Great Barrier Reef

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Great Barrier Reef

The largest coral reef in the world lies just off the coast of Cairns and offers thousands of kilometres of coral, marine life and untouched white sand beaches.

Where to stay in Great Barrier Reef

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Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

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

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach featuring surfing, landscape views and tropical scenes

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
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Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob
Cairns Esplanade showing swimming, a luxury hotel or resort and a pool

Cairns North

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Cairns North
Clifton Beach which includes mountains, golf and a luxury hotel or resort

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.

Clifton Beach
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is HK$969 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
HK$969
HK$1,066 total
23 Jan - 24 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Our stay at the Hilton has been nothing short of amazing. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and kindness. Eena at reception was absolutely beautiful—her calm, friendly nature instantly eased the stress of our travels and set the tone for a peaceful stay. Each morning, ...

Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025

Hilton Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is HK$1,066 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
HK$1,066
HK$1,172 total
16 Jan - 17 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Executive club rooms and lounge were awesome along with the staff that were extremely helpful especially Bert!

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is HK$626 per night from 8 Jan to 9 Jan
HK$626
HK$688 total
8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Good hotel

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
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.
Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive Whitsundays QLD
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,530 reviews)
All the staff were very friendly and helpful

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street Cairns QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,599 reviews)
Room was clean, comfortable, spacious and quiet. The location was really great. Really liked this place and would stay again. However, we were only given one very small shampoo for two people for 6 days and while they did give us more when we asked they gave us a hard time about it stating they are ...

Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays

4 out of 5
11 Altmann Avenue Cannonvale QLD
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Cannonvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (755 reviews)
Great accommodation in lovely surroundings. The apartment was as good if not better than website suggests. Two nice pools and a casual bar for drinks and meals. Airlie Beach is great for shops, bars and restaurants. Whitsundays are wonderful and well worth the trip. Hopefully we will be back.

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025

Mirage Whitsundays
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.

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