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

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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 showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming

2. 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.

3. 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 showing a ferry as well as a small group of people

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

What to do in Great Barrier Reef


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Great Barrier Reef

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Palm Cove

Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland.

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

Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure.

Trinity Beach
Cairns Esplanade featuring a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

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
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
The Strand which includes a sunset, hiking or walking and a garden

The Strand

Go for a swim, enjoy a meal with a view, take a Jet Ski tour or just stroll beneath the palm trees on Townsville’s scenic waterfront.

The Strand