"Great comfortable resort, lots of pools and banana lounges, undercover bar, seating area with tv to retreat from the sun or rain. Happy hour at 3-5pm with music so great vibe. Rooms are clean. Breakfast buffet is of excellent quality. I love the spinach and mushrooms. Lots of variety and great professional Nespresso coffee machine. Staff are very pleasant and helpful. You are right on the beach and a short walk to the shops and restaurants. Perfect for couples or families."
"Great location, walkable to downtown but still quiet. Aidan was extremely helpful when we needed a hand booking outings and wanted an extra hotplate and luggage scale"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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.
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.
"Hotel and staff were nice. Location was about 30 mins walking from the pier and 8 min drive from airport. This meant it was a relatively quiet area (sometimes planes overhead).
Pluses: a shuttle runs to the center 4 times a day, (unheated) pool on site, and free parking lot off street
Negatives: only one outlet in the entire room (under a table). Mattress was a little lumpy and bathrooms a little dated - but not terrible."
"We had a wonderful stay at Shangri-La Cairns, and while the hotel itself is in an excellent location and is both beautiful and comfortable, what truly made the experience exceptional was the outstanding service from the staff.
From the moment we arrived, the team went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Every interaction was warm, attentive, and genuinely thoughtful, and it was clear that nothing was too much trouble. The staff’s friendliness and care consistently elevated our stay and made everything feel effortless and well looked after.
We also enjoyed the breakfast and the 5pm canapés, which were a lovely touch to start and end each day. Our room was clean, comfortable, and relaxing, but it was the exceptional service that truly defined our experience.
Overall, it was a genuinely memorable stay, made special by the incredible staff, and we would happily return."
"The room was superb! Also the hotel property was elegant and well designed. It was a pleasure to walk around the property and take in the views. The pool and jacuzzi were also well done for the swim area."
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.
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