The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world for a reason. This remarkable underwater world is visible from space and is the largest structure in the world to be made of living organisms.
The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 2,900 coral reefs and 900 islands and expands over 344,400 square kilometres. This vast structure is home to countless marine plants and animals and draws millions of travellers from around the world every year.
The Great Barrier Reef is in the beautiful Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland. Depending on what part of the reef you'd like to explore, boat trips to the reef from the Australian coast can take a few hours. But it's well worth the trip.
A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is bound to be one of the greatest experiences of any traveller's life. This remarkable and beautiful natural wonder will exceed your expectations.
Getting in and around Great Barrier Reef
Cairns Airport
As one of the most famous tourist attractions in Australia, getting to the Great Barrier Reef is relatively easy. Many cities on the coast of Queensland have tourism industries largely based on reef tours. Cairns is just one city that offers snorkelling, diving and other access to the reef.
If you are flying - either domestically or internationally - to the reef, you will likely fly into Cairns International Airport. Cairns is a major airport in the region and sees regular domestic flights from cities throughout Australia as well as international connections. If Cairns is not your final destination, other tourist cities with reef access are within driving distance of Cairns.
Great Barrier Reef Transport
If you wish to explore the reef via the Whitsundays or Southern Reef Islands, Hamilton Island Airport or Whitsunday Coast Airport are viable options. From there, you would take a boat or bus to your hotel, depending on its location.
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Great Barrier Reef accommdation
Hotels, hostels and budget accommodation are available throughout northern Queensland's premier tourist cities. Travellers on any budget can find quality accommodation throughout the region to ensure their trip to the reef is comfortable and enjoyable.
Luxury
The Reef Hotel Casino. With a casino, nearby attractions and delicious restaurants, there's something for everyone at the luxurious Pullman Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns.
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort lets you experience Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef in style. This luxurious resort excels in service and beauty. Sofitel Reef Hotel With a casino, nearby attractions, and delicious restaurants, there's something for everyone at the luxurious Sofitel Reef Hotel and Casino.
Hayman Island on the Whitsunday Island lets you experience Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef in style; this luxurious resort excels in service and beauty.
Mid-range
Seagulls Resort in Townsville has a restaurant and is within walking distance to the beach.
Cairns Sheridan Hotel is just minutes from the Cairns airport and provides easy access to tour routes. Seagulls Resort on the Seafront boasts an award-winning restaurant and walking distance to the beach for your convenience.
The Quality Hotel Sheridan Plaza is just minutes from the Cairns airport and provides easy access to tour routes.
Budget
The Floriana Guest House in Cairns offers affordable, convenient accommodation in a cosy and charming art deco structure.
Cairns City Palms is in the centre of the CBD and close to the water for easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. The Floriana Guesthouse offers affordable, convenient accommodation in a cosy and charming art deco structure.
The Bellview is just steps away from the water for easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.
Backpackers
Summer House Backpackers in Cairns has a bar, restaurant, volleyball court and a swimming pool.
Nomads Magnetic Island has everything you need for a comfortable and affordable stay right on the beach. Nomads Serpent Backpackers Hostel in Cairns offers free nightly meals and a swimming pool.
Adventurers Backpackers Resort has everything you need for a comfortable and affordable stay.
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Things to do in the Great Barrier Reef
As you might imagine, most activities around the Great Barrier Reef involve getting wet. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, or something a little less damp, there's plenty of ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling. The Great Barrier Reef is home to some of the world's most beautiful exotic fish and marine life. Snorkelling is a great way to see these remarkable species, and tours are available at almost any tourist spot in and around the reef.
Great Barrier Reef Sailing. Sailing is one of the most popular pastimes around the Great Barrier Reef. Sailing excursions are available at Whitsunday Sailing Adventures among many other providers.
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Day trips in and around the Great Barrier Reef
Skydiving. Skydiving is just one way to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air. Skydiving services are available for all experience levels around the region.
Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with stark white sand and clear blue waters. It's quite a sight to behold.
Take a liveaboard trip. For travellers that want to experience the Great Barrier Reef for more than just a day, liveaboard cruises are available at many ports. Travellers can live aboard a ship and enjoy meals, snorkelling and diving.
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