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(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.
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 ฿2,564 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿2,564
฿2,821 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"It was good"
Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025
Hilton Cairns
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,691 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,691
฿5,160 total
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great location period right on the promenade. Executive Club was expensive but nice"
Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
The price is ฿5,890 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
฿5,890
฿6,479 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Everything from check in to finding my way around was perfectly managed by the staff. Philippe and Sebastian assisted me with booking my diving and hot air balloon trip. This is an excellent place to stay for vacation and as a base for the greater Cairns area"
Reviewed on 24 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,479 reviews)
"Great location, close to beach. The bus service was excellent, it ran every 10 mins until late at night. Swimming pool was nice. Apartment had everything we needed."
Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
3-11 Water Street, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,559 reviews)
"good location. very nice accommodation"
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025
Mantra Trilogy
101 - 105 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,261 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.
Things to do
Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel
฿4,836
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld
฿3,267
per traveller
90% of travellers recommend
Private Standard Charter Experience in Whitsundays
฿80,652
per traveller