Travel to Great Barrier Reef

Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland

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Where to stay in Great Barrier Reef

Find the best Great Barrier Reef areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Great Barrier Reef
Palm Cove

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.

Find hotels in Palm Cove

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudiness
January79.5°F (26.4°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
February79.5°F (26.4°C)Moderate RainMostly Cloudy
March76.5°F (24.700000000000003°C)Light RainMostly Sunny
April72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly Sunny
May66.6°F (19.200000000000003°C)No RainMostly Sunny
June62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainMostly Sunny
July63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainMostly Sunny
August63.5°F (17.5°C)No RainSunny
September68.4°F (20.200000000000003°C)No RainMostly Sunny
October72.5°F (22.5°C)No RainMostly Sunny
November76.5°F (24.700000000000003°C)Light RainMostly Sunny
December78.3°F (25.700000000000003°C)Light RainMostly Sunny

Tips to save on your trip to Great Barrier Reef

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Great Barrier Reef.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Great Barrier Reef

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM668 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
RM668
RM735 total
21 Jun - 22 Jun
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Room was clean, staff was friendly. So close to the marina if you are doing boat rides to the reef, green island, fitzroy island or any other ferries. Didn't use the pool or try breakfast but looked great!"

Reviewed on 28 May 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM425 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
RM425
RM467 total
31 May - 1 Jun
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice place but not a lot on offer It’s in North Cairns so about $20 each way in a taxi to cairns central Good pools and grounds and may stay again"

Reviewed on 28 May 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM1,285 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
RM1,285
RM1,414 total
5 Jun - 6 Jun
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Last minute booking - booked two rooms - one King, one 2 x Queen for our children who are no longer teenagers - staff allocated adjacent rooms and unlocked the connecting door"

Reviewed on 27 May 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
See all 5,079 properties in Great Barrier Reef
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.

Popular places to visit

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach

5/5(39 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.

Whitehaven Beach
Cairns Central Shopping Centre

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

4/5(37 reviews)

During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Hamilton Island Marina

Hamilton Island Marina

4.5/5(20 reviews)

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.

Hamilton Island Marina

What to do in Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld

Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld

RM530
per traveller
92% of travellers recommend
Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld
Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel

RM586
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel
Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise

Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise

RM511
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise
See all activities in Great Barrier Reef

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