Two scuba divers exploring a vibrant coral reef with various colorful corals and marine life.

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31 Aug - 1 Sept
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1 Sept - 2 Sept
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Our top choices for Great Barrier Reef hotels

1. Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove
Palm Cove
Australia
Serena
NZ$471
includes taxes & fees
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

2. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
United States
John
NZ$277
includes taxes & fees
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Pacific Hotel Cairns

3. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Manunda
Australia
daniel
NZ$205
includes taxes & fees
16 Sept - 17 Sept
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Palm Cove
United States
Randal
NZ$382
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

5. Mantra Amphora

Mantra Amphora
Palm Cove
NZ$374
includes taxes & fees
10 Sept - 11 Sept
Mantra Amphora

6. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Paul
NZ$339
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

7. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Australia
david
NZ$298
includes taxes & fees
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

8. Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Port Douglas
Australia
Larissa
NZ$217
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept
Oaks Port Douglas Resort

9. Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
Palm Cove
Australia
Racquel
NZ$255
includes taxes & fees
16 Sept - 17 Sept
Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

10. Palm Royale Cairns

Palm Royale Cairns
Manunda
Australia
Ron
NZ$277
includes taxes & fees
16 Sept - 17 Sept
Palm Royale Cairns

11. Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel
Airlie Beach
Australia
Britney
NZ$262
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Airlie Beach Hotel

12. Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
Port Douglas
Australia
Molly
NZ$253
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept
Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

13. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Cairns North
Australia
Nino
NZ$254
includes taxes & fees
5 Sept - 6 Sept
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

14. Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Diarmid
NZ$351
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Crystalbrook Flynn

15. The Elandra

The Elandra
South Mission Beach
United States
Mark
NZ$550
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
The Elandra

16. Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Cairns North
NZ$319
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

17. Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Woree
Japan
KOSUKE
NZ$226
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

18. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns North
United Kingdom
Laura
NZ$286
includes taxes & fees
19 Sept - 20 Sept
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

19. Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Owais
NZ$340
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Hilton Cairns

20. Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Genaviv
NZ$338
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Pullman Cairns International
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Holiday Rentals in Great Barrier Reef

Aparthotel

Trinity Collective

Trinity Collective
Trinity Beach
"Lovely place."
Trinity Collective
Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

The Reef Retreat
Palm Cove
"Location and quiet"
The Reef Retreat
Aparthotel

On the Beach Holiday Apartments

On the Beach Holiday Apartments
Trinity Beach
"Clean room, great location, would definitely stay here again"
On the Beach Holiday Apartments
Aparthotel

Golden Sands Beachfront Apartment Resort

Golden Sands Beachfront Apartment Resort
Yorkeys Knob
"Nice place. Very comfortable. We hated to leave."
Golden Sands Beachfront Apartment Resort
Aparthotel

Melaleuca Resort

Melaleuca Resort
Palm Cove
"Clean room, facilities great, location perfect."
Melaleuca Resort
Aparthotel

Bellevue At Trinity Beach

Bellevue At Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach
"The 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment was clean, well appointed and well located. Very spacious unit with everything you would need and beautiful ocean views from the large deck."
Bellevue At Trinity Beach
Apartment

Palm Cove Studio Apartments

Palm Cove Studio Apartments
Palm Cove
Palm Cove Studio Apartments
Apartment

Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments

Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments
Clifton Beach
"Friendly and helpful staff Close to the beach"
Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments
Aparthotel

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Port Douglas
"Check in was quick and easy, rooms were clean and spacious and the hotel pools were great. All round fantastic place to stay."
Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Aparthotel

Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach

Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach
"This was a very clean, well kept and well located apartment for a short stay!"
Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach
Aparthotel

Cairns Beach Resort

Cairns Beach Resort
Holloways Beach
"The staff is very easy communication with. The room is clean and has everything we need."
Cairns Beach Resort
Aparthotel

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Cairns Central Business District
"Great stay in central Cairns. Friendly and welcoming staff, large room in good order. I would definitely recommend this property."
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Apartment

Nimrod Resort Apartments

Nimrod Resort Apartments
Port Douglas
"Nice apartment convenient to Port Douglas. Pool was clean and fun. The BBQ and outside dining space was enjoyable. Overall, would be happy to go back."
Nimrod Resort Apartments
Aparthotel

Le Cher Du Monde

Le Cher Du Monde
Port Douglas
"Perfect location"
Le Cher Du Monde
Aparthotel

Mantra Aqueous on Port

Mantra Aqueous on Port
Port Douglas
"Enjoyed the spa bath on the balcony and location was perfect"
Mantra Aqueous on Port
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Stay near popular Great Barrier Reef attractions

A large public swimming pool with people swimming and playing, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.
Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland

Cairns Esplanade

9.2/10 (7,071 reviews)
Soak up the city’s relaxed atmosphere and admire the sunset over the Coral Sea as you wander along this popular walkway.
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A sandy beach with palm trees and ocean waves.

Palm Cove Beach

9.0/10 (4,218 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.
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A marina with several sailboats docked at the pier.

Cairns Marlin Marina

8.8/10 (3,149 reviews)
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and green hills.

Whitehaven Beach

9.6/10 (822 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.
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A street lined with trees decorated with lights, a bar named 'IRON BAR', and parked cars.

Macrossan Street

9.2/10 (1,937 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.
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A marina with numerous yachts docked, surrounded by water and greenery.

Hamilton Island Marina

9.2/10 (1,082 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.
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A tropical beach with clear turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and lush greenery.

