Book The Best Hotels in Great Barrier Reef for 2026 from CA $70 - Fully Refundable Options

Two scuba divers exploring a vibrant coral reef with various colorful corals and marine life.

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Go beyond your typical stay in Great Barrier Reef

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Our top choices for Great Barrier Reef hotels

Premium Room, 2 Double Beds | Balcony view

1. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns North

Patricia

CA $192

CA $212 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 5 - Sep 6

2. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Cairns Central Business District

Greg

CA $196

CA $217 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 3 - Sep 4

3. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns North

Nino

CA $193

CA $213 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

4. Mantra Amphora

Palm Cove

Gary

CA $275

CA $275 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 10 - Sep 11

5. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Cairns Central Business District

Paul

CA $277

CA $304 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 13 - Sep 14

6. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Palm Cove

"Great comfortable resort, lots of pools and banana lounges, undercover bar, seating area with tv to retreat from the sun or rain. Happy hour at 3-5pm with music so great vibe. Rooms are clean. Breakfast buffet is of excellent quality. I love the spinach and mushrooms. Lots of variety and great professional Nespresso coffee machine. Staff are very pleasant and helpful. You are right on the beach and a short walk to the shops and restaurants. Perfect for couples or families."

Maria

CA $282

CA $310 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

7. Hilton Cairns

Cairns Central Business District

Owais

CA $258

CA $284 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

8. Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach

Brad

CA $172

CA $190 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Sea Suite Two Bedrooms | Beach/ocean view

9. Crystalbrook Flynn

Cairns Central Business District

Diarmid

CA $286

CA $315 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

10. The Abbott Boutique Hotel

Cairns Central Business District

Alok

CA $219

CA $245 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

11. Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Port Douglas

Larissa

CA $160

CA $176 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 30 - Aug 31

12. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Manunda

Majella

CA $140

CA $154 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 16 - Sep 17

Superior Suite (Executive) | Living area

13. Pullman Cairns International

Cairns Central Business District

Genaviv

CA $240

CA $264 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

14. Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

Palm Cove

Racquel

CA $217

CA $238 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 7 - Sep 8

15. Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

Port Douglas

Molly

CA $205

CA $225 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

16. Mantra Esplanade

Cairns Central Business District

Jake

CA $280

CA $280 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

Honeymoon Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Tower

17. Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Cairns Central Business District

Kazimierz

CA $136

CA $151 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 6 - Sep 7

18. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Craiglie

Carlos Rodriguez

CA $300

CA $330 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 10 - Sep 11

19. Crystalbrook Bailey

Cairns Central Business District

Lee-rae

CA $254

CA $279 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 13 - Sep 14

20. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

Cairns Central Business District

Vanessa

CA $213

CA $235 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 16 - Sep 17

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Vacation Rentals in Great Barrier Reef

Aparthotel

Trinity Collective

Trinity Beach

"Lovely place."

Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

Palm Cove

"Super easy booking, check-in and great communication. Would definitely stay again."

Aparthotel

Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach

"This was a very clean, well kept and well located apartment for a short stay!"

Aparthotel

Melaleuca Resort

Palm Cove

"Clean room, facilities great, location perfect."

Aparthotel

Premium One-Bedroom Queen Apartment with Sofa Bed | Living area

One-Bedroom King Apartment - Pool/Garden View

One-Bedroom Queen with Sofa Bed - Pool/Garden View

Golden Sands Beachfront Apartment Resort

Yorkeys Knob

"Nice place. Very comfortable. We hated to leave."

Aparthotel

1 Bedroom Beachfront - Deluxe | Balcony view

On the Beach Holiday Apartments

Trinity Beach

"Clean room, great location, would definitely stay here again"

Aparthotel

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Port Douglas

"Check in was quick and easy, rooms were clean and spacious and the hotel pools were great. All round fantastic place to stay."

Aparthotel

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Beachside | Living area

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Beachside | Terrace/patio

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Beachside | View from room

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

Clifton Beach

"Fabulous location in a beachfront apartment. Loved the pool and our wonderful sea views. Bus stop nearby for easy access into Cairns"

Aparthotel

Coral Sands Resort

Trinity Beach

"Really well located. Easy, clean accomodation which met all the basic needs of a family holiday."

