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 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) ![Great Barrier Reef showing general coastal views and coral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061129/dc553132-64e3-4976-8534-a6222fc414bb.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) ![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) ![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) - 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 $177 CA $195 total Mar 31 - Apr 1 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! (1,008 reviews) Nice poolside view Convenient location Reviewed on Mar 20, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=31%2F03%2F2026&endDate=01%2F04%2F2026&selected=16032&PinnedHotelID=16032&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 CA $150 CA $165 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 ... 9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews) Comfortable clean room Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=31%2F03%2F2026&endDate=01%2F04%2F2026&selected=1233&PinnedHotelID=1233&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 CA $156 CA $173 total Apr 14 - Apr 15 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! (1,002 reviews) First room Was so smelly. Ask for a change and they immediately offered me another on. Way better. Reviewed on Mar 20, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=14%2F04%2F2026&endDate=15%2F04%2F2026&selected=2650713&PinnedHotelID=2650713&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6061129) [See all 4,899 properties in Great Barrier Reef](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=22%2F03%2F2026&endDate=23%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 ... 9/10 Wonderful! (2,568 reviews) Airport shuttle was incredibly easy to navigate. Staff were friendly and helpful. Reviewed on Mar 20, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Whitsundays-Hotels-Whitsunday-Apartments.h1655585.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! (772 reviews) Great spot for families . Needs to regulate some of the smoking trends around kids and also karts around kids play area is a receipie for disaster . Overall great spot for families Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Hotels-Cairns-Coconut-Holiday-Resort.h9720960.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) [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=2026-03-21&endDate=2026-03-22)[Mar 21 - Mar 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-21&endDate=2026-03-22) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-22&endDate=2026-03-23)[Mar 22 - Mar 23](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=2026-03-22&endDate=2026-03-23) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 27 - Mar 29](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6061129&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%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) ![Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634340801489/f40dd38e-4c9a-458d-b599-d7304acca1e5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cairns Marlin Marina Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay. [](https://expedia.ca/Cairns-Marlin-Marina-Cairns-Central-Business-District.d553248634340801489.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) ### 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 Big Island Day Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48863255/1b2a5e95-b31c-4f8c-aad6-2d286878feb9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Whitehaven Beach Purely Whitehaven Day Tour CA $227 per adult **94%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitehaven-beach-purely-whitehaven-day-tour.a48863255.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) ![Whitsundays Premium Private Charter - Axopar 37 'Cheeky'](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2470513/1e139616-d74f-4478-98e6-c7001d7ce63d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Whitsundays Premium Private Charter - Axopar 37 'Cheeky' CA $5,283 per traveller [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/whitsundays-premium-private-charter-axopar-37-cheeky.a2470513.activity-details) ![Private Standard Charter Experience in Whitsundays ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2931380/35be862c-e993-4b43-b14b-cefc9600c7a5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Private Standard Charter Experience in Whitsundays CA $3,694 per traveller [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/private-standard-charter-experience-in-whitsundays.a2931380.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. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app