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. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.ca/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_6061129) ### 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) ![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) ![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) ![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) - Great Barrier Reef Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Great Barrier Reef ![Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/16100/16032/c088688e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD CA $197 CA $217 total Mar 29 - Mar 30 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ... 9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews) No not worth it Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=29%2F03%2F2026&endDate=30%2F03%2F2026&selected=16032&PinnedHotelID=16032&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6061129) ![Airlie Beach Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2660000/2650800/2650713/a8903305_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Airlie Beach Hotel Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay CA $160 CA $177 total Mar 31 - Apr 1 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews) Good location and really friendly reception staff. We had a nice room overlooking the ocean. It was big and well equipped, with two huge comfy king beds. The HUGE pub underneath was really tacky but we didn’t hear any noise from it (it was out of the busy season) and I think it is quite popular. Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=31%2F03%2F2026&endDate=01%2F04%2F2026&selected=2650713&PinnedHotelID=2650713&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6061129) ![Hilton Cairns](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1300/1233/7475abd3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hilton Cairns 34 Esplanade Cairns QLD Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay CA $149 CA $164 total Mar 31 - Apr 1 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews) Ocean harbor views were fantastic Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=31%2F03%2F2026&endDate=01%2F04%2F2026&selected=1233&PinnedHotelID=1233&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6061129) [See all 5,005 properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=14%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%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/c3fb8456_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 ... [](https://expedia.ca/Whitsundays-Hotels-Whitsunday-Apartments.h1655585.Hotel-Information) ![Southern Cross Atrium Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1120000/1119300/1119287/a2480dd6_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. ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,626 reviews) The apartment has no elevator. We stayed at 3rd floor and was hard to carry heavy luggage to it. The AC is not cool at all. I don't recommend the 3rd floor living especially during the hot summer due to AC inefficiency. Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Hotels-Southern-Cross-Atrium-Apartments.h1119287.Hotel-Information) ![Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9730000/9721000/9720960/32de99dc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort 23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (769 reviews) Had a wonderful stay at the resort. Clean accommodation and beautifully manicured gardens. The accommodation was clean and spacious with more than adequate room to have family members stay overnight with us. All amenities were easily accessible and start with friendly and very helpful. The resort ... Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Hotels-Cairns-Coconut-Holiday-Resort.h9720960.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=2026-03-13&endDate=2026-03-14)[Mar 13 - Mar 14](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-13&endDate=2026-03-14) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-14&endDate=2026-03-15)[Mar 14 - Mar 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-14&endDate=2026-03-15) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 13 - Mar 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%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) ![Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061139/574cc203-78ff-4692-8a72-d7f7b2caeb98.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Palm Cove Beach 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Palm-Cove-Beach-Palm-Cove.d6061139.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) ![Four Mile Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047615/67dfb39c-7b78-4624-9757-e849703f6d2d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Four Mile Beach 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Four-Mile-Beach-Port-Douglas.d6047615.Vacation-Attraction) ![One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635404168639/326c5b35-009e-425f-a91d-03f0ccba2866.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cairns Central Shopping Centre During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Central-Shopping-Centre-Cairns.d6127783.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 $180 per traveller **92%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/great-barrier-reef-adventure-to-reefworld.a180269.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 $199 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-tour-2-options-all-day-beach-or-snorkel.a1005501.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 $150 per adult **90%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-half-day-cruise.a236159.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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