Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef
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

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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
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
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Burnett Heads

Burnett Heads might not have many top sights, but Oaks Beach and Mon Repos Turtle Centre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Burnett Heads
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹6,871 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
₹6,871
₹7,558 total
15 Dec - 16 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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 their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,037 reviews)
Rooms were amazing,clean,spacious and comfortable.Staff were friendly and extremely helpful.Highly recommend

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade Cairns North QLD
The price is ₹8,154 per night from 19 Dec to 20 Dec
₹8,154
₹8,969 total
19 Dec - 20 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
Lovely hotel in an excellent location Staff are very friendly and welcoming and the breakfast is adequate although a bit monotonous with the same menu everyday -discontinued the porridge after 2 days which my elderly father had for breakfast but otherwise would highly recommend it.

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is ₹10,744 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
₹10,744
₹11,819 total
7 Dec - 8 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
Nice place to stay , good location if you need a boat out to the reef, easy walk to shops and places to eat.

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
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! (2,517 reviews)
The views were stunning. I would come back again

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Whitsunday 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! (745 reviews)
Really enjoyed our stay, room was absolutely beautiful, spotlessly clean with ocean views - magical.. Only compliants - the very noisy shower screen on opening and closing, maybe the hinge needs replacing, lounge suite very uncomfortable and the whole complex had no water just as we all needed to ...

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Mirage Whitsundays
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! (1,596 reviews)
Lovely clean unit, with amenities closa by

Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
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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