The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps Earth’s biggest trove of natural treasures. It was even proclaimed as one of the world’s seven natural wonders by CNN. It is considered the largest coral reef system on the planet. Because of its massive expanse, it is the only living organism that can be spotted from space. Located on the Queensland Coast in Australia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a massive underwater wonderland, spanning across 348,000 square kilometers.
The Great Barrier Reef is unlike any destination in the world. It contains over 2,500 individual reefs and over 900 islands. Its ecosystem is home to over 1,500 fish species, 400 coral species, 4,000 mollusk species, and 240 different types of birds, making it one of the most biodiverse locations in the world.
Explore the beautiful wonders both under and above water with this guide on the best things to do in the Great Barrier Reef.
1. Dive into the depths
Beautiful coral scenes with vibrant fish life and divers | Aaron Bull, Getty Images
To fully appreciate the beauty of the Great Barrier Reefs, you have to go to its depths. The main parts of the Great Barrier Reef and the most scenic parts, such as the Ribbon Reef and the Osprey Reef, are located far from the mainland. Diving there would require a multi-day live-aboard trip. However, it is worth it as the marine creatures and coral reefs are more vibrant and visible in these areas.
While it is possible to dive in the Great Barrier Reef, the best scuba diving season is from mid-August to mid-December.
2. Go on a snorkeling day tour
Child snorkeling in Great Barrier Reef Queensland Australia | chameleonseye, Getty Images
The Great Barrier Reef has outstanding snorkeling options for an easy and intimate encounter with sea life. In the region, there are shallow coral gardens that bring you close to marine life without the cost and hassle of diving. Many dive centers also offer snorkeling day tours and cruises. The popular locations to see pristine and colorful reefs are Whitsundays, Lizard Island, and Heron Island.
Make sure to wear sunscreen and a rash guard to protect yourself from sunburn.
3. Take a photo of the Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach at Whitsunday Island Queensland | byrneck, Getty Images
Australia’s most photographed beach aptly deserves this recognition. Whitehaven Beach is a 7-kilometer stretch of soft, powdery white silica sand, turquoise waters, and lush foliage along Whitsunday Island, Australia. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the tranquil and pristine beach can be accessible by boat. To snap one of the best views of the beach, start at the lookout from Tongue Point to see the white sand merge with the blue waters to create an otherworldly landscape.
As the beach does not have any hotels or restaurants nearby, make sure to pack an adequate amount of food and drinks.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitsundays QLD 4802, Australia
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Little Vegas Burger & Bar (4.5/5 stars, Hamburger, $$$)
• The Long Pavilion at qualia (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Pebble Beach at qualia (4.7/5 stars, Modern Australian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Whitehaven Beach in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Whitehaven Beach based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Mirage Whitsundays (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Holiday at Hamilton Island
View of a beach in Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia | RUBEN RAMOS, Getty Images
Hamilton Island is the largest of the Whitsunday Islands. Home to a selection of luxurious accommodations and carless streets, the famed island is favored by the rich and famous. Flanked by the Great Barrier Reef, it is located off the coast of Airlie Beach in northern Queensland. This proximity to the reef promises pristine waters and lush landscapes. It is the destination for a 5-star experience in the Great Barrier Reef region.
For a relaxing day at the beach, check out Catseye Beach, the popular swimming beach on the island.
Hamilton Island
Queensland, 4803, Australia
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Long Pavilion at qualia (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Hamilton Island Yacht Club (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Clubhouse (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Hamilton Island in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Hamilton Island based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Palm Bay Resort (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Set up shop in Cairns
Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island, Cairns | mvaligursky, Getty Images
Cairns is about 60-kilometers from the Great Barrier Reef. This proximity makes it one of the best locations to act as the base for exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. The lively and outdoorsy city is not only the gateway to natural wonders, but it offers great food, cultural experiences, and scenic views. After spending an exciting day at the beach or the Great Barrier Reef, you can explore Cairn’s rainforest on a two-hour night tour to see wildlife in the Atherton tablelands.
Cairns
Queensland 4801, Australia
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Fusion Art Bar & Tapas (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Tha Fish (4.6/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
• Prawn Star (4.5/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Cairns in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Cairns based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• YAL Cairns (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. See the sights of Townsville
Sunrise over Townsville in Queensland Australia | budgetstockphoto, Getty Images
Often overlooked in favor of the more-popular northern city of Cairns, Townsville is a quiet and peaceful city that is also a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city also offers a plethora of things to see and do in its area aside from the Great Barrier Reef. One of the features of the city is Castle Hill, a pink granite monolith located in the heart of the city. Join more than 2,500 tourists and locals that climb up to the hill daily. The hill has several lookout points where you can marvel at the expanse of the city and the limitless blue of the Great Barrier Reef.
