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

Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD
The price is RM483 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
RM483
RM531 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"The stay was okay the beds were extremely comfortable and pillows were very good. There was quite a bit of construction and mess in the foyer which was very off putting."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026

Airlie Beach Hotel
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 RM778 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
RM778
RM856 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Good location and spacious executive rooms with lounge access which is very good. Breakfast and lounge food were good. However hotel and furnishings were quite dated and no longer provide the luxury feel of shangrila. Time for a revamp..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive Whitsundays QLD
The price is RM1,319 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
RM1,319
RM1,450 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Good breakfast buffet. 10min walk from supermarket and marine shops. Lifts are small, unfortunately, 2 were broken, causing delays."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026

Reef View Hotel
See all 4,908 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

Daydream Island

Daydream Island

Take off your watch because time runs differently on Daydream Island.

Daydream Island
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
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

RM550
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

RM583
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

RM436
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise
See all activities in Great Barrier Reef

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