Great Barrier Reef

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef which includes colorful reefs and general coastal views
Great Barrier Reef showing coral and general coastal views
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef showing general coastal views and coral
The largest coral reef in the world lies just off the coast of Cairns and offers thousands of kilometers 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 you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(264 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

Trinity Beach

Travelers to Trinity Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach.

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

Cairns North

Beaches and abundant 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 featuring mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while you're in town.

Clifton Beach
The Strand which includes hiking or walking, a sunset and general coastal views

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
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is ¥10,060 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
¥10,060
¥11,066 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
All amenities and services for ever and all accommodations everywhere in the world should be as awesome always. Especially all requests granted if able to.

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade Cairns North QLD
The price is ¥13,897 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
¥13,897
¥15,287 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Room was clean. Bed was very comfortable. Hotel was well positioned from both airport and city centre.

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Madison Plaza Townsville

Madison Plaza Townsville

4 out of 5
409 Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Townsville, QLD
The price is ¥10,234 per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
¥10,234
¥11,289 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Clean and Friendly

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2025

Madison Plaza Townsville
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
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,509 reviews)
It is Paradise..

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays

4 out of 5
11 Altmann Avenue Cannonvale QLD
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Cannonvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (737 reviews)
Amazing apartment, much larger than expected. Fantastic sea view. Great location in quiet area.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 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 WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,582 reviews)
Fantasic stay here, full kitchen, washing machine, dryer, 3 amazing pools to pick from. Very peaceful and quiet. Short walk to restaurants and cafes. Definitely great value

Reviewed on Nov 4, 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.

Popular places to visit