Great Barrier Reef
WHY VISIT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Discover the Great Barrier Reef – One of the World’s Most Iconic Natural Wonders
Perfect for:
-
Families
-
Couples
-
Adventure seekers
Available from:
-
Cairns
-
Port Douglas
-
Whitsundays
Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and one of Australia’s most unforgettable experiences. Home to vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, rays, and reef sharks, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore an underwater world found nowhere else.
Whether you’re snorkelling straight from a pontoon, diving deeper into coral lagoons, or enjoying a glass-bottom boat tour, the Great Barrier Reef caters to all ages and experience levels. From first-time visitors to seasoned travellers, it’s an essential stop on any Australian itinerary.
With tours departing from Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays, visitors can choose from half-day trips, full-day reef adventures, luxury catamarans, and family-friendly cruises. Many experiences include equipment, expert guides, and reef education, making it easy to enjoy the reef safely and responsibly.
World-Class Marine Life
Snorkel or dive among colourful coral, tropical fish, turtles, and reef ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.
Experiences for Every Traveller
From beginners to certified divers, families to couples, there’s a reef experience to suit every travel style.
Easy Access from Queensland
Convenient departures from Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays with guided, all-inclusive tour options.
Top Great Barrier Reef Tours & Experiences
Compare & Book Great Barrier Reef Experiences
★★★★★
Explore full-day and half-day reef tours including snorkelling, diving, and pontoon experiences from Cairns and Port Douglas.
★★★★★
Snorkelling-focused experiences, often from pontoons or reef boats, with shallow coral gardens and marine life.
★★★★★
Introductory dives or certified scuba diving trips on outer reef sites.
★★★★★
Helicopter or light aircraft flights over the reef, cays, and Heart Reef.
★★★★★
Stationary reef platforms offering snorkelling, semi-submersible tours, underwater observatories, and kid-friendly activities.
★★★★★
Island ferries and day trips combining beaches, snorkelling, and reef access.
How to Choose the Best Great Barrier Reef Experience
The Great Barrier Reef offers a wide range of experiences, from relaxed snorkelling trips to adrenaline-filled scuba dives and scenic flights. Choosing the right tour depends on how much time you have, your confidence in the water, and the type of experience you want — whether that’s getting in the ocean, staying dry, or enjoying a mix of both.
Snorkelling, Diving, or Staying Dry
Snorkelling tours are the most popular choice and are ideal for first-time visitors, families, and anyone wanting an easy introduction to the reef. These trips usually visit shallow coral gardens with abundant marine life and include all equipment. Scuba diving experiences are better suited to confident swimmers and certified divers, although many operators offer introductory dives for beginners. For those who prefer not to enter the water, glass-bottom boats, semi-submersibles, and reef pontoons allow you to experience the reef comfortably.
Reef Pontoons vs Island Day Trips
Reef pontoon experiences are perfect for travellers who want flexibility and comfort. These floating platforms stay in one location on the outer reef and offer snorkelling, underwater observatories, and family-friendly facilities. Island day trips, such as visits to Green Island or Fitzroy Island, combine reef access with beaches, walking tracks, and relaxed island time, making them ideal for those who want a mix of nature and leisure.
Scenic Flights and Aerial Views
Scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef offer a completely different perspective and are perfect for travellers short on time or those wanting a memorable, low-effort experience. Flights often pass over coral cays, turquoise lagoons, and iconic formations like Heart Reef, making them popular with couples and photographers.
Where Tours Depart From
Great Barrier Reef tours depart from Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays, with each location offering slightly different experiences. Cairns provides the widest range of reef tours and pontoons, Port Douglas offers access to quieter outer reef sites, and the Whitsundays combine reef exploration with island scenery. Most tours include equipment, guides, and transfers, making it easy to compare options and choose the experience that best suits your travel plans.
Book Your Transport & Accommodation
Campervan Hire
Explore Australia your way with flexible campervan hire options designed for road trips, coastal drives, and outback adventures. From compact vans to fully equipped motorhomes, campervan travel gives you the freedom to choose your route, pace, and overnight stops — perfect for travellers who want total independence on the road.
Car Hire & Self-Drive Travel
Ideal for city breaks and short road trips, car hire offers a simple and affordable way to explore Australia. Choose from economy cars to SUVs and enjoy the flexibility to visit beaches, national parks, and regional towns without committing to a full campervan setup.
Handpicked Hotels
Find quality accommodation across Australia with our handpicked hotel recommendations. From central city stays to beachfront resorts, we compare trusted booking platforms to help you find great locations, flexible booking options, and competitive prices — all in one place.
Hostels & Budget Stays
Travelling on a budget or looking to meet fellow travellers? Explore hostels and affordable accommodation options across Australia, including shared dorms and private rooms. Perfect for solo travellers, backpackers, and long-term adventures.