Aparthotel

Port Douglas Retreat

Port Douglas

"Ideally located for walking to restaurants/shops M"

Aparthotel

Superior Three Bedroom Sea View Apartment | Terrace/patio

Roydon Beachfront Apartments

Trinity Beach

"Very spacious with a nice view towards the ocean."

Apartment

Premium One Bedroom Apartment (Guests 8 Years Old and Over Only) | Living area

Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments

Clifton Beach

"Friendly and helpful staff Close to the beach"

Aparthotel

3 Bedroom Beach Front Apartment - Complimentary Parking, WiFi and Daily Beach Yoga

3 Bedroom Pool View Apartment - Complimentary Parking, WiFi and Daily Beach Yoga

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

Palm Cove

"Great propertt"

Aparthotel

Premium Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Sea View | Private kitchen

Cairns Beach Resort

Holloways Beach

"The staff is very easy communication with. The room is clean and has everything we need."

Aparthotel

Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

Trinity Beach

"The property was great, very central amazing pool with sand and a swim up bar !"

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Stay near popular Great Barrier Reef attractions

A large public swimming pool with people swimming and playing, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.

Cairns Esplanade

9.2/10 (7,071 reviews)

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

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A sandy beach with palm trees and ocean waves.

Palm Cove Beach

9.0/10 (4,218 reviews)

Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

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A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and green hills.

Whitehaven Beach

9.6/10 (822 reviews)

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.

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A marina with several sailboats docked at the pier.

Cairns Marlin Marina

8.8/10 (3,149 reviews)

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

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A street lined with trees decorated with lights, a bar named 'IRON BAR', and parked cars.

Macrossan Street

9.2/10 (1,937 reviews)

During your visit to Port Douglas, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

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A tropical beach with clear turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and lush greenery.

Four Mile Beach

9.2/10 (1,998 reviews)

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.

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A beach with clear turquoise water, people sunbathing, and sailboats with colorful sails.

Catseye Beach

9.0/10 (790 reviews)

Swim, stroll, try exciting watersports or simply recline under the shade of palm trees and enjoy the views from one of Hamilton Island’s main beaches.

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Daintree Rainforest

9.4/10 (647 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Daintree Rainforest, a lovely green space in Diwan. Wander the rainforest and riverfront while you're in the area.

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Learn more about Great Barrier Reef

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.

See all hotels in Great Barrier Reef

Top Great Barrier Reef Hotel Reviews

Reef View Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"So spacious with convenient transportation, staff helpful with the tons of luggage I had and the views are breathtaking"

Hilton Cairns

8/10 Good

"Good location, nice water view, pool, comfortable rooms. But the buffet breakfast needs some attention. It was very busy and having just one (working) coffee machine for1 00+ people is just unacceptable. You either have to wait or pay extra for a handmade one. Not very luxe."

Airlie Beach Hotel

8/10 Good

"Roof was clean and comfortable and staff were helpful and efficient. There was building work going on to upgrade the amenities so future guests can have an even better stay."

Pacific Hotel Cairns

8/10 Good

"The hotel is lovely but some updating on guest service access and information is needed. QR code not working to look up amenities/services and some information is inaccurate, i.e. the location of laundry services. But location is awesome and the room was spacious. Loved having bath robes :)"

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

8/10 Good

"Well situated and appointed family resort, set in lush gardens with restaurants within the complex. As an older couple travelling without a car we left the pools to the very happy families using them. However we could walk to the stunning Botanic Gardens and use the bus to travel into the city for the wonderful Kuranda Rail trip and walks along the Esplanade. The resort makes a good base, the staff are all lovely and rooms are serviced daily."

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

8/10 Good

"Nice hotel, not the best location, especially having to walk past the hospital at night. Would have been nice to have the bar open after 10pm in the evening. Staff were attentive to maintenance issues raised and were keen to offer compensation in the form of free services."

Magnums Airlie Beach

10/10 Excellent

"A spacious cabin for an overnight stay. A friendly staff member at check in and free parking nearby. The bathrooms could do with an upgrade but otherwise a good choice."

Whitsunday Apartments

8/10 Good

"Location is ideal and the apartment is spacious. Only issue was with bugs that we had to report to housekeeping to manage. The floors also did not appear to be cleaned in the eating area as there were crumbs from whoever was there last."

The Oceanfront Cairns

10/10 Excellent

"Great stay! Property is very clean. Bathrooms have been redone."

