What to do in Great Barrier Reef

Activities, attractions and tours

Two scuba divers exploring a vibrant coral reef with various colorful corals and marine life.
A coral reef with various coral formations and clear turquoise water.
An aerial view of a coral reef with clear turquoise waters and sandy bottom.
A fish with yellow and orange stripes swimming near a coral reef.
An aerial view of a coral reef system with clear turquoise waters and visible coral formations.

Places to Visit in Great Barrier Reef

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Great Barrier Reef, Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Great Barrier Reef attractions from NZ$223, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Great Barrier Reef tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 14 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Great Barrier Reef. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is a focal point for the city’s social life. With restaurants and gardens on one side, and overlooking the Trinity Inlet and Coral Sea on the other, this area celebrates the best of Cairns. Along the tree-lined walkway you’ll find playgrounds, barbecue sites, dedicated exercise areas and also a salt-water lagoon.
Learn more
A beach with a lifeguard tower, palm trees, and a swimming pool.

2. Palm Cove Beach

Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees.
Learn more
A pier extending into the ocean at sunset.

3. Cairns Marlin Marina

The Cairns Marlin Marina is where all your Great Barrier Reef adventures start, with tour boats coming and going throughout the day. Enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining along the waterfront promenade.
Learn more
A marina with numerous boats docked, a large cruise ship, and a cityscape with buildings and mountains in the background.

4. Whitehaven Beach

Subtropical Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is the most famous beach in Queensland and consistently ranks high among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stroll along the beach, dive in for a swim and let the beauty of the beach rub off on you.
Learn more
A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and green hills.

5. Port of Airlie

Boasting year-round warm weather, subtropical waters, shops, restaurants and accommodations, the Port of Airlie can be seen as a destination in itself, although most visitors come here to take a trip out to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Learn more
A marina with two sailboats docked, surrounded by greenery and a mountainous backdrop.

6. Hamilton Island Marina

The Hamilton Island Marina is a convenient place to launch your voyage into the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands or stopover for a relaxing stay in a waterfront villa. With spacious berths for yachts and super yachts, the marina is fitted out with state-of-the-art facilities and professional boat care specialists. Alternatively, jump on board one of the passenger ferries or charter tours that depart from the Hamilton Island Marina to explore Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef or the Whitsunday Islands.
Learn more
A modern coastal building with a glass balcony overlooking the sea.

What to do in Great Barrier Reef


Stay near popular Great Barrier Reef attractions


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia