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

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28 Sept - 29 Sept
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29 Sept - 30 Sept
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2 Oct - 4 Oct
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9 Oct - 11 Oct

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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$458
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

2. Mantra Amphora

Mantra Amphora
Palm Cove
Australia
Mary
NZ$300
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Mantra Amphora

3. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Australia
david
NZ$282
includes taxes & fees
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

4. Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Port Douglas
Australia
Larissa
NZ$234
includes taxes & fees
29 Sept - 30 Sept
Oaks Port Douglas Resort

5. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Michaela
NZ$267
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Pacific Hotel Cairns

6. By The Sea Port Douglas

By The Sea Port Douglas
Port Douglas
United States
Wayne
NZ$291
includes taxes & fees
23 Oct - 24 Oct
By The Sea Port Douglas

7. Palm Royale Cairns

Palm Royale Cairns
Manunda
Australia
Ron
NZ$259
includes taxes & fees
13 Oct - 14 Oct
Palm Royale Cairns

8. Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Australia
Chris
NZ$322
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 Oct
Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

9. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Palm Cove
Australia
Aydin
NZ$366
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

10. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Cairns North
United States
Theodore
NZ$242
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

11. Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas

Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas
Craiglie
Australia
Keith John
NZ$224
includes taxes & fees
29 Sept - 30 Sept
Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas

12. Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

Lazy Lizard Motor Inn
Port Douglas
Australia
Molly
NZ$234
includes taxes & fees
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Lazy Lizard Motor Inn

13. Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Paul
NZ$308
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Crystalbrook Bailey

14. Cairns Southgate Hotel

Cairns Southgate Hotel
Earlville
Australia
Rachel
NZ$170
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Cairns Southgate Hotel

15. Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel
Airlie Beach
Australia
Leanne
NZ$254
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Airlie Beach Hotel

16. Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Cairns Central Business District
Canada
Yingjie
NZ$164
includes taxes & fees
24 Oct - 25 Oct
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

17. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Manunda
Australia
Anu
NZ$195
includes taxes & fees
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

18. Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove
Palm Cove
United States
Peter
NZ$515
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Drift Palm Cove

19. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
United States
Jeromy
NZ$392
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

20. Mantra Esplanade

Mantra Esplanade
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Edmund
NZ$305
includes taxes & fees
13 Oct - 14 Oct
Mantra Esplanade
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Holiday Rentals in Great Barrier Reef

Aparthotel

Trinity Collective

Trinity Collective
Trinity Beach
"Great stay, be aware there is no covered or shaded parking unlike most motels, inconvenient in rainy weather or summer."
Trinity Collective
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

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Port Douglas
"Clean room and friendly staff"
Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas
Aparthotel

Melaleuca Resort

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

Coral Sands Resort

Coral Sands Resort
Trinity Beach
"Very spacious and quiet accommodation right on beachfront"
Coral Sands Resort
Aparthotel

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments
Clifton Beach
"Having stayed there many times, its in a great location, away from the tourists in Palm Cove, but easy to get to for great restaurants in Palm Cove"
Agincourt Beachfront Apartments
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

Mantra Aqueous on Port

Mantra Aqueous on Port
Port Douglas
"Lovely pool area"
Mantra Aqueous on Port
Apartment

Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments

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

Roydon Beachfront Apartments

Roydon Beachfront Apartments
Trinity Beach
"Communication with the apartment managers was excellent. Very attentive and informative. Reception had a very good choice of information available for all trips in the area. Apartment had everything you needed for your stay. Great location, great service and quiet area. Plenty of local eating places and close to Cairns for all those reef trips"
Roydon Beachfront Apartments
Aparthotel

Meridian Port Douglas - Adults only

Meridian Port Douglas - Adults only
Port Douglas
"Great location. Close to beach and shops."
Meridian Port Douglas - Adults only
Aparthotel

Cairns Beach Resort

Cairns Beach Resort
Holloways Beach
"Nice accommodation"
Cairns Beach Resort
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
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Stay near popular Great Barrier Reef attractions

A beach with a lifeguard tower, palm trees, and a swimming pool.