More cheap stays in Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

49-61 Little Pease Street Manoora QLD

CA $70

CA $70 total

Aug 30 - Aug 31

includes taxes & fees

7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)

Magnums Airlie Beach

370 Shute Harbour Rd. Airlie Beach QLD

CA $84

CA $94 total

Sep 8 - Sep 9

includes taxes & fees

8.4/10 Very good! (771 reviews)

The Espy Hostel

83 Esplanade Cairns QLD

CA $86

CA $95 total

Sep 2 - Sep 3

includes taxes & fees

7.6/10 Good! (91 reviews)

The Reef Motel

228 Lake Street Cairns QLD

CA $126

CA $139 total

Aug 30 - Aug 31

includes taxes & fees

4.8/10 (16 reviews)

Summit Motel

6 Victoria Street Townsville QLD

CA $134

CA $148 total

Aug 21 - Aug 22

includes taxes & fees

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

57-89 Grafton Street Cairns QLD

CA $182

CA $202 total

Aug 24 - Aug 25

includes taxes & fees

8/10 Very good! (453 reviews)

Hotels in Great Barrier Reef with star rating

Find out more about Great Barrier Reef

Top reasons to visit Great Barrier Reef

Stunning Marine Life: Experience the vibrant underwater ecosystem with diverse marine species, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Beautiful Islands: Explore picturesque islands with pristine beaches, offering a tranquil escape amidst nature.
Exciting Reef Excursions: Enjoy guided tours that take you to the heart of the reef for unforgettable adventures.
Scenic Sailing Trips: Discover the beauty of the reef from the water on memorable sailing excursions.
Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy eco-friendly experiences that cater to all ages, making it a perfect family vacation spot.

Things to do in Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is perfect for eco-friendly family vacations, offering a variety of activities such as marine adventures, swimming spots, and outdoor excursions. Visitors can enjoy day trips, explore recreational areas, shop, and even feed kangaroos. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, this destination promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Great Barrier Reef

Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay for the Great Barrier Reef with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Best time to go to Great Barrier Reef

The best time to visit Great Barrier Reef depends on your weather preferences. The hottest average temperature around Great Barrier Reef is in January and February. February is mostly cloudy. The coolest average temperature around Great Barrier Reef is in June when weather is mostly sunny and rainfall is no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness
January	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy
February	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy
March	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny
April	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny
May	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny
June	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny
July	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny
August	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny
September	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny
October	72.5°F (22.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny
November	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny
December	78.3°F (25.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny

Find hotels in Great Barrier Reef from CA $70

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Go beyond your typical stay in Great Barrier Reef

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for Great Barrier Reef hotels

1. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

2. Pacific Hotel Cairns

3. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

4. Mantra Amphora

5. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

6. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

7. Hilton Cairns

8. Airlie Beach Hotel

9. Crystalbrook Flynn

10. The Abbott Boutique Hotel

11. Oaks Port Douglas Resort

12. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

13. Pullman Cairns International

14. Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

15. Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

16. Mantra Esplanade

17. Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

18. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

19. Crystalbrook Bailey

20. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

Vacation Rentals in Great Barrier Reef

Trinity Collective

The Reef Retreat

Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach

Melaleuca Resort

Golden Sands Beachfront Apartment Resort

On the Beach Holiday Apartments

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

Coral Sands Resort

Port Douglas Retreat

Roydon Beachfront Apartments

Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

Cairns Beach Resort

Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

Stay near popular Great Barrier Reef attractions

Cairns Esplanade

Palm Cove Beach

Whitehaven Beach

Cairns Marlin Marina

Macrossan Street

Four Mile Beach

Catseye Beach

Daintree Rainforest

Learn more about Great Barrier Reef

Top Great Barrier Reef Hotel Reviews

Reef View Hotel

Hilton Cairns

Airlie Beach Hotel

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Magnums Airlie Beach

Whitsunday Apartments

The Oceanfront Cairns

More cheap stays in Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Magnums Airlie Beach

The Espy Hostel

The Reef Motel

Summit Motel

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Hotels in Great Barrier Reef with star rating

Find out more about Great Barrier Reef

Top reasons to visit Great Barrier Reef

Things to do in Great Barrier Reef

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Great Barrier Reef

Best time to go to Great Barrier Reef

Explore a world of travel with Expedia