Four Mile Beach

9.2/10 (1,998 reviews)
One of Australia’s most photographed beaches has clear-blue water, pristine white sand, swaying palm trees and brilliant views of the ocean.
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Daintree Rainforest

9.4/10 (647 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Daintree Rainforest, a lovely green space in Diwan. Wander the rainforest and riverfront while you're in the area.
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Learn more about Great Barrier Reef

Explore this natural paradise home to spectacular marine life when you venture out into the balmy waters off the coast of Cairns.

See all hotels in Great Barrier Reef
Two scuba divers exploring a vibrant coral reef with various colorful corals and marine life.
Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland

Top Great Barrier Reef Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Great Barrier Reef

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

10/10 Excellent
"Superb place to stay. Location is so good. A must stay in port Douglas."
Adam 3-night trip
Posted 6 hours ago
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"The room was clean. The Staff were very helpful"
Gordon 1-night trip
Posted 7 hours ago
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"My stay at the Hilton Cairns was absolutely the best ever. Amenities, staff and food was second to none. Totally recommend as I have stayed at all the hotels. This Hotel is the place to stay whilst in Cairns. Do try and enjoy my experience."
Vesna 8-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
Hilton Cairns
Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn

8/10 Good
"Breakfast, good"
MAROON 2-night trip
Posted 13 hours ago
Crystalbrook Flynn
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

8/10 Good
"property in noisy with planes, ambulances from hospital next door, rescue helicopters at hospital and the odd motorbike"
Phil 4-night trip
Posted 13 hours ago
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey

10/10 Excellent
"Staff slightly frosty when we arrived at midnight. Felt like a bit of inconvenience. Room was great. Nice shower, bed comfy."
Erin 2-night trip
Posted 13 hours ago
Crystalbrook Bailey
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

8/10 Good
"Nice hotel in a great location. Our King Coral room felt a little dated but the 15th floor provided excellent views across Catseye Beach, with a nice balcony to sit and watch the world below. The buffet breakfast is extensive and fantastic. Every taste is catered for with heaps of food every day. Ours was included in the room price and very much worth it. Didn't use the amenities like the gym, sauna, spa, tennis courts etc but they looked really good. Staff were very helpful and sorted any issues very quickly and efficiency Would certainly return for another stay if we ever go back"
Matthew 7-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Reef View Hotel
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Nice views good location"
Laura 4-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

10/10 Excellent
"waterfront with views"
gary 4-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Whitsunday Apartments

More cheap accommodation in Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

49-61 Little Pease Street Manoora QLD
NZ$85
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel

83 Esplanade Cairns QLD
NZ$118
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
7.6/10 Good! (92 reviews)
The Espy Hostel
Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnums Airlie Beach

370 Shute Harbour Rd. Airlie Beach QLD
NZ$127
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very good! (777 reviews)
Magnums Airlie Beach
The Reef Motel

The Reef Motel

228 Lake Street Cairns QLD
NZ$164
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
4.6/10 (18 reviews)
The Reef Motel
Summit Motel

Summit Motel

6 Victoria Street Townsville QLD
NZ$170
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Summit Motel
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

57-89 Grafton Street Cairns QLD
NZ$247
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Find out more about Great Barrier Reef

Top reasons to visit Great Barrier Reef

  • Stunning Marine Life: Experience the vibrant underwater world, home to diverse species of fish, coral, and other marine creatures.
  • Adventure Activities: Engage in thrilling activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and reef tours, perfect for all ages.
  • Breathtaking Views: Enjoy stunning vistas from boat tours or scenic flights over the iconic reef.
  • Eco-friendly Experiences: Participate in sustainable tourism and learn about conservation efforts to protect this natural wonder.
  • Cultural Encounters: Explore local markets and engage with Indigenous culture and traditions in the nearby communities.

Things to do in Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef offers an array of outdoor and eco-friendly activities perfect for families. You can enjoy day trips, boat tours, and unique holiday experiences, alongside nature adventures and thrilling marine activities. Don't miss the recreational areas, public markets, and shopping spots nearby, all contributing to an unforgettable adventure in this stunning natural wonder.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Great Barrier Reef

Planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef on a budget can be rewarding. Use Expedia to filter accommodation by budget and eco-certification, ensuring both savings and sustainability. Consider package deals that combine flights and activities for better rates. For transport, public buses are a cost-effective option to explore the area. Additionally, take advantage of free activities like visiting the local markets or enjoying the natural beauty of the reef from designated viewpoints. To save more, visit during the off-peak season, typically from November to April, when prices are lower and crowds are fewer.

  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can cut costs by combining your Great Barrier Reef accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Best time to go to Great Barrier Reef

The best time to visit Great Barrier Reef depends on your weather preferences. The hottest average temperature around Great Barrier Reef is in January and February. February is mostly cloudy. The coolest average temperature around Great Barrier Reef is in June when weather is mostly sunny and rainfall is no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudiness
January79.5°F (26.4°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
February79.5°F (26.4°C)Moderate RainMostly Cloudy
March76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly Sunny
April72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly Sunny
May66.6°F (19.2°C)No RainMostly Sunny
June62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainMostly Sunny
July63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainMostly Sunny
August63.5°F (17.5°C)No RainSunny
September68.4°F (20.2°C)No RainMostly Sunny
October72.5°F (22.5°C)No RainMostly Sunny
November76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly Sunny
December78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly Sunny

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