Title: Visit Great Barrier Reef: Best of Great Barrier Reef Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Great-Barrier-Reef-Hotels.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Great-Barrier-Reef-Vacation-Rentals.d6061129.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Great Barrier Reef Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Car-Rental-Guide)[Great Barrier Reef Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Great Barrier Reef ## Travel Guide ![Great Barrier Reef featuring colourful reefs, scuba diving and marine life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/ab4d2ac1-badb-4946-beac-2ab9b841fa87.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef featuring colourful reefs, scuba diving and marine life](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 showing 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. ### 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 you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Palm-Cove.dx177486) ![Cairns featuring 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(72 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 Tropical North Waterfront. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Cairns-Central-Business-District.dx6268031) ![Trinity Beach which includes landscape views, surfing and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/12091/18cfccf6-39c1-49ec-9bce-15a058949af1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/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.ca/Cairns-Yorkeys-Knob.dx6047619) ![Queens Gardens which includes 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 pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Townsville-North-Ward.dx6217111) ![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 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Cairns-North.dx6131529) - Great Barrier Reef Hotel Deals - Vacation 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 Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay CA $308 CA $339 total Jan 31 - Feb 1 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews) Great resort with same very nice breakfast and dinner menu’s, but the swimm up bar was very dirty. Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=31%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026&selected=8065&PinnedHotelID=8065&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=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 CA $191 CA $210 total Feb 26 - Feb 27 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews) Room was great. Staff was excellent! Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=26%2F02%2F2026&endDate=27%2F02%2F2026&selected=16032&PinnedHotelID=16032&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=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 CA $159 CA $175 total Feb 17 - Feb 18 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews) Good location for all amenities Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=17%2F02%2F2026&endDate=18%2F02%2F2026&selected=2650713&PinnedHotelID=2650713&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6061129) [See all 5,031 properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=27%2F01%2F2026&endDate=28%2F01%2F2026®ionId=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 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! (2,548 reviews) Great location, great views. Rooms slightly outdated but still great. Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/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 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! (1,607 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 Jan 23, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/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 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! (765 reviews) Beautiful, spacious apartment, helpful staff and fantastic amenities Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Airlie-Beach-Hotels-Mirage-Whitsundays.h11066236.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=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.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-01-26&endDate=2026-01-27)[Jan 26 - Jan 27](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-01-26&endDate=2026-01-27) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-01-27&endDate=2026-01-28)[Jan 27 - Jan 28](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-01-27&endDate=2026-01-28) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[Jan 30 - Feb 1](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 6 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Cairns Esplanade featuring 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.ca/Cairns-Esplanade-Cairns-North.d6127785.Vacation-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.ca/Whitehaven-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152056.Vacation-Attraction) ![Hamilton Island Marina showing landscape views, boating and a bay or harbour](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.ca/Hamilton-Island-Marina-Whitsundays.d6142905.Vacation-Attraction) ![Airlie Beach Lagoon showing tropical scenes, a pool 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.ca/Airlie-Beach-Lagoon-Airlie-Beach.d6283231.Vacation-Attraction) ![Port of Airlie showing 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.ca/Port-Of-Airlie-Airlie-Beach.d553248621592884319.Vacation-Attraction) ![Take a wide angle lens if you're heading out to the Barrier Reef- the skies are amazing!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6131595/889a7b40-4935-483a-a3b3-c7932151eba3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Macrossan Street 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Macrossan-Street-Port-Douglas.d6210818.Vacation-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 CA $172 per traveller **92%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/great-barrier-reef-adventure-to-reefworld.a180269.activity-details) ![Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/236159/392d70b1-825e-47f5-9ddf-9de92624f9fa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise CA $144 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-half-day-cruise.a236159.activity-details) ![Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1005501/9669157b-6f66-40ee-b427-ceeeb1b81e1d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel CA $212 per adult **94%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-tour-2-options-all-day-beach-or-snorkel.a1005501.activity-details) [See all activities in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Activities) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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