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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
Map
Our Recommendations
Accommodation
Pro Dive Cairns
CairnsPro Dive Cairns is Australias Premier PADI Dive School as well as a Leading Outer Reef Liveaboard Dive Trip Operator. Since 1983 we have developed...
Orpheus Island Resort
TownsvilleLocated just 80km north of Townsville amidst the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus is a secluded tropical hideaway accommodating...
Fraser Island Escape Bareboat
Hervey BayFraser Island ESCAPE Bareboat Charters offers luxury bare boat, yacht, motor cruisers, and house boat charters cruising the spectacular World...
Magnums on Magnetic
Magnetic Island"Magnums On Magnetic" is located directly across the road from 2 spectacular beaches & offers both 6 & 10 share dormitory...
Cairns Dive Centre
CairnsCairns Dive Centre offer professional scuba diving/snorkelling day trips and live aboard cruises to the Great Barrier, as well as learn-to-dive...
Activities
Sunlover Reef Cruises
CairnsDiscover the real reef as you join Sunlover Reef Cruises fast, air-conditioned catamaran to our large pontoon (floating platform) located at Moore...
Passions of Paradise
CairnsPassions of Paradise travels daily to two of the most sought after locations on the Great Barrier Reef; Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef. Our...
Pro Dive Cairns
CairnsPro Dive Cairns is Australias Premier PADI Dive School as well as a Leading Outer Reef Liveaboard Dive Trip Operator. Since 1983 we have developed...
Fraser Island Escape Bareboat
Hervey BayFraser Island ESCAPE Bareboat Charters offers luxury bare boat, yacht, motor cruisers, and house boat charters cruising the spectacular World...
Dining
Vivo Bar and Grill
Palm CoveThe 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...
Lee's Hotel Restaurant
InghamLee's Hotel's famous Original Art Deco restaurant boasts an excellent Chef and wonderful menu options.
Our food is both delicious...
Frosty Mango
Highway No 1 Bruce HighwayThe Frosty Mango is an ideal place to stop off between Townsville and Cairns to fill up with the best fresh food around. Frosty Mango is in...
BarefootArtFoodWine Restaurant
Horseshoe BaySeaside dining, full bar list, exquisite representing over 50 local and famous Nth Queensland artists.... all under the one roof at...
Apres Beach Bar & Grill
Palm CoveWelcome to the Apres Beach Bar and Grill. Since November 2003 we have been building our reputation on great food, great atmosphere, great music...
Hot Deals
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£318 Bloomfield Lodge
Cairns HotelsWas £1413 - Now £1094
Bloomfield Lodge
Cairns Hotels5 night package with a free room upgrade and free scenic flight, road and boat transfers from Cairns. Full board gourmet cuisine, guided rainforest walk and jungle river cruise also included. Valid for stays to 30 Sept 13
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 11 Jun 2013 & 28 Jun 2013. Offer expires 28 Jun 2013 -
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£15 BeachView Apartments at Villa Paradiso
Palm Cove ApartmentsWas £155 - Now £139
BeachView Apartments at Villa Paradiso
Palm Cove ApartmentsWhen making a booking on the Villa Paradiso website, simply enter the word "Total" in the box marked "Enter Promotion Code" and see a 10% drop in all prices displayed, including all the rooms that are already heavily discounted.
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 19 Jan 2013 & 24 Mar 2014. Offer expires 24 Mar 2014 -
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£48 Waterfront Terraces
Cairns ApartmentsWas £134 - Now £86
Waterfront Terraces
Cairns ApartmentsMin stay 5 nights. Full payment at time of booking and are subject to availability, no cancellations/refunds. Bookings windows exclude all national school holidays, Easter, Cairns Iron man - call to check usable dates.
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 21 Mar 2013 & 30 Jun 2013. Offer expires 30 Jun 2013 -
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£59 On the Beach Holiday Apartments
Trinity Beach ApartmentsWas £119 - Now £59
On the Beach Holiday Apartments
Trinity Beach ApartmentsPrice includes free Wi-Fi Valid from 28/3/13 to 28/6/13 - Excludes School Holidays and Special Events. Minimum 3 night stay. Not valid with any other offer.
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 28 Mar 2013 & 26 Jun 2013. Offer expires 26 Jun 2013 -
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£262 Australis Cairns Beach Resort
Holloways Beach ResortsWas £607 - Now £345
Australis Cairns Beach Resort
Holloways Beach ResortsMinimum 4 Nights stay in a Superior 1 bedroom Apartment. Free WiFi for duration of stay, Free use of pool towels, Bottle of Wine on Arrival and Late checkout at 12pm (Subject to availability). Holiday Service
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. 31 May 2013 & 30 Nov 2013. Offer expires 30 Nov 2013
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