Title: Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide: Best of Great Barrier Reef, Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk

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# Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

## Tourist Guide

![Great Barrier Reef which includes colourful reefs, marine life and scuba diving](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/ab4d2ac1-badb-4946-beac-2ab9b841fa87.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Great Barrier Reef which includes colourful reefs, marine life and scuba diving](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/ab4d2ac1-badb-4946-beac-2ab9b841fa87.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Great Barrier Reef which includes colorful reefs and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/8323ad10-e4f7-4a53-a27b-db2c2888f384.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Great Barrier Reef showing coral and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/db653a87-4c5c-44ef-b5d0-c477bf20e1b3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Great Barrier Reef which includes marine life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/d1198592-930a-44e5-9aae-ece32404dc1d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Great Barrier Reef

Where to stay

Things to do

#### 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.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It stretches for 1,240 miles (2,000 kilometers) in the warm waters off the coast of North Queensland. The reef is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, secluded islands and crystal-clear waters brimming with coral and marine life. The World Heritage listed site is best visited by day trip from Cairns. Snorkel, dive or cruise the reef on a glass-bottomed boat.

This is the world’s largest coral reef. It encompasses close to 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch over almost 133,000 square miles (350,000 square kilometers). It’s estimated to be about 600,000 years old, and is renowned for its stunning biodiversity. See tropical fish, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, porpoises, molluscs and giant clams that are more than 120 years old. Living organisms like sponges and starfish feed off the coral.

The best way to enjoy the reef is to get on a boat and head out to sea. You can organize tours from the central tourism office in Cairns. There are a range of different tour companies and packages to choose from, whether you want to snorkel or dive, charter a yacht or stay overnight on an island. If you prefer to stay dry, sign up for a cruise on a glass-bottomed boat and explore the reef in an underwater observatory. 

Many islands make up the Great Barrier Reef, and some are easily reached by day trip from Cairns. The islands range from low-lying sand cays surrounded by crystal-clear water, to popular holiday islands dotted with resorts. Island hop as part of a tour or book a seat on a sea plane and spend a couple of nights in a luxury resort.

June to October is considered peak season when there is the best water conditions and the most number of visitors. Come outside this season for reduced rates on accommodation and tours. The average seawater temperature is 79 F (26 C), and the air temperature is warm in winter and hot in summer. 

It takes anywhere between 90 minutes and two hours to reach the reef from Cairns.

### Where to stay in Great Barrier Reef

![Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/177486/e8103af6-5bdb-41dd-9b23-8b45673a5ba4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Palm-Cove.dx177486)

![Cairns which includes a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340801489/716fe001-2c59-4ffe-bc83-f653f7609941.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Cairns-Central-Business-District.dx6268031)

![Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/12091/18cfccf6-39c1-49ec-9bce-15a058949af1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Trinity-Beach.dx12091)

![Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047619/68758683-7101-43f8-bc20-58667e10ae8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Yorkeys-Knob.dx6047619)

![The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6131529/180ef19c-8f96-4116-a1dd-83cce1df4d64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Cairns-North.dx6131529)

![Queens Gardens showing forest scenes and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967683/bdd2acd1-9eb3-4991-88ee-56da0400fb50.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### 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. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Townsville-North-Ward.dx6217111)

- Top hotels in Great Barrier Reef
- Top Holiday Rentals in Great Barrier Reef

![Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8100/8065/71185deb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD

£200

9 Feb - 10 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

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=8065&PinnedHotelID=8065&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6061129)

![Airlie Beach Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2660000/2650800/2650713/b924af49_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Airlie Beach Hotel

Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD

£106

8 Mar - 9 Mar

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

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F03%2F2026&endDate=09%2F03%2F2026&selected=2650713&PinnedHotelID=2650713&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6061129)

![Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/16100/16032/d15de08f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD

£112

10 Mar - 11 Mar

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! (1,008 reviews)

Clean spacious room and bathroom.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=10%2F03%2F2026&endDate=11%2F03%2F2026&selected=16032&PinnedHotelID=16032&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6061129)

[See all 5,018 properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&regionId=6061129)

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](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1660000/1655600/1655585/38d864b5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Whitsunday Apartments

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

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitsundays-Hotels-Whitsunday-Apartments.h1655585.Hotel-Information)

![Southern Cross Atrium Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1120000/1119300/1119287/a60f0bb9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

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

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Hotels-Southern-Cross-Atrium-Apartments.h1119287.Hotel-Information)

![Mirage Whitsundays](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11070000/11066300/11066236/1c0aec6f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Mirage Whitsundays

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

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Airlie-Beach-Hotels-Mirage-Whitsundays.h11066236.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=6061129&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

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

[Tonight

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[9 Feb - 10 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6061129&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Cairns Esplanade showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127785/4d6928c8-cfa7-41e9-ba62-fe6f27b138d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Cairns-Esplanade-Cairns-North.d6127785.Attraction)

![Whitehaven Beach showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6152056/23f4869a-6a0e-4537-be75-68343aa63aec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 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.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Whitehaven-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152056.Attraction)

![Hamilton Island Marina showing a bay or harbour, landscape views and boating](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6142905/fdbb0ef1-41f0-4c73-b0fd-3837f51f34a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Hamilton Island Marina

Cruise in for a visit or begin your boating adventure in the Great Barrier Reef from this world-class marina and make use of its fantastic facilities and great dining.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hamilton-Island-Marina-Whitsundays.d6142905.Attraction)

![Port of Airlie which includes a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621592884319/46ad77fa-03c7-4310-b0b9-9bc1080de528.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 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.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Port-Of-Airlie-Airlie-Beach.d553248621592884319.Attraction)

![Four Mile Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047615/67dfb39c-7b78-4624-9757-e849703f6d2d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Four Mile Beach

One of the most-photographed stretches of beach in Australia has pristine white sands, waving palm trees, clear blue water and spectacular views across the ocean.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Four-Mile-Beach-Port-Douglas.d6047615.Attraction)

![Airlie Beach Lagoon showing a pool, tropical scenes and swimming](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6283231/4b1c74df-8b44-44cf-a2bb-312d86bed5d0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 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.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Airlie-Beach-Lagoon-Airlie-Beach.d6283231.Attraction)

### Things to do

![Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/180269/59ccc3b3-aa7a-4cbb-87f8-4d04a0e5dec2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld

£95

per traveller

**92%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/great-barrier-reef-adventure-to-reefworld.a180269.activity-details)

![Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset Dinner Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50560811/6c4fb468-cfe7-46d0-9642-a5fef9c95cb0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset Dinner Cruise

£77

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/hamilton-island-whitsundays-sunset-dinner-cruise.a50560811.activity-details)

![Whitsundays Premium Private Charter - Axopar 37 'Cheeky'](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2470513/1e139616-d74f-4478-98e6-c7001d7ce63d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Whitsundays Premium Private Charter - Axopar 37 'Cheeky'

£2,800

per traveller

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/whitsundays-premium-private-charter-axopar-37-cheeky.a2470513.activity-details)

[See all activities in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Activities)

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