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Great Barrier Reef
GREAT BARRIER REEF

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the world’s most beautiful sun-soaked golden beaches. You can swim, snorkel, dive and sail this living masterpiece.

The hundreds of islands and reefs in this World Heritage-listed wonder are what dreams are made of. Take a flight over the reef, observe its wonders from underwater, dive into the deep or cruise its circumference in a yacht – the reef’s spectacular beauty will take your breath away.

The laid-back, tropical centres of Cairns and Port Douglas are major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, also starting points for expeditions to the Gulf of Savannah and Cape York’s remote wilderness areas.



GATEWAYS TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF



Cairns
Cairns

Cairns is a great embarkation point for the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling, scuba and sailing: it’s all so accessible, you’ll need a few extra days just to recover! In the mornings you can stroll down to the marina to watch the reef boats depart, then head to the Esplanade.

Port Douglas
Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a relaxed seaside village that also serves as a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, jetskiing: it’s all so accessible, you’ll need a few extra days in those day spas just to recover. Its infectious laid-back charm will lure you back time and time again.

Whitsundays
Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands - an archipelago of 74 islands off the northeast coast - are all fringed with stunning white beaches and surrounded by glimmering oceans with the deepest turquoise, aqua and indigo colours. Meanwhile, the resorts along the coast are brimming with activities to enhance your holiday.

 


SIGHTSEEING IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF




Bundaberg BUNDABERG

Best known for its iconic rum and turtles, Bundaberg is one of the gems of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Start your escape by exploring the coastal gems before heading to the shores where hundreds of sea turtles return to the beach each year to nest.

Keswick Island KESWICK ISLAND
 

Nestled within the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and just a stone’s throw from Mackay, is a truly natural wonderland. Discover its natural treasures of national parks and tropical rainforests, fringed by white sands and a coral reef bursting with vibrant marine life.

Heart Reef HEART REEF
 

This is a stunning composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart. Located in Hardy Reef, Heart Reef is best experienced from the air by helicopter or seaplane, as visitors are unable to snorkel or dive there due its protected status.

Heron Island HERON ISLAND
 

This really is a special place – the reef, with a myriad of colourful coral and fish, is right off the beach of Heron Island. In the crystal clear waters surrounding the island, stunning coral gardens and sea creatures great and small flourish in abundance and colour. They make Heron Island a natural place for divers, swimmers, and those who love to snorkel.

Great Barrier Reef Adventures GREAT BARRIER REEF ADVENTURES
 

Cruise through the Whitsunday Islands to the outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the 7 natural wonders. Snorkelling, semi submersible rides and underwater observatory will help you explore the coral and fish life. Helicopter joy flights over Heart Reef, diving and snorkel safaris available to book.

ReefSleep REEFSLEEP UNDER THE STARS
 
Cruise to Reefworld and enjoy all the activities of the Great Barrier Reef Adventures. When the day trippers depart, soak up the tranquillity of the Great Barrier Reef and watch the underwater world come to life as the sun sinks lower on the horizon. Enjoy your al a carte dinner and settle into your comfy swag for an unforgettable night. 
Silversonic Dive and Snorkel SILVERSONIC DIVE & SNORKEL, PORT DOUGLAS
 

Step aboard the Silversonic for a day of fun and adventure in the natural wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have access to explore three stunning and exclusive reef sites at the Agincourt ribbon reefs, each chosen for visual and ecological diversity to maximise your dive and snorkel adventures.

Green Island GREEN ISLAND DISCOVERY, CAIRNS

Adventurous activities or island relaxation, it’s your
choice in this unique reef and rainforest environment. A fast catamaran cruise whisks you out to experience this beautiful Great Barrier Reef island where you can snorkel directly from the beach and see the reef from a glass bottom boat.
Great Adventure Reef trip GREAT ADVENTURE REEF TRIP
 

Discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef when you cruise towards a spacious platform moored at the magnificent outer reef. Perfect for swimmers and nonswimmers alike to enjoy snorkel and dive, or stay dry and experience the reef from the semi-submersible underwater observatory.

Michaelmas Cay MICHAELMAS CAY  

Set sail aboard the 32m luxury sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, with a wide range of activities to experience Michaelmas Cay’s unique reef environment. You can snorkel, cruise in the semi-submersible, discover the island sanctuary birdlife or just relax and enjoy a leisurely day on the reef.

Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef REEF HQ GREAT BARRIER REEF AQUARIUM

This is the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and the national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef. The coral reef exhibition will open your eyes to a beautiful world filled with spectacular colours and thousands of marine creatures. Here you will learn how you can play a role in protecting marine turtles in the reef and see how the turtle hospital rehabilitates their turtles back to health and you can even splash in the water without getting wet..

Forts Walk Lookout - Magnetic Island MAGNETIC ISLAND

World Heritage listed Magnetic Island, with its distinctive, rocky headlands, 23 bays and beaches studded with pine trees, creating a dramatic coastline. Rich in World War 2 history, with a number of gun emplacements, an observation tower and a command post still in tack, you can explore all or this on the Forts Walk.

Cairns Bungy CAIRNS BUNGY JUMP & MINJIN SWING
 

Leap into an adrenaline-fuelled adventure with a bungy jump or Minjin Swing at the Cairns Bungy Tower located in lush rainforest with views of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef.

Tilt train TILT TRAIN
 

Travel along the scenic route between Brisbane and Rockhampton to some of Queensland’s most iconic destinations including Fraser Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Sit back in an Economy or Business Seat and enjoy refreshments from the Galley or trolley seat service along the way. Travelling at speeds of 160 kilometres per hour, it gets its name from gently tilting whilst taking curves at speed..




GREAT BARRIER REEF ACCOMMODATION



Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotels and resorts near the Great Barrier Reef.
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation for you.

Fitzroy Island Resort
Cairns
FITZROY ISLAND RESORT
★★★★half star

Just a 45 minute Fitzroy Flyer ride from Cairns, the island is a National Park and is the only resort here. It’s an affordable island resort nestled between rainforest and beach and surrounded by a reef that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef. This makes it an absolutely perfect base for snorkelling, diving and exploring.
Green Island Resort
Green Island
GREEN ISLAND RESORT
★★★★half star

Just 27 kilometres off the coast of Cairns, this eco-sensitive resort blends luxury, romance and adventure located on this beautiful coral cay. Nestled amid lush rainforest and secluded from day visitor facilities, you’ll enjoy a host of complimentary activities including sunset drinks, glass bottom boat tour, snorkelling and guided nature activities..
One and Only Hayman Island Resort
Hayman Island
INTERCONTINENTAL HAYMAN ISLAND RESORT
★★★★★
One&Only Hayman Island, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, presents astonishing natural beauty, restorative peace, indulgence and adventure. Nestled at the northernmost point of the Whitsunday archipelago, beyond verdant cliffs reaching into endless sky, here is a place where the beauty of nature inspires each day. The resort hugs a pristine white sandy beach of over 2km in length.
Daydream Island Resort
Daydream Island
DAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT
★★★★half star

Daydream Island Resort, the jewel of the Whitsundays, is in the most idyllic of locations, encircled by a stunning network of reef lagoons in the Great Barrier Reef. The refurbished modern and stylish rooms and suites each offer a delightful view across the pool landscape and gardens or looking out to the impossibly blue waters of the Whitsundays.




Our Great Barrier Reef Holiday Packages & Deals
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INSPIRE ME
Great Barrier Reef holiday planning articles



Are you planning your next trip to the Great Barrier Reef? Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on the Great Barrier Reef.

 




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This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
Enquire below or pop in-store and talk to one of our travel experts today.

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