Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide
The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 km along Queensland’s coastline—a vast distance with countless ways to engage with the reef. Depending on which bit you want to explore, Cairns stands out as one of the primary entry points for those eager to snorkel and dive the outer reef. In stark contrast, the Whitsundays offer a crammed, packed experience that combines coral reef trips with island-hopping excursions and visits to famous beaches, none more so than Whitehaven Beach. Further south, places like Lady Musgrave Island give you the chance to get up close and personal with coral cays, lagoons and all sorts of marine life. Where to start? Well, that depends on what you want to get out of your trip, how much time you can spare, and where you plan to stay. This guide lays out the key Great Barrier Reef destinations and does its best to explain what makes each one unique. If you want to pick the best place to start and choose tours that match, check out the guides below to get started planning your trip.
Popular Places to Visit
Popular Day Trips
- 16 Days
- 18:00 - 18:00
- $ 11,750 AUD
- $ 10,750 AUD
- 3 hours
- 180 min. (approx.)
- $ 69,00 AUD
- $ 59,00 AUD
- Half day
- 5 hours (approx.)
- $ 92,00 AUD
- $ 82,00 AUD
- 2 hours (approx.)
- 120 min
- $ 42,00 AUD
- $ 32,00 AUD
- 14 Days / 13 Nights
- 18:00 / 10:00
- $ 8,790 AUD
- $ 8,490 AUD
FAQ
Where should you start a Great Barrier Reef tour?
Cairns is the most obvious place to start your Great Barrier Reef adventure, especially if you’re after some awesome outer reef snorkelling and diving. The Whitsundays, on the other hand, are a great choice if you want to combine some reef time with exploring tropical islands and beaches. And if you’re looking for something a bit different, then southern spots like Lady Musgrave Island are worth checking out – they offer access to some beautiful coral cays and lagoons.
Which is better, Cairns or the Whitsundays, for the Great Barrier Reef?
Well, that really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. Cairns is a great base for exploring the outer reef and is super popular with snorkellers and divers, while the Whitsundays are perfect if you want to mix some reef time with island scenery and fantastic places to relax like Whitehaven Beach.
Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef in a day?
Yes, you can – there are loads of day tours available from the Queensland gateways of Cairns and the Whitsundays. Depending on where you’re going and what tour you choose, you might get to snorkel, dive, visit a reef pontoon or even island hop on a glass-bottom boat.
How many days do you need for the Great Barrier Reef?
To be honest, a day is enough if all you want to do is head out on a dedicated reef trip – but if you want to mix in some island time, beaches and other regional attractions, then allow a few days. How long you should stay really depends on where you’re coming from and what kind of experience you want.
How do I choose the right Great Barrier Reef tour?
First, decide which part of the Great Barrier Reef you want to depart from. Then compare tours based on where they go, what you can do there, how long they last, and whether they’re suitable for your group. If you’re a snorkeller, a seasoned scuba diver, a family or someone who just wants to chill on a beach, then you’ll probably find that different tours are better suited to your needs.