Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef September 2025 | Expedia.ca [Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide](https://expedia.ca/Great-Barrier-Reef.dx6061129)[Hotels in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Great-Barrier-Reef-Hotels.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Great-Barrier-Reef.d6061129.Travel-Guide-Flights)[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) # What to do in Great Barrier Reef ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Great Barrier Reef Types of activities Where to stay [Great Barrier Reef travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Great-Barrier-Reef.dx6061129) ![Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/29000/29303-Great-Barrier-Reef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/29000/29303-Great-Barrier-Reef.jpg) ![Great Barrier Reef](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/515000/515141-great-barrier-reef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Great Barrier Reef](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/515000/515047-great-barrier-reef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/29000/29308-Great-Barrier-Reef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/29000/29308-Great-Barrier-Reef.jpg) ![Great Barrier Reef](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/515000/515118-great-barrier-reef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Great Barrier Reef Attractions Let Expedia help you experience the best that Great Barrier Reef has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes. #### Activities and Tours Great Barrier Reef is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Great Barrier Reef to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind. If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights. #### Great Barrier Reef Attractions Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Great Barrier Reef. Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Great Barrier Reef attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. * * * Explore thousands of activities with **free cancellation and no added fees**. Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more. Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel. * * * ## Top places to visit ### 1\. Cairns Esplanade The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon. [Learn more](https://www.expedia.ca/Cairns-Esplanade-Cairns-North.d6127785.Vacation-Attraction) ![Cairns Esplanade featuring a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/29000/29323-Cairns-Esplanade.jpg) ### 2\. Whitehaven Beach Subtropical Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is the most famous beach in Queensland and consistently ranks high among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stroll along the beach, dive in for a swim and let the beauty of the beach rub off on you. [Learn more](https://www.expedia.ca/Whitehaven-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152056.Vacation-Attraction) ![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://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/482000/482681-Whitsunday-Islands.jpg) ### 3\. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal The Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal is the main entry and exit point for Magnetic Island, Townsville’s enchanting outpost in the Coral Sea. Regular ferries connect the island to the mainland, just 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. [Learn more](https://www.expedia.ca/Magnetic-Island-Ferry-Terminal-Townsville.d6217205.Vacation-Attraction) ![Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal featuring a ferry as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/229000/229439-Magnetic-Island-Ferry-Terminal.jpg) ### 4\. Port of Airlie Boasting year-round warm weather, subtropical waters, shops, restaurants and accommodations, the Port of Airlie can be seen as a destination in itself, although most visitors come here to take a trip out to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. [Learn more](https://www.expedia.ca/Port-Of-Airlie-Airlie-Beach.d553248621592884319.Vacation-Attraction) ![Port of Airlie showing a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/176000/176821-Port-Of-Airlie.jpg) ### 5\. Catseye Beach Catseye Beach is a perfect crescent of sand overlooking the royal-blue reefs and forested mountains of Whitsunday Island, making it a popular backdrop for weddings. Regarded as one of Hamilton Island’s premier beach destinations, Catseye Beach is a convenient and scenic spot to spend the day soaking up the sun’s rays or exploring the magnificent shoreline. Swim in the shallows, paddle along the coastline in a kayak, skipper a catamaran or grab your snorkel and mask and discover the picturesque shores of Catseye Beach. [Learn more](https://www.expedia.ca/Catseye-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152060.Vacation-Attraction) ![Catseye Beach which includes sailing and a beach as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/176000/176720-Catseye-Beach.jpg) ### 6\. Airlie Beach Lagoon Airlie Beach Lagoon is a safe and relaxing swimming spot in the heart of the township, where you can play and swim in the clear waters and enjoy the pretty tropical surroundings. Known affectionately to visitors and locals as “the lagoon,” this sheltered man-made pool has been a favored meeting place since 2001 and combines elements of a natural lagoon to create an enticing and secure environment to unwind. [Learn more](https://www.expedia.ca/Airlie-Beach-Lagoon-Airlie-Beach.d6283231.Vacation-Attraction) ![Airlie Beach Lagoon showing tropical scenes, a pool and swimming](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/176000/176791-Airlie-Beach-Lagoon.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Great Barrier Reef | Number of things to do | 9 | | --- | --- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitsunday-and-whitehaven-half-day-cruise.a236159.activity-details): CA $136 | | Top 5 things to do | - [Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitsundays-whitehaven-beach-day-tour-2-beaches-2-lookouts-1-snorkel-location.a1005501.activity-details) - [Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/great-barrier-reef-day-cruise-to-reefworld.a180269.activity-details) - [Camira Whitehaven Beach Sailing Adventure](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/camira-whitehaven-beach-sailing-adventure.a180272.activity-details) - [Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitsunday-and-whitehaven-half-day-cruise.a236159.activity-details) - [Full Day Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef - From Hamilton Island](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/full-day-snorkel-in-the-great-barrier-reef.a45268179.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | - [Sunset Cruise Private Charter Hamilton Island](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/sunset-cruise-private-charter-hamilton-island.a4832023.activity-details) | | With kids | - [Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitsundays-whitehaven-beach-day-tour-2-beaches-2-lookouts-1-snorkel-location.a1005501.activity-details) - [Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/great-barrier-reef-day-cruise-to-reefworld.a180269.activity-details) - [Camira Whitehaven Beach Sailing Adventure](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/camira-whitehaven-beach-sailing-adventure.a180272.activity-details) - [Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitsunday-and-whitehaven-half-day-cruise.a236159.activity-details) - [Full Day Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef - From Hamilton Island](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/full-day-snorkel-in-the-great-barrier-reef.a45268179.activity-details) | ## What to do in Great Barrier Reef * * * ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Great Barrier Reef ![Cairns Esplanade featuring a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/29000/29323-Cairns-Esplanade.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](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/482000/482681-Whitsunday-Islands.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) ![Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal featuring a ferry as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/229000/229439-Magnetic-Island-Ferry-Terminal.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands. [](https://expedia.ca/Magnetic-Island-Ferry-Terminal-Townsville.d6217205.Vacation-Attraction) ![Port of Airlie showing a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/176000/176821-Port-Of-Airlie.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) ![Catseye Beach which includes sailing and a beach as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/176000/176720-Catseye-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Catseye Beach 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Catseye-Beach-Whitsundays.d6152060.Vacation-Attraction) ![Airlie Beach Lagoon showing tropical scenes, a pool and swimming](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/176000/176791-Airlie-Beach-Lagoon.