Townsville
Queensland 4801, Australia
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• A Touch of Salt (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Wild Rice Laos & Thai Cuisine (4.7/5 stars, Laotian, $$)
• Gyo Japanese Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Japanese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Townsville in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Townsville based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Direct Hotels – Dalgety Apartments (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Check out Reef Headquarters Aquarium
Tribute to ‘Cuddles’ the Tawny Nurse Shark | Reef HQ Aquarium, YouTube
Reef Headquarters Aquarium is the world’s largest coral reef aquarium. This aquarium allows you to have an educational and interactive experience of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet or seasick! Popular with visitors all over the world, the aquarium is a must-visit when visiting the Great Barrier Reef. It draws over 110,000 people every year! The aquarium has fascinating exhibits and facilities including a Turtle Hospital, a rehabilitation center for sick and injured turtles.
Reef Headquarters Aquarium
2/68 Flinders St, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
Admission: $14.00 to $28.00 and free for child under 5
Ph: +07 47500 800
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• A Touch of Salt (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Wild Rice Laos & Thai Cuisine (4.7/5 stars, Laotian, $$)
• Gyo Japanese Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Japanese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Reef Headquarters Aquarium in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Reef Headquarters Aquarium based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Clarion Hotel Townsville (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Be captivated by the Magnetic Island
Morning on tropical Magnetic Island Queensland, Australia | MarkClotworthy, Getty Images
Located 8 kilometers from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a great day trip from the city. The Townsville suburb can be reached through a ferry or barge that has frequent trips between the city and the island. There are plenty of attractions on the small island including 25 kilometers of walking trails, over 25 bays to explore and swim in, and snorkel trails.
One of its highlights is that it is the natural habitat to the most number of koalas in northern Australia, with over 800 koalas calling it home. To glimpse these cuddly creatures, head to the Forts Walk, the island’s best spot to see koalas, during the early morning and late afternoon.
Magnetic Island
40 Horseshoe Bay Road, Magnetic Island QLD 4819, Australia
Admission: Free
Ph: +61 7 4778 5577
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Barefoot Art Food Wine (4.6/5 stars, Seafood, $$$)
• The Early Bird (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Stage Door Theatre Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Magnetic Island in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Magnetic Island based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Quest Townsville on Eyre (8.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Take a catamaran to Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef
Passions of Paradise | Passions of Paradise, YouTube
Passions of Paradise offers high performance and comfortable catamarans that take you to one of the unique outer reef locations of the Great Barrier Reef: Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef. Michaelmas Cay, one of the important seabird breeding sites in the Great Barrier Reef, brings you close to the soaring terns while bumming on the beach. Paradise Reef is a small, gorgeous reef full of coral trout, red emperor, and other dinner fish. It is a mooring spot that is exclusive to the agency.
Aside from these locations, you can enjoy the facilities of the catamaran, including hearty meals and glass-bottom boat tours. After a long day of sea exploration, head on to the two nets spanning the front of the catamaran to enjoy the calming views on the journey back to Cairns.
Passions of Paradise
1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Admission: $20 per person
Ph: +61 7 4041 1600
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Vivaldis Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Hungry Wombat (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Petit Japan (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Passions of Paradise in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Passions of Paradise based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Fly over Heart Reef
Heart reef in the Whitsundays is part of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland Australia | hypergurl, Getty Images
Airtours is perfect to gain a new perspective of the Great Barrier Reef by seeing it from up above rather than underwater. High up the sky, the coral formations and the expanse of the reef become much more apparent. One of the famed sights on an air tour is of the world-famous Heart Reef, a coral reef that has naturally formed into a heart. Unable to reach the reef via boat as the reef is protected, the Heart Reef is best viewed from scenic flight tours organized by Air Whitsunday. This gesture of love from Mother Nature may move you to make romantic proposals and declarations of love yourself!
