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 NT$2,358 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
NT$2,358
NT$2,594 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Great for families"

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,749 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$4,749
NT$5,224 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location for stay"

Reviewed on 2025/7/27

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is NT$3,448 per night from Sep 5 to Sep 6
NT$3,448
NT$3,793 total
Sep 5 - Sep 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"We came back for a second night after 5 days travelling North. We were disappointed with our first room in terms of bed and some maintenance issues. I let staff know and found our recent room outstanding. Our 3 rating with the first stay is now a 5. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
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 4-star 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! (2,471 reviews)
"Was perfect"

Reviewed on 2025/7/30

Whitsunday Apartments
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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (708 reviews)
"Beautiful accommodation with an amazing view. We would happily book again."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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 center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,252 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 2025/8/1

Mantra Trilogy
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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