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 pier extending into the ocean at sunset.

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 numerous boats docked, a large cruise ship, and a cityscape with buildings and mountains in the background.

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 train carriage with red seats and windows.
Photo by Caz and Craig @yTravelBlog

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

8.6/10 (5,059 reviews)
During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
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A marina with several sailboats docked, surrounded by a forested landscape and hills in the background.

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 two sailboats docked, surrounded by greenery and a mountainous backdrop.

Port of Airlie

9.0/10 (1,391 reviews)
This sun-kissed marina is your gateway to the world-famous Whitsunday Islands. Sail or drive here to shop or dine with views over the glistering turquoise waters.
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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
An aerial view of a coral reef with clear turquoise waters and sandy bottom.

Top Great Barrier Reef Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

8/10 Good
"The staff are terrific"
steven 2-night trip
Posted 12 hours ago
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"The elevator was a little slow but that didn’t change how we loved our stay. Great location. Lovely view from our ocean facing balcony. And the bonus was the fireworks show. Awesome stay. Highly recommend"
cynthia 5-night trip
Posted 12 hours ago
Pacific Hotel Cairns
The Oceanfront Cairns

The Oceanfront Cairns

8/10 Good
"Well, what can you say, you pay for what you get, it's a good hotel, the staff are lovely, unfortun1tely, the room is not what on the advertised photos, we have been here for four days and never had our room done, towels replaced etc, the room door doesn't have a chain or extra security on it, also they are a little run down, if you on a budget it's a good place to stay, bed is very comfortable, I would probably stay here again."
Dave 4-night trip
Posted 18 hours ago
The Oceanfront Cairns
Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

8/10 Good
"Great location! Walkable distance to Port of Airlie and so many shops and restaurants. It was right above a very lively restaurant called The Pub, so when we first got there it seemed quite loud, but the doors and room are pretty soundproof. If you prefer a super quiet area, then ABH probably isn't the best choice, but if you prefer convenience, then this is a great choice. We also loved the cockatoos visiting us on the balcony in the mornings :D. Note: the wifi in our hotel room was not the greatest. Overall, would book again!"
Megan 5-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Airlie Beach Hotel
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

8/10 Good
"Fantastic location, great amenities and very helpful staff. The rooms were serviced daily and items were replenished according to your preferences. Breakfast buffet had a good selection of food and drink and was good value for money. The hotel room was very clean. Only downside was that some elements of the hotel look a bit tired (eg the outside walls, some of the paintwork and soft furnishings) and could do with a refresh. Overall would recommend and would stay again."
Eve 6-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Plaza Hotel

Cairns Plaza Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Great position being on the waterfront, with close proximity to restaurants, tours and shopping. Staff were very friendly and room was well maintained with good services. Highly recommend this establishment."
Philip 7-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Cairns Plaza Hotel
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"The buffet breakfast is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. It was excellent. The location is perfect for views and a stroll. Very comfortable beds and they have room service if you’re just too tired to go out. Loved it!"
Michelle 4-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Hilton Cairns
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Very nice place well located"
ophelie 2-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Reef View Hotel
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Quite clean and spacious. I disliked the bed having wheels. You couldn’t sit up on the bed and lean on the wall. The beds kept rolling away."
Manoa 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

More cheap accommodation in Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

49-61 Little Pease Street Manoora QLD
NZ$87
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
Kooyong Hotel

Kooyong Hotel

1 Harbour Road North Mackay QLD
NZ$111
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Kooyong Hotel
The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel

83 Esplanade Cairns QLD
NZ$123
4 Oct - 5 Oct
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! (785 reviews)
Magnums Airlie Beach
The Reef Motel

The Reef Motel

228 Lake Street Cairns QLD
NZ$157
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
4.8/10 (29 reviews)
The Reef Motel
TOP 1 MOTEL ALLENSTOWN

TOP 1 MOTEL ALLENSTOWN

134 Gladstone Rd Allenstown QLD
NZ$167
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (18 reviews)
TOP 1 MOTEL ALLENSTOWN

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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