Heart Reef
Heart Reef, Hardy Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Admission: Free
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Vivaldis Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• C’est Bon Cairns (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Osprey’s Restaurant at Thala Beach Nature Reserve (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Heart Reef in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Heart Reef based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Acacia Motor Lodge (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
The Kuranda Railway is a very popular tourist attraction in the tropical north of Queensland Australia | Owsigor, Getty Images
You can only take too much sea exploration before you start looking for experiences back on land. For one of the best scenic experiences in Cairns, take the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The railway runs 34 kilometers, from Cairns and Kuranda. It takes you through the fascinating Wet Tropics of Queensland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, catch glimpses of the pristine tropical rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, and the spectacular Barron Gorge.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Scenic Railway, 26-144 Bunda St, Cairns City, Australia +61 7 4
Admission: Heritage Class is $76.00 and Gold Class upgrade is $98.00
Ph: +61 7 4036 9333
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Vivaldis Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Hungry Wombat (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Bellocale Italian Seafood Restaurant (4.7/5 stars, Italian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Kuranda Scenic Railway in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Kuranda Scenic Railway based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Play with animals at the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Black necked storks in Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas | Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
The small seaside town of Port Douglas is one of the best places to have fun encounters with Australia’s cutest wildlife. The eco-friendly wildlife sanctuary allows visitors to engage with Australian animals in their simulated natural environments such as the Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah, Nocturnal, and Woodlands. The sanctuary brings you closer to the famed Australian Wallabies and Kangaroos, and you can even get the chance to hand feed them! Get in touch with Australia’s cuddly and friendly creatures at the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.
Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
Admission: $38.00 to $63.00
Ph: +61 7 4099 3235
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Watergate Port Douglas (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Tapas Bar, $$)
• Koko Poolside Bar & Kitchen (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – My Cairns Tours | My Cairns Tours, YouTube
Located 25 miles from Port Douglas in the picturesque Wangetti Valley, Hartley Crocodile Adventures is the best place in Queensland for amphibian and reptile lovers. The attraction has various boardwalks and pathways that take you deep into woodlands, rainforest, and wetlands to glimpse the creatures in their natural habitat. On the site, visitors can partake in various exhibits and activities such as a cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon or an exploration of the famed Saltwater Crocodile.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Captain Cook Hwy, Wangetti QLD 4871, Australia
Admission: Adult From Child Family $70.00 $35.00 $175.00
Ph: +61 7 4055 3576
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Osprey’s Restaurant at Thala Beach Nature Reserve (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Japanese, $$)
• Sweet Gossip (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Melaleuca Resort (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
14. Skydive
Skydive Cairns with the Skydive Australia crew | Skydive Australia, YouTube
Any trip to the Great Barrier Reef region is memorable, but there is an experience that can take it to the next level: skydiving. This exhilarating experience allows you to see the reef from a rare and frankly insane perspective. Skydive into the most beautiful drop zone in the world and experience the dive of your life. Experienced skydivers will ride with you in tandem and handle the parachute so all you have to do is enjoy the view.
Skydive Cairns
52/54 Fearnley St, Portsmith QLD 4870, Australia
Admission: 14,000ft Tandem Skydive for $255.00
Ph: +61 1300 663 634
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• IN 2 THAI (4.6/5 stars, Thai, $$$)
• The Chicken Shed (Rustys Markets) (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Hungry Wombat (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Skydive Cairns in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Skydive Cairns based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
15. Relax with a floating massage
Tropical island with coconut trees and a sandy beach, surrounded by blue ocean, Hayman Island, Queensland Australia | hypergurl, Getty Images
Hayman Island is a luxury resort on a private island right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Apart from being surrounded by gorgeous scenery and state of the art facilities, the resort offers decadent spa treatments to indulge in. Treat yourself to a unique wellness experience at the five-star resort. The Ocean Dreaming Massage offers a relaxing, 90-minute spa treatment where you lie atop a floating massage table in the private beach of the island. Melt away your stress and worries with the full-body massage with the calming waves and other sounds of the sea.
Hayman Island
Hayman Island Whitsunday Islands Hayman Island, QLD 4801, Australia
Admission: $210 per adult and $110 per child, each way.
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Pacific Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Amici Trattoria (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Little Vegas Burger & Bar (4.5/5 stars, Hamburger, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Hayman Island in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near Hayman Island based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hayman Island (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
16. Learn at the Living Reef
Daydream Island, Whitsunday Islands | Michael Kuehl, Getty Images
Discover an extraordinary world; you just have to look beyond the surface. For the Daydream Island Resort, part of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, this can be possible in one of its in-house attractions. The Living Reef is an engaging, interactive experience to learn about the marine creatures populating the Great Barrier Reef. Observe the sea critters of the lagoon with group tours, underwater observatory, nighttime visits, fish feedings, and hands-on encounters with the knowledgeable marine biologists.
The Living Reef on Daydream Island
Whitsundays QLD 4802, Australia
Admission: Free
Ph: +61 1800 075 040
Get directions
Top restaurants to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Pebble Beach at qualia (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Clubhouse (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• The Long Pavilion at qualia (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near The Living Reef on Daydream Island in Great Barrier Reef.
The best hotel to stay near The Living Reef on Daydream Island based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Mirage Whitsundays (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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