Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Great Barrier Reef which includes colourful reefs, marine life and scuba diving
Great Barrier Reef which includes colourful reefs, marine life 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.

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 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
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
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
Queens Gardens showing forest scenes and a park

North Ward

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

North Ward
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 ฿7,819 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
฿7,819
฿8,601 total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Clean and spacious room. Great pools. Fantastic breakfast buffet. Friendly staff.

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
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 ฿3,417 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
฿3,417
฿3,759 total
26 Feb - 27 Feb
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
The room was extremely clean and fresh. The staff were exceptionally helpful and pleasant. The buffet breakfast offered me what I needed with vegan, gluten-free options and the food was thoroughly delightful. I highly recommend this hotel for your Cairns stays.

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD
The price is ฿4,141 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
฿4,141
฿4,555 total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Great service

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Airlie Beach Hotel
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! (2,555 reviews)
It was very clean and comfortable and staff most helpful - brought us a coffee plunger upon request. Perfect location , loved the beach, pools etc. Easy access to the Marina and scenic walks.

Reviewed on 2 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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,608 reviews)
The facilities were very good, just what we required and close to shopping. Slight distance to esplanade but not an issue to walk. Lives the swimming pool, we had a problem with our hot water cylinder and staff responded immediately and sorted same day. Wonderful stay.

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays

4 out of 5
11 Altmann Avenue Cannonvale QLD
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Cannonvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (771 reviews)
The room was so big and spacious! It was nice having a kitchen and the buffet breakfast was soo good!! The pool was also so amazing. The Mirage was a bit of a walk from the main centre of Airlie however the bus is only a 5min walk and public transport is so cheap in Airlie!

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Mirage Whitsundays
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.

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