Things to do in Great Barrier Reef

Activities, attractions and tours

Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
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Top places to visit

1. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.
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2. Whitehaven Beach

Subtropical Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is the most famous beach in Queensland and consistently ranks high among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stroll along the beach, dive in for a swim and let the beauty of the beach rub off on you.
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3. Hamilton Island Marina

The Hamilton Island Marina is a convenient place to launch your voyage into the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands or stopover for a relaxing stay in a waterfront villa. With spacious berths for yachts and super yachts, the marina is fitted out with state-of-the-art facilities and professional boat care specialists. Alternatively, jump on board one of the passenger ferries or charter tours that depart from the Hamilton Island Marina to explore Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef or the Whitsunday Islands.
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4. Palm Cove Beach

Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees.
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5. Airlie Beach Lagoon

Airlie Beach Lagoon is a safe and relaxing swimming spot in the heart of the township, where you can play and swim in the clear waters and enjoy the pretty tropical surroundings. Known affectionately to visitors and locals as “the lagoon,” this sheltered man-made pool has been a favored meeting place since 2001 and combines elements of a natural lagoon to create an enticing and secure environment to unwind.
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6. Esplanade Lagoon

The Esplanade Lagoon is a water feature in Cairns where you can relax, cool off and socialise with other travellers. The lagoon is on the waterfront on the Cairns Esplanade and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Spend an entire day relaxing by the water, join a fitness class or cool off in the midday heat.
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What to do in Great Barrier Reef

Popular places to visit

Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(58 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
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
Macrossan Street

Macrossan Street

4.5/5(33 reviews)

During your visit to Port Douglas, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Macrossan Street
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
Palm Cove Beach

Palm Cove Beach

4.5/5(39 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.

Palm Cove Beach
Airlie Beach Lagoon

Airlie Beach Lagoon

4.5/5(32 reviews)

Spend the day with the family enjoying the sheltered waters of Airlie Beach’s own tropical oasis, surrounded by landscaped gardens and grassy picnic areas.

Airlie Beach Lagoon
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
Esplanade Lagoon

Esplanade Lagoon

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Esplanade Lagoon
Catseye Beach

Catseye Beach

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Swim, stroll, try exciting watersports or simply recline under the shade of palm trees and enjoy the views from one of Hamilton Island’s main beaches.

Catseye Beach