Great Barrier Reef

Travel Guide

Great Barrier Reef featuring marine life, coral and scuba diving
Great Barrier Reef featuring marine life, coral and scuba diving
Great Barrier Reef which includes colorful reefs and general coastal views
Great Barrier Reef showing coral and general coastal views
Great Barrier Reef which includes marine life

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.

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Where to stay in Great Barrier Reef

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

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(69 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 which includes a sandy beach, landscape views 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
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

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
Queens Gardens which includes forest scenes and a park

North Ward

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

North Ward
The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland

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
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 S$330 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$330
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Comfortable rooms with lovely pools to relax after a travel day

Reviewed on 17 Feb, 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD
The price is S$163 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
S$163
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Carpet in the room was very old and dirty. The hotel is under major construction and the entire first floor is being renovated. Being on the second floor without prior notice when booking was extremely frustrating as the construction work started at 8:30am so don’t think about sleeping late.

Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2026

Airlie Beach Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
The price is S$152 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
S$152
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
The day of the 15th, when the room was serviced, a few things were not done. I had to request tea bags, hand towels, etc. For a Hilton Hotel at $260 per night, I was slightly disappointed. Next time I stay in Cairns, I will choose another hotel. Buffet breakfast was excellent

Reviewed on 17 Feb, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
See all 4,887 properties in Great Barrier Reef
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

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive Whitsundays QLD
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,559 reviews)
The location, overlooking Catseye Beach, was perfect for us. The beach was a short walk away, and there were nearby restaurants, buggy hire and souvenir shop. The room was clean, spacious and well-equipped. The staff were friendly and helpful. Stayed 7 night s there and would happily go back.

Reviewed on 17 Feb, 2026

Whitsunday Apartments
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street Cairns QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,619 reviews)
Overall position. Great room had everything I needed.

Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2026

Southern Cross Atrium 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 luxury aparthotel in Craiglie. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Vie Spa Port Douglas and Four ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,027 reviews)
Big room and great location

Reviewed on 13 Feb, 2026

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
See all properties in Great Barrier Reef
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.

Popular places to visit

Cairns Esplanade which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(57 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
Whitehaven Beach showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Whitehaven Beach

5/5(37 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.

Whitehaven Beach
Airlie Beach Lagoon showing swimming, a pool and tropical scenes

Airlie Beach Lagoon

4.5/5(30 reviews)

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.

Airlie Beach Lagoon
Port of Airlie which includes a bay or harbour

Port of Airlie

4.5/5(29 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.

Port of Airlie
Catseye Beach which includes sailing and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Catseye Beach

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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.

Catseye Beach
One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

4/5(37 reviews)

During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

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