beach Lagoon

Airlie Beach Lagoon is a safe and relaxing swimming spot in the heart of the township, where you can play and swim in the clear waters and enjoy the pretty tropical surroundings. Known affectionately to visitors and locals as “the lagoon,” this sheltered man-made pool has been a favored meeting place since 2001 and combines elements of a natural lagoon to create an enticing and secure environment to unwind.
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Airlie Beach Lagoon which includes a pool, tropical scenes and swimming
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

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What to do in Great Barrier Reef


Discover the most popular places to visit 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
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Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob

 

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