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The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 wonders of the natural world stretching off the Coral Coast from Bundaberg to Cape York at the Northern tip of Australia. This amazing marine park encompasses 618 islands, 300 coral cays and over 2,900 coral reefs.
Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and boasts a diverse diving ground with protected, shallow spots full of colourful fish, Manta Rays and the unique Humphead Wrasse. Dive boats also go from Mission Beach, the closest mainland point to the Great Barrier Reef.There are a huge range of tours going to the reef mainly from Cairns, Townsville and Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. Choose from reef boat cruises, sailing adventures, snorkelling and diving amongst the diverse marine life and spectacular views from above on a scenic helicopter flight. Whale watching season is from July to September for the opportunity to see the Humpback Whale in its natural environment and depart from Cairns.
The Whitsunday Islands make up 74 islands situated at the very heart of the Great Barrier Reef with calm, clear waters and an array of activities to suit everyone. Magnetic Island is also a popular holiday destination, just 20 minutes from Townsville by ferry with nature walking trails, a wide range of water sports and secluded sandy beaches.
Other popular island getaways on the southern reef include Heron Island and Lady Elliot Island where you can walk straight off the beach to the reef. In the Northern Queensland islands there are some great secluded spots including the unspoilt island retreat of Haggerstone Island and the exclusive Bedarra Island. The luxurious Lizard Island is also popular and offers excellent snorkelling and scuba diving spots at the Cod Hole and some of the best game fishing trips.Photos
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Helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef
credit/licence: flickr: Sarah_Ackerman
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Snorkelling with a Humphead Wrasse, Great Barrier Reef
credit/licence: flickr: brewbooks
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Great Barrier Reef, Cairns
credit/licence: flickr: Electric Images
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Lonesome boat on the Great Barrier Reef
credit/licence: flickr: Christian Haugen
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Great Barrier Reef Life Aquatic
credit/licence: flickr: josh-n
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Our Recommendations
Accommodation
Mission Beach Resort
Mission Beach Accommodation - Resorts- User rating:
- 1 review
Mission Beach Resort is nestled amongst a Tropical Rainforest setting and is situated only 300m from Pristine Wongaling Beach overlooking Dunk...
Wongalinga Luxury Beach Apartments
Mission Beach Accommodation - ApartmentsEnjoy your next holiday at one of the very few places that can truly boast being absolute beachfront at North Queensland's pristine Mission...
Dunk Island View Van Park
Wongaling Beach Accommodation - Caravan Camping- User rating:
- 1 review
Looking for the ideal holiday at one of most best kept secrets of Far North Queensland? Then look no further. Dunk Island View Van Park has...
Mission Beach Holidays and Rentals
Mission Beach Accommodation - Real Estate, Booking AgentsMission Beach Holidays specialises in Holiday Accommodation in Mission Beach and surrounding areas.
Mission Beach Holidays offers a range...
Marlin Gateway Apartments
Trinity Beach Accommodation - ApartmentsMarlin Gateway Holiday Apartments is a boutique accommodation property of just 16 apartments, set in idyllic surroundings of lush tropical gardens...
Activities
Blackout Sportfishing Cairns
Trinity Beach Activities - Fishing- User rating:
- 5 reviews
Blackout Sportsfishing Cairns provides quality-fishing charters in Far North Queensland. Travel some of the most beautiful waters under the...
Passions of Paradise
Cairns Activities - Boating, Yachting- User rating:
- 3 reviews
Passions of Paradise travels daily to two of the most sought after locations on the Great Barrier Reef; Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef. Our...
Adrenalin Dive
Townsville Activities - Water Sports- User rating:
- 3 reviews
The SS Yongala is one of the worlds great wreck dives. The SS Yongala shipwreck is a national historic site that lies within the Great Barrier...
Cairns Reef Luxury Charter Services
Cairns Activities - FishingCairns Reef Luxury Charter Services specialise in reef fishing, light and heavy tackle trips to the Great Barrier Reef. Regular scheduled...
Cairns Dive Centre
Cairns Activities - Water SportsCairns Dive Centre offer professional scuba diving/snorkelling day trips and live aboard cruises to the Great Barrier, as well as learn-to-dive...
Dining
The Greek Tavern & Something Else
Wongaling Beach Dining - Cafes, RestaurantsFormerly "Miller's" and "Raymonds on the Beach", the Restaurant has reopened as "The Greek Tavern & Something...
Lee's Hotel Restaurant
Ingham Dining - Cafes, RestaurantsLee's Hotel's famous Original Art Deco restaurant boasts an excellent Chef and wonderful menu options.
Our food is both delicious...
Apres Beach Bar & Grill
Palm Cove Dining - Cafes, Restaurants- User rating:
- 1 review
Welcome to the Apres Beach Bar and Grill. Since November 2003 we have been building our reputation on great food, great atmosphere, great music...
Vivo Bar and Grill
Palm Cove Dining - Cafes, RestaurantsThe Vivo concept was born in 2004 after four business partners with a passion for fine food and wine decided to make their mark on the Palm Cove...
BarefootArtFoodWine Restaurant
Horseshoe Bay Dining - Cafes, RestaurantsSeaside dining, full bar list, exquisite representing over 50 local and famous Nth Queensland artists.... all under the one roof at...
Hot Deals
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$155 Meridien At Trinity
Trinity Beach ApartmentsWas $310 - Now $155
Meridien At Trinity
Trinity Beach Apartments1 Bedroom Luxury apartment overlooking the Coral Sea from your private balcony. enjoy the experience of the tropics. Dine at the beachfront restaurants or walk along the beach at night having that relaxing stroll.
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 10 Dec 2011 & 25 Mar 2012. Offer expires 25 Mar 2012 -
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$19 Trinity Waters Beachfront Holiday Apartments
Trinity Beach HotelsWas $187 - Now $168
Trinity Waters Beachfront Holiday Apartments
Trinity Beach HotelsFrom now until end of March - 10% off a 1 Bedroom Beachfront Apartment - enquire now
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$449 Amaroo at Trinity
Trinity Beach ResortsWas $1571 - Now $1122
Amaroo at Trinity
Trinity Beach ResortsSubject to availability.
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 07 Apr 2011 & 31 Mar 2012. Offer expires 31 Mar 2012 -
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$417 Kewarra Beach Resort Cairns
BONUS Bonus Reef Trip
Kewarra Beach Resort Cairns
BONUS Bonus Reef TripBuy one full day Great Barrier Reef trip with Ocean Spirit Cruises to Michaelmas Cay and recieve one free bonus valued at $195
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 30 Jun 2011 & 31 Mar 2012. Offer expires 31 Mar 2012 -
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$278 Hides Hotel Cairns
Cairns HotelsWas $684 - Now $406
Hides Hotel Cairns
Cairns HotelsThe perfect combination of Cairns city life, plus a full day Sunlover Reef Cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef (includes full buffet lunch, snorkelling and glass bottom boat excursions). Superior Room includes continental breakfast.
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 26 Feb 2009 & 31 Mar 2012. Offer expires 31 Mar 2012
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