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 Douglas which includes tropical scenes, a sunset and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/29000/29562-Port-Douglas.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) ![Hamilton Island Marina showing landscape views, boating and a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/176000/176441-Whitsunday-Coast.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) ![Palm Cove Beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/495000/495146-palm-cove-beach.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) ### Explore areas of Great Barrier Reef ![Default Image](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/512000/512851-palm-cove.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Palm Cove Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Palm-Cove.dx177486) ![Cairns featuring a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40310-Marlin-Marina.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 Cairns. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Cairns-Central-Business-District.dx6268031) ![Trinity Beach which includes landscape views, surfing and a beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40297-Trinity-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Trinity Beach Unwind on this tranquil stretch of golden beach, relax under the shade of swaying palm trees and explore Tropical North Queensland at your leisure. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Trinity-Beach.dx12091) ![Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, a pool and swimming](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/29000/29324-Cairns-Esplanade.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) ![The Strand featuring general coastal views, a sunset and hiking or walking](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/229000/229364-The-Strand.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### The Strand Go for a swim, enjoy a meal with a view, take a Jet Ski tour or just stroll beneath the palm trees on Townsville’s scenic waterfront. [](https://expedia.ca/Townsville-The-Strand.dx6217104) ![Clifton Beach featuring mountains, golf and a luxury hotel or resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/35000/35663-Clifton-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Clifton-Beach.dx177548) * * * Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. * * * ![](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. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAyAAAAMgAQAAAADzCzvFAAAFHUlEQVR4Xu3aQXLbOBBGYaS88HKOoKPwaOTRdBQfIUsvXMa4fzSAJgU701OTWTjvbSK1mvi0o2mn1P+hch38jkBSgaQCSQWSCiQVSCqQVCCpQFKBpAJJBZIKJBVIKpBUIKlAUoGkAkkFkgokFUgqkFQgqUBSgaQCSQWSKiBv5dKtj37Uei/PH8sfI/XTplt9LR+Xv9jrvY1i+zwZpIBc10Ba+zwZpIBc10Ba+zz5uyL7fKcTp7u14Uu7PCJ+4U/7KqPzWSAgICAWiAJRICPfVc8D2duHd5v64lH8tq/Ri/3jiEbnCy0QEBD7BwSkgIB4XyPKL38eWyNtKRCQAgLigcwtBQJS/gVytIGep62nsS93jEBuNj3aAESBVBAQEJC28ytk9rjbTzzKX/V9uLf2mZARiEYgo4cTQer1LBCQhxNB6vWs74qcc0SX+w39q9GlfZ4Mshhd2ufJIIvRpX2eDLIYXdrnySCL0aV9ngyyGF3a58kgi9GlfZ4ckEXuxhOVI97T6ZpFICCLQC6BgCwCufR9Eb9V+4lv41YdEXvE7vmWt7WR2scOyNgHAQEBAQHRZL6s7XL97lq9tF25+nW2j0rbUjZ6sgv1k0ANW/s8FgSkgoAo3wWZx4KAzFv1uMcrPU9fE/I83sZvZ588jU80mS9BLBAQEJAeCIgQf3j2W/XcvXfXv4pcbSlD1Gv7GASkgoCAtEBAfonsVc/TpZ/o9bu3u/HEvtLSVzl/OwtEgYC0QCyQHogC0YnqfOL1cm3FkT+Iu+tneSAgICAgICCfIHWcqF1rInHkJ8ot5dY+1g8Hm70aWyMQkLo8cTEC8RYnLkYg3uLExQjEW5y4GIF4ixMXo/8Aebfd13CPV5uW24k2+mEv5N7shm7NEcimZZDTOxAFAgKiZZDTO0die7uhxxPH6Fy/8DoHAVEgCqSAnAMB8cvL9R4fH7EHErfiV4lnjUBAFpeDgIBYICC1nfhul9snHyfO7naUu7Wd6CPlF5bybBeWtjUCAakgFQQERIGogJzvyz27vPqJw9U9XpmrFlsjkB7IOZAYSA/kHEjsWyJevMe72+/efqKPtOXZV9FWMff6hUFAPBAQEBAQFZA329DuNocfl+t/bt1PiB6x9UvvsaV7/AgEpIKAgPQtEAXyORIvL+UWdu82sFFtJ76393Grfzsbfv0bbpAKAgIC0gIBmYjf0JWfuD26+iq1vvQTP9sC8UBAKogCAXm4HMR37ZO+q78m+6jYiYf9ez4xZm4BAQFRIHsFCYGAeAFZ9OAKqcENWzX8cDBHFgjIIhAQewsCAvJmV8ZuNj2K/sDcllt7nQ/i15GnrzICAQE5jTwQW26BWCCnkfdnIPt8Vx2p4cTw8Nxv++fn6YHMkQUCAgJigYCA9K6IHp6LnWjIHG1zr9rfnNWrfaKt0fmreCAKBKQHAjIvAFEgD0gp/v+7bLmMh+d3P9ROfBruvSF+1ggEBAQEBAQkiahNyx8jpa2tvrbPhMTfg/vWCEQjEJACAgIC4pP5UsjMd+3yeOJsC8tHH2lLF4ZANJodfQQSL49tYfnoI5B4eWwLy0cfgcTLY1tYPvoIJF4e28Ly0Ucg8fLYFpaPPvoHyLmbTe3heT5ij1Edz9Mvtmo/HOge/zqeukMgFeRigICAeCD1j0d+XyCpQFKBpAJJBZIKJBVIKpBUIKlAUoGkAkkFkgokFUgqkFQgqUBSgaQCSQWSCiQVSCqQVCCpQFKBpAJJ9X2QvwE+PZWDLleqUgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)