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

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Check prices for these dates

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12 Oct - 13 Oct
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13 Oct - 14 Oct
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16 Oct - 18 Oct
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23 Oct - 25 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$404
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

2. Mantra Amphora

Mantra Amphora
Palm Cove
Australia
Georgina
NZ$277
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Mantra Amphora

3. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Palm Cove
Australia
Aydin
NZ$280
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

4. Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel
Whitsundays
Australia
yifan
NZ$560
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Reef View Hotel

5. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Paul
NZ$335
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

6. Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove
Palm Cove
Australia
Keith
NZ$342
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Drift Palm Cove

7. Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel
Airlie Beach
United States
Sandra
NZ$272
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Airlie Beach Hotel

8. Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Warren
NZ$308
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Crystalbrook Flynn

9. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Australia
david
NZ$247
includes taxes & fees
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas

10. Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas

Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas
Craiglie
Australia
Keith John
NZ$259
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas

11. Oaks Port Douglas Resort

Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Port Douglas
Australia
Kerry
NZ$223
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Oaks Port Douglas Resort

12. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns North
United States
Larry
NZ$245
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

13. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Japan
ERIKO
NZ$484
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

14. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Michaela
NZ$238
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Pacific Hotel Cairns

15. Daydream Island Resort

Daydream Island Resort
Whitsundays
Australia
Colin
NZ$425
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Daydream Island Resort

16. Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments
Whitsundays
United States
Hillary
NZ$586
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Whitsunday Apartments

17. Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Catherine
NZ$300
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Pullman Cairns International

18. Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Aaron
NZ$419
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Crystalbrook Riley

19. Mantra Esplanade

Mantra Esplanade
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Bronwyn
NZ$289
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Mantra Esplanade

20. Palm Bungalows

Palm Bungalows
Whitsundays
Australia
David
NZ$519
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Palm Bungalows
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Holiday Rentals in Great Barrier Reef

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
"Great heated pool, beautiful views, room clean tidy and well equipped, all good"
Agincourt Beachfront Apartments
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

Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas

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

The Reef Retreat

The Reef Retreat
Palm Cove
"Thank you for a wonderful stay!"
The Reef Retreat
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
Apartment

Palm Cove Studio Apartments

Palm Cove Studio Apartments
Palm Cove
"Very spacious and comfortable accommodation in an excellent location just a short stroll to the beach and a whole host of great places to eat or just grab a coffee. The walls are a little thin but luckily we had nice quiet neighbours and overall we really enjoyed our stay. Bed was very comfortable and the pool looked lovely though we didn’t go in. Outdoor kitchen was really useful."
Palm Cove Studio Apartments
Aparthotel

Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove
Palm Cove
"Great resort, very relaxing area."
Drift Palm Cove
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

Mantra Aqueous on Port

Mantra Aqueous on Port
Port Douglas
"The perfect location! So easy to walk to the shops and beach. Direct access to the pool was also wonderful! Highly recommend, we had such a lovely stay!"
Mantra Aqueous on Port
Aparthotel

Cairns Beach Resort

Cairns Beach Resort
Holloways Beach
"Nice accommodation"
Cairns Beach Resort
Apartment

Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments

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

By The Sea Port Douglas

By The Sea Port Douglas
Port Douglas
"Property was well located, clean and had everything we needed. The front desk host was very friendly and helpful with recommendations, etc."
By The Sea Port Douglas
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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 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 white sailboat on a turquoise sea with rocky shores and green vegetation.

Magnetic Island National Park

9.2/10 (242 reviews)
Take in panoramic views, spot koalas in eucalyptus trees, clamber over granite boulders and stroll along a golden-sand beach in this idyllic nature reserve.
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A beach with palm trees and a calm sea.

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 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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A swimming pool with wind sculptures, a covered pavilion, palm trees, and a sunset sky.

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

9.0/10 (4,257 reviews)
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
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A marina with numerous yachts docked, a large sailboat with a distinctive sail, and a building with a modern design in the background.

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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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

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Very nice stay with a wonderful breakfast. Staff was so accommodating and helpful. Would definitely stay again."
Cathy 5-night trip
Posted 15 hours ago
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Cairns Plaza Hotel

Cairns Plaza Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Loved the location just off the busy noisy part of esplanade. Was right across from children’s playground. Lovely view on the water side. Nice amount of space. Had everything we needed"
Teree 2-night trip
Posted 16 hours ago
Cairns Plaza Hotel
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

10/10 Excellent
"It was amazing to stay there. Especially staff is so helpful"
Gurpreet 1-night trip
Posted 17 hours ago
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnums Airlie Beach

10/10 Excellent
"Perfect stay in Airlie Beach. As a solo traveler, the room was clean and comfortable. The site itself is greatly maintained and gives the illusion of being in a jungle. The site is also centrally located in Airlie Beach, walking distance to the harbors for day trips, the Airlie Beach lagoon and beach areas. It’s also adjacent to a grocery store and pharmacy. The perfect stay for someone who plans on doing day trips and needs a comfortable place to sleep."
Irving 3-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Magnums Airlie Beach
The Ville Resort - Casino

The Ville Resort - Casino

10/10 Excellent
"A bit too expensive with no microwave and the bar fridge was jammed packed with booze, could not fit your own drinks in. For a person who doesn't drink that was very annoying. If they tone down on trying to manipulate people from buying their products, will it smashed in your face, I would have stayed their again."
Hamiona 2-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
The Ville Resort - Casino
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

8/10 Good
"I always come back here when I pass through Cairns. Clean & convenient."
Debra 2-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Ardo

Ardo

10/10 Excellent
"Wow! This has to be one of my most favourite hotels of all time. I can’t wait to go back."
Bronte 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Ardo
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Clean spacious room. Friendly, helpful staff. Good location."
Kenneth John 1-night trip
Posted 5 days ago
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

8/10 Good
"very nice hotel, good location"
yifan 3-night trip
Posted 6 days ago
Reef View Hotel

More cheap accommodation in Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

49-61 Little Pease Street Manoora QLD
NZ$85
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
Kooyong Hotel

Kooyong Hotel

1 Harbour Road North Mackay QLD
NZ$118
15 Oct - 16 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Kooyong Hotel
The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel

83 Esplanade Cairns QLD
NZ$121
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
7.6/10 Good! (95 reviews)
The Espy Hostel
The Reef Motel

The Reef Motel

228 Lake Street Cairns QLD
NZ$128
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
4.8/10 (31 reviews)
The Reef Motel
Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnums Airlie Beach

370 Shute Harbour Rd. Airlie Beach QLD
NZ$128
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very good! (792 reviews)
Magnums Airlie Beach
TOP 1 MOTEL ALLENSTOWN

TOP 1 MOTEL ALLENSTOWN

134 Gladstone Rd Allenstown QLD
NZ$168
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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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