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 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(71 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.

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.

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.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is ฿4,545 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
฿4,545
฿4,999 total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Very nice hotel. Great location, right at the seaside, next to the reef terminal, and close to the night market. Also friendly staff. Had a wonderful stay.
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026

Hilton Cairns
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is ฿4,132 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
฿4,132
฿4,545 total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Breakfast was pretty good and hotel was a 4 stars at best
Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026

Airlie Beach Hotel
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,834 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
฿3,834
฿4,217 total
23 Apr - 24 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Lovely location. Fun pub. Remodeling. Happens. But started too early and was impossible to sleep through it.
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
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 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! (2,570 reviews)
Beautiful view from the balcony, nice staff keeping the room clean and tidy, can’t wait to get back
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (773 reviews)
Short visit, arrived late, left early but everything was great.
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
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! (1,627 reviews)
The apartment has no elevator. We stayed at 3rd floor and was hard to carry heavy luggage to it. The AC is not cool at all. I don't recommend the 3rd floor living especially during the hot summer due to AC inefficiency.
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026
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
4.5/5(58 reviews)
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Whitehaven Beach
5/5(39 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.

Macrossan Street
4.5/5(33 reviews)
During your visit to Port Douglas, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

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 Marlin Marina
4.5/5(25 reviews)
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Palm Cove Beach
4.5/5(39 reviews)
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.
Things to do

Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld
฿4,102
per traveller
92% of travellers recommend

Whitehaven Beach Purely Whitehaven Day Tour
฿5,134
per adult
94% of travellers recommend

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel
฿5,060
per adult
90% of travellers recommend

Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset Dinner Cruise
฿3,314
per adult

Rayglass Protector - Standard Private Charter - Whitsundays
฿85,114
per traveller

Whitsundays Premium Private Charter - Axopar 37 'Cheeky'
฿120,700
per traveller
