Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

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.

The Strand
Hilton Cairns
Hilton Cairns
5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
The price is 4.646.656 ₫ per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
4.646.656 ₫
5.111.322 ₫ total
1 Jul - 2 Jul
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! (1,007 reviews)
Great service, wonderful location
"Staff were excellent and hotel is located in a prime position near the marina. Buffet breakfast catered for all the dietary options included GF. Executive lounge staff were incredible and looked after all our requests."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Hilton Cairns
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 8.503.380 ₫ per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
8.503.380 ₫
9.353.718 ₫ total
1 Jul - 2 Jul
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! (956 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is 3.136.493 ₫ per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
3.136.493 ₫
3.450.142 ₫ total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Good clean rooms. Near the beach"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
See all 4,940 properties in Great Barrier Reef
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.
Mirage Whitsundays
Mirage Whitsundays
4 out of 5
11 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cannonvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (692 reviews)
"The view was amazing. The food at the restaurant was delicious."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Mirage Whitsundays
Mantra Trilogy
Mantra Trilogy
4 out of 5
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! (1,237 reviews)
"Excellent hotel 10/10"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Mantra Trilogy
Madison Ocean Breeze
Madison Ocean Breeze
3.5 out of 5
81 Mitchell Street, North Ward, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (537 reviews)
"Great location close to the Strand and a great variety of restairants and takeaway food s nearby. Safe, secure underground parking. Easy lift access to the three floors, Splacous room with balcony with partial sea view. Microwave.stove and kitchen facilites for preparing your own breakfast and light ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
See all properties in Great Barrier Reef
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 showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(57 reviews)

Cairns Esplanade is just one of the places to see in Cairns, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Esplanade
Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach

5/5(37 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Whitehaven Beach during your travels in Whitsundays?

Whitehaven Beach
Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal showing a ferry as well as a small group of people

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

4/5(1 review)

Explore the waterfront in Townsville with a trip to Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal
Cairns Marlin Marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cairns with a trip to Cairns Marlin Marina. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Port of Airlie which includes a bay or harbour

Port of Airlie

4.5/5(29 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Airlie Beach with a trip to Port of Airlie. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Port of Airlie
Palm Cove Beach

Palm Cove Beach

4.5/5(39 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Palm Cove Beach during your travels in Cairns? While in this relaxing area, find time to visit its spas.

Palm Cove Beach