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

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14 Sept - 15 Sept
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15 Sept - 16 Sept
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18 Sept - 20 Sept
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25 Sept - 27 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
Brian
NZ$573
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

2. Mantra Amphora

Mantra Amphora
Palm Cove
Australia
Gary
NZ$321
includes taxes & fees
17 Sept - 18 Sept
Mantra Amphora

3. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Australia
david
NZ$303
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

4. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Palm Cove
Australia
iain
NZ$430
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

5. Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Port Douglas
Canada
Karen
NZ$233
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Oaks Port Douglas Resort

6. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
United States
John
NZ$279
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Pacific Hotel Cairns

7. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Australia
Charisse Mignon
NZ$492
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

8. Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
susan
NZ$449
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Crystalbrook Riley

9. Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel
Airlie Beach
Australia
Leanne
NZ$263
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Airlie Beach Hotel

10. By The Sea Port Douglas

By The Sea Port Douglas
Port Douglas
United States
Wayne
NZ$324
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
By The Sea Port Douglas

11. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Paul
NZ$358
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

12. The Abbott Boutique Hotel

The Abbott Boutique Hotel
Cairns Central Business District
United States
Alok
NZ$278
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
The Abbott Boutique Hotel

13. Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Australia
Gary
NZ$370
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

14. Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
Port Douglas
Australia
Molly
NZ$258
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

15. Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Genaviv
NZ$301
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Pullman Cairns International

16. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Cairns North
United States
Theodore
NZ$240
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

17. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns North
United Kingdom
Laura
NZ$223
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

18. Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Paul
NZ$350
includes taxes & fees
18 Sept - 19 Sept
Crystalbrook Bailey

19. Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas

Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas
Craiglie
Australia
William Richard
NZ$221
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas

20. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Manunda
Australia
daniel
NZ$208
includes taxes & fees
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
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Holiday Rentals in Great Barrier Reef

Aparthotel

Trinity Collective

Trinity Collective
Trinity Beach
"Lovely place."
Trinity Collective
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

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
Aparthotel

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Palm Cove
"Friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful gardens and apartment."
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Aparthotel

Shantara Resort Port Douglas - Adults Only Retreat

Shantara Resort Port Douglas - Adults Only Retreat
Port Douglas
"It was clean, tropical, well kept and close to everything."
Shantara Resort Port Douglas - Adults Only Retreat
Aparthotel

Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays
Cannonvale
"Great spacious rooms in a lovely location an easy walk from town, would happily stay again"
Mirage Whitsundays
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
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

The Reef Retreat

The Reef Retreat
Palm Cove
"Great location near the Esplanade."
The Reef Retreat
Aparthotel

Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove
Palm Cove
"Pool and hot tub are very nice."
Drift Palm Cove
Aparthotel

Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments
Trinity Beach
"The property was great, very central amazing pool with sand and a swim up bar !"
Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments
Aparthotel

Le Cher Du Monde

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

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments
Clifton Beach
"Fabulous location in a beachfront apartment. Loved the pool and our wonderful sea views. Bus stop nearby for easy access into Cairns"
Agincourt Beachfront Apartments
Apartment

The Palms at Palm Cove

The Palms at Palm Cove
Palm Cove
"Quiet and close to the beaches. Relaxing and close to dining options."
The Palms at Palm Cove
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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 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 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 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 modern coastal building with a glass balcony overlooking the sea.

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 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 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

Cairns Plaza Hotel

Cairns Plaza Hotel

8/10 Good
"Cairns Plaza is a clean, simple hotel with great views and a very helpful staff. We stayed in a suite, so the living room, kitchen supplies (fridge, utensils/plates and microwave) and separate bedroom made things so easy and comfortable. They have coin-op laundry facilities on-site, which was helpful as this was the second stop on a two-week trip for us. There is a great cafe (Muddy’s Cafe) across the street in the park that offers a 10% discount to hotel guests. It was delicious. The hotel is right along the esplanade, so an easy walk to many restaurants and shops. The hotel isn’t fancy (no fitness center, on-site resturant, etc.) , but it has every thing you need for a really pleasant stay. We’d stay here again for sure!"
Elaine 6-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
Cairns Plaza Hotel
Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey

10/10 Excellent
"Great location. Great room and amenities Recommend"
Kim 2-night trip
Posted 12 hours ago
Crystalbrook Bailey
Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Fantastic thank you"
Cherie 1-night trip
Posted 13 hours ago
Airlie Beach Hotel
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Always a easy going place to stay close to everything, Quite in room, just a very comfortable place to stay with gated parking, Veranda to see the ocean."
Kate 2-night trip
Posted 17 hours ago
Pacific Hotel Cairns
The Oceanfront Cairns

The Oceanfront Cairns

8/10 Good
"Prior notification to office staff will make your travel smoother , when arrive after 6pm. Friendly and helpful staff. Ask office staff for any help. Recommended to stay again."
Margaret 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
The Oceanfront Cairns
Coral Sea Resort

Coral Sea Resort

10/10 Excellent
"Greaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttt"
Peter 3-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Coral Sea Resort
Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnums Airlie Beach

8/10 Good
"In the centre of town. Great staff who helped me book a tour. Rooms are not sound proof so kept getting woken up from people coming home at early hours. Would stay again though"
Kelly 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Magnums Airlie Beach
Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

10/10 Excellent
"Spectacular views from our balcony and lots of birds and wallabies! Staff were very helpful. Free shuttle was great! Beach was a very short walk from the property! Will definitely be back."
Emilene 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Whitsunday Apartments
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

10/10 Excellent
"Staff were great, room was clean and pool was nice. Some parts of the exterior of the building could use cleaning or repair but didn’t effect the stay"
Kiara 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

More cheap accommodation in Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

49-61 Little Pease Street Manoora QLD
NZ$89
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel

83 Esplanade Cairns QLD
NZ$125
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (93 reviews)
The Espy Hostel
Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnums Airlie Beach

370 Shute Harbour Rd. Airlie Beach QLD
NZ$127
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very good! (782 reviews)
Magnums Airlie Beach
YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central

20-26 McLeod Street Cairns QLD
NZ$129
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very good! (238 reviews)
YHA Cairns Central
The Reef Motel

The Reef Motel

228 Lake Street Cairns QLD
NZ$160
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
The Reef Motel
Mid City Motor Inn

Mid City Motor Inn

26 Goondoon St. Gladstone QLD
NZ$168
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
6.4/10 (326 reviews)
Mid City Motor Inn

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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