Great Barrier Reef - Tropical North Queensland Holiday Destination

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is an important as well as beautiful part of Far North Queensland.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world and is made up of 900 islands, countless individual reefs and is located in the sparkling, clear waters of the Coral Sea.

There's so much to see and do above the water as well as below the water which makes it one of Australia's favourite holiday playgrounds. Make sure whatever you are up to on land or on the sea to take special care of your environment. The area is a World Heritage Site due to the precious eco system which lives in the marine park so it's a really special place to visit.

Great Barrier Reef Accommodation

Bedarra Island Accommodation Out of 900 or so islands only a few offer accommodation at the Great Barrier Reef. Each Island has a different vibe - Lizard Island is the perfect place to escape for loved up couples as the place offers privacy and luxury, Dunk and Daydream Islands are a great place for families to visit as there are lots of activities to keep everyone entertained and Fitzroy Island is perfect for those on a budget who want to party. You can also hire a yacht and charter the yacht yourself or choose the fancier option and have someone do the work for you while you relax on the deck.

To explore the Great Barrier Reef you can also stay on the mainland in Cairns as most of the islands and dive spots are located a short boat ride away. With all the different options available you'll find plenty of accommodation choices to suit your needs and budget.

Things to Do & Places to Visit on the Great Barrier Reef

couple snorkelling at Great Barrier Reef It's a diving and snorkeling paradise with colourful coral to gaze upon, sea turtles, stingrays and many hundreds of tropical fish which call the reef home. You can also spot larger sea animals like whales, sharks, dolphins, porpoises and the odd looking dugongs.

Cairns is a wonderful place for those wanting to learn to dive in these warm waters and also for those who are advanced divers. You can choose to enjoy a day trip on the reef or spend a few days hopping from dive site to dive site. There are so many different dive sites which you can get to via boat or simply walk off your island into the shallow offshore reefs

If you don't like getting wet than you can explore the region by dinghie, yacht or motor cruiser. You can choose if you want to charter your own vessel, hire someone to make it a little easier or join a tour. To see what lies beneath there are special glass bottom boats so you don't even have to get in the water to see the spectacular colours of the reef.

Fishing the Great Barrier Reef is a once in a life time experience however due to conservation there are responsible reef practices that must be upheld. There are many tour operators offering different fishing experiences for lone fisherman, families and groups of friends.

You can catch a wide range of fish like coral trout and red emperor, barramundi, spanish mackeral and many more. Some of these fish put up quite a fight so it's a pretty rewarding day out.

Great Barrier Reef Submarine Above the water you can take part in all kinds of water sports as well as a range of activities on all the different islands - some of the islands even have award winning golf courses that go perfectly with the amazing views.

Many of the island's are home to National Park which are great for bushwalking through and offer great views of the island and surrounding sea. The Islands are also perfect for exploring the different beaches as well as grabbing a book and lazing on the beach for days.

Cairns Scuba Diving Tips & Advice

Diving The Great Barrier Reef is a once in a life time experience - although we think after you've done it once you'll always be itching to come back for more - however, to make sure you keep yourself and reef safe please take a look at some of our tips.

Take your Scuba Diving license with you on holidays if you plan to dive
Before you hop on board the boat make sure you put on some sunscreen and hat
If you need medication please take it on the boat with you
Make sure you lay off the booze the night before a dive
If you are a beginner dive with licensed teachers
Plan your dive and dive your plan
Never dive alone
If you are hiring a boat follow the hiring and general boating rules
Do not disturb the fish or coral
Take your rubbish with you
Have fun!

Read more of our diving tips including a guide to the coral reefs and dive sites of the Great Barrier Reef (and Cairns) and diving licences and courses.

Book Great Barrier Reef Tours and Experiences Online Now

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Scenic Plane Flight - 40 Minutes

Soar above the Great Barrier Reef on this 40-minute scenic flight. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Cairns, Green Island, and other iconic locations. Expert guides provide informative commentary as you capture stunning photos. Experience the reef's magic from a unique perspective. Discover the Great Barrier Reef's beauty without the time commitment of a full-day tour. This scenic flight offers unparalleled views and exceptional value. Book now and create unforgettable memories.

Fitzroy Island Adventures Full Day Trip with Optional Lunch

For the quickest and most effective way to get to the beautiful, unspoiled Fitzroy Island, this option includes ferry transfers from Cairns that is not only an efficient way to get "from A to B" but makes for a spectacular tour in itself! Heading out from the Cairns Marina, you'll board a comfortable vessel and cruise out across the pristine reef waters towards the wonderful shores of Fitzroy Island on a journey that takes roughly 45 minutes. Once on Fitzroy Island, you'll have five hours to explore its many stunning natural offerings, taking part in a range of activities on both land and water including snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, kayaking, island adventures and much more.

Great Barrier Reef Cruise to Reef Magic Pontoon

Explore the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with this epic tour to the Reef Magic pontoon. Departing from Cairns by catamaran, you’ll cruise to Reef Magic Cruises' exclusive, all-weather platform. Here you can dive into the stunning coral reefs and marvel at the diverse marine life. Whether you're snorkelling in a sheltered coral lagoon, scuba diving, or joining a guided Snorkel Safari with a marine biologist, this adventure suits all fitness and experience levels. All snorkelling gear is included, plus a hot and cold buffet lunch.

