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
A beach lined with tall palm trees and a clear blue sky.

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.

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A waterfront with a wooden bridge, modern buildings, and lush greenery.

Cairns Central Business District

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

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A beach with a person walking with a surfboard, a sandy shore, and calm sea.

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.

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A sunset over a calm pool with palm trees and a gazebo.

Cairns North

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns Mudflats might round out your trip.

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A golf course with a clubhouse, a pond, and a forested hill in the background.

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

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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

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
RM1,252
RM1,377 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"This property is spacious and nicely located along the 4 Mile Beach, but it is not easily walkable to the town nor any restaurants nearby. The facilities/pools seemed like they could use a deep cleaning although our room seemed to be updated and clean. The restaurants on site are quite good."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
RM580
RM638 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Great location, great staff and pretty decent facilities!"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Corner Esplanade And Spence Street Cairns QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
RM609
RM670 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Pacific Hotel Cairns
See all 4,968 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.

Stay near popular Great Barrier Reef attractions

A poolside area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, palm trees, and a view of the ocean.

Daydream Island

7.8/10 (247 reviews)
Take off your watch because time runs differently on Daydream Island.
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A large public swimming pool with people swimming and playing, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.
Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland

Cairns Esplanade

9.2/10 (7,071 reviews)
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
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A sandy beach with palm trees and ocean waves.

Palm Cove Beach

9.0/10 (4,218 reviews)
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.
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A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and green hills.

Whitehaven Beach

9.6/10 (822 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.
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A marina with several sailboats docked at the pier.

Cairns Marlin Marina

8.8/10 (3,149 reviews)
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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A tropical beach with clear turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and lush greenery.

Four Mile Beach

9.2/10 (1,998 reviews)
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.
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What to do in Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld

Great Barrier Reef Adventure to Reefworld

RM565
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

RM677
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

RM431
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise
See all activities in Great Barrier Reef

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