Great Barrier Reef Beach Travel Guide

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Beach Destinations Near Great Barrier Reef

Whitsunday Islands, AU
(158 mi.)

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Great Barrier Reef, Australia (Jeff Hunter/Getty)

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Great Barrier Reef Beach Travel Tips

By Matt Link

April through November is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, when the days are drier and the temperatures more comfortable. Conversely, November through April marks the official cyclone (hurricane) season in Queensland, also the rainy and humid time of year.
Beaches are found north and south of Cairns, but the only one right in town is a man-made 43,000-square-foot saltwater lagoon pool and artificial beach on the Esplanade, which opened in early 2003 as part of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the city and port.
Green Island and Fitzroy Island are both famous resort isles, but you don’t need to stay on them to enjoy their beaches; both welcome day visitors from the 45-minute ferry rides out of Cairns.

Beach Overview: Great Barrier Reef, Australia

By Matt Link

The Earth's largest structure made by living organisms is one of the major reasons travelers head Down Under. With sections dating back 18 million years, the incredible 135,000 square-mile reef is made up of 3,000 individual reefs and islands, and hosts over 400 species of coral along with 1,500 species of fish. Put your head underwater and you'll find a rainbow of animals: green and purple clams, pink sponges, red starfish, purple sea urchins, electric blue fish, green and loggerhead turtles, gray dugong (manatee), sharks, giant manta rays, and sea snakes. The reef stretches most of the length of the tropical northeastern state of Queensland, from Lady Elliot Island off Bundaberg to just south of Papua New Guinea. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the biggest marine park in the world. Read More

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Hotels

Bungalow Bay Koala Village

Magnetic Island,Townsville
Magnetic Island

Distance: 5.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Expert Rated & Recommended

Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Resort

Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island

Distance: 74.6 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Expert Rated & Recommended

Hunt Resort

Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island

Distance: 169.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

Expert Rated & Recommended

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Attractions

Great Adventures

Reef Fleet Terminal
1 Spence St.
Cairns, Australia

Distance: 175.3 mi. (from destination center)

Expert Rated & Recommended

Raging Thunder Adventures

52-54 Fearnley St, Portsmith
Cairns, Australia

Distance: 175.3 mi. (from destination center)

Expert Rated & Recommended

Ahoy Plane Sailing Seaplanes

P.O. Box 349
Cooktown, Australia

Distance: 281.9 mi. (from destination center)

Expert Rated & Recommended

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Airports

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Feature Articles

Perfect 10
Wilson Island: Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Diving & Snorkeling: Great Barrier Reef
From Here To Antipodes
outside
Heron Island
February Active/Adventure Travel Guide
Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef
Scuba diving off the Daintree offers a quick intro into what will soon become a life-long obsession

More Great Barrier Reef Beach Feature Articles (3) »

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Trip Ideas

Sea Star
The Great Barrier Reef's greatest hit—Lizard Island
A Natural Wonder: The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Top 10 Reef Dives
Beauty Beneath the Surface: Dive the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea
Ten Delicious Places to Dip into Diving
Diving Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Pacific and Indian Oceans: Australia
Top 10 Spots for Experiencing Sharks

More (1) »

GORPtravel Adventure Trips & Guided Tours

The Australia Explorer
Small World Journeys
from $1920, 8 days
Cairns is blessed with a superb location between ancient rainforest, classic outback and the Great Barrier Reef. On this active adventure, you get to...

See All Adventure Trips & Guided Tours from GORPtravel »

Great Barrier Reef Vacation Rentals

from: $282

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 8

Amenities: Air Conditioning, BBQ, CD Player, Ceiling fans, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Dishes, Dishwasher, Garage, Hot Tub, Linens, Microwave, Oven, Phone, Refrigerator, Stove, Swimming Pool, TV, Toaster, Towels, VCR

from: $357

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 6

Amenities: Air Conditioning, BBQ, Blender, CD Player, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Internet Access, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Oven, Phone, Refrigerator, Swimming Pool, TV, Towels, VCR

from: $90

1 Bedroom VACATION HOME in GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA

Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2

Amenities: Alarm Clock, BBQ, DVD Player, Freezer, Hot Tub, Laundry, Microwave, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Phone, Refrigerator, Stereo, Swimming Pool, TV, Toaster

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