Great Barrier Reef Cruise to Sunlover Reef Cruises Pontoon

Enjoy a wonderful balance of Great Barrier Reef scenery and convenience with a tour from Cairns to an activity platform on the reef for several hours worth of fun in the sun and sea! On this Cairns to pontoon full-day trip departing at 9:30am, you'll have approximately four hours to explore the marine life and glorious coral of the Outer Great Barrier Reef from the Moore Reef pontoon with a tasty picnic lunch.

Great Barrier Reef Cruise to Upolu Cay and Outer Reef

This 5 star luxury cruiser visits 2 great destinations – the crystal clear, shallow waters and surrounding reef of Upolu Cay and "Wonder Wall" on the outer edge of Upolu Reef . Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with us, for an unforgettable day in paradise. Enjoy personalised snorkeling, certified and introductory diving and a glass bottom boat tour, with friendly, professional crew. 6 hours in total, includes seafood buffet lunch.

Great Barrier Reef Dreamtime Cruise with Indigenous Sea Rangers

Experience one of the great natural wonders of the world on this Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns. Enjoy 5 hours on the Reef visiting two premium coral reef locations in one day with Indigenous sea rangers. This is the only Cairns' reef tour that includes a cultural experience with Dreamtime stories and traditional dance and didgeridoo performances while out on the reef. This cruise includes all your snorkel equipment and wet suit hire, a complimentary morning tea, afternoon tea and buffet lunch plus some fascinating talks by marine biologists.

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight & Cruise Packages

Soar above the Great Barrier Reef in a helicopter before descending to its heart on the luxury vessel, Evolution. Enjoy a BBQ lunch, snorkel among marine life, and explore underwater wonders. Upgrade your adventure with scuba diving or a semi-submersible tour.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Experience the beautiful Great Barrier Reef with a snorkel and dive cruise departing Port Douglas. Aboard a luxurious, stylish and comfortable catamaran, you'll venture out from the mainland to one of the best reefs in the region, Agincourt Reef. You'll be treated to a full day of adventure, relaxation and education, with interpretive reef talks and guided snorkel tours included. You'll also be given access to all snorkelling equipment, wetsuits, lycra suits and prescription masks, plus tea and coffee throughout the day and morning tea, a tropical buffet lunch and afternoon tea on board the vessel.

Great Barrier Reef Sunrise Kayak Tour

Paddle away from Palm Cove as dawn breaks, casting a golden glow over the water. Explore the vibrant reef teeming with life from the comfort of your own kayak. Encounter graceful turtles, vibrant fish, and curious rays in their natural habitat. Navigate through tranquil mangroves, then dive into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim and snorkel. This unforgettable adventure combines breathtaking scenery with up-close wildlife encounters.

Green Island Full Day Trip + Snorkelling OR Glass Bottom Boat

Enjoy a scenic cruise to the popular Green Island and spend hours exploring the beautiful coral cay with a full day cruise from Cairns departing at 9am. On board the 'Big Cat', a luxury 35-metre catamaran, you'll be comfortably transported to the island to enjoy a total of 5 hours exploring the island and enjoying some of its best attractions. With optional complimentary snorkelling equipment hire or a glass bottom boat tour, you'll be able to see the beautiful reef from either the water or from the dry and comfortable seat of the glass bottom boat.

Inner Reef 30 Minute Scenic Flight

Embark on a thrilling 30-minute helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the vibrant coral reefs and pristine islands from above. Enjoy stunning aerial views of iconic locations like Green Island and Upolu Cay. Experience the magic of the reef like never before. Relax in luxury as you soar above the Great Barrier Reef. Your experienced pilot will guide you on an unforgettable journey, showcasing the reef's breathtaking beauty and the lush rainforest-covered hinterland.

Premium Great Barrier Reef Cruise to 3 Reef Locations

This wonderful cruise package includes a return, air-conditioned luxury catamaran cruise that departs daily from Cairns then heads out for a day of marine adventure activities on the stunning Great Barrier Reef. While on the water you can also embark on a guided snorkel tour with a qualified reef guide or purchase a certified scuba dive expedition, or learn to dive with their introductory scuba dive. You can also enjoy a delicious hot and cold buffet lunch, soak up some sunshine on the spacious sun deck areas, enjoy hot freshwater showers and a licensed bar for drinks.

Reef Rainforest 60 Minute Reef Scenic Flight

This 60-minute helicopter tour combines the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with the lush wonders of the rainforest. Soar above two World Heritage-listed wonders and discover the stunning coastline, including Cape Grafton and Mission Bay, before reaching the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at Arlington Reef's vibrant coral and enjoy a thrilling beach landing on Vlasoff Cay. Return over the rainforest-clad Great Dividing Range, witnessing the majestic Barron Falls and lush landscapes.

Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour

Enjoy the best of both worlds on this exhilarating 45-minute helicopter flight, crossing both land and sea. Swoop over the lush rainforest and thundering waterfalls of the Barron Gorge, then admire the vast reefs and aquamarine waters of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef including Arlington Reef.

Getting to the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef so once you are there you can get to the actual reef by many different ways. There's day boats which offer full and half day cruises, dive boats so you can snorkel and scuba dive the reef, hire a boat so you can explore the reef yourself or charter your own super yacht for a week. You you can even catch a helicopter or seaplane to some places. Most of the islands which offer accommodation also provide services to pick you up and drop you off from your point of origin.

Cairns Activities