Great Barrier Reef

Looking to explore one of the earth's most stunning natural wonders? We show you how to explore the magnificent reef.

<p><strong>Haggerstone</strong> & <strong>Poruma Islands</strong> – <i>How & why to Visit</i></p>

Haggerstone & Poruma Islands – How & why to Visit

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<p><i>Northern Great Barrier Reef</i> Marine Park</p>

Northern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

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<p><i>Inside the</i> <strong>Great Barrier Reef’s</strong> scuba diving mecca</p>

Inside the Great Barrier Reef’s scuba diving mecca

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<p><i>Coral spawning</i> in the <strong>Great Barrier Reef</strong></p>

Coral spawning in the Great Barrier Reef

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<p><i>8 ways a trip</i> to <strong>Lady Elliot Island</strong> can help save <strong>The Reef</strong></p>

8 ways a trip to Lady Elliot Island can help save The Reef

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<p><strong>Lady Elliot Island</strong>: <i>The island stay</i> that lets you swim with manta rays</p>

Lady Elliot Island: The island stay that lets you swim with manta rays

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<p><strong>Bedarra Island</strong> – <i>Happy couples</i>, no keys</p>

Bedarra Island – Happy couples, no keys

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<p><i>5 luxurious reasons to</i> stay, play & eat at <strong>Orpheus Island</strong></p>

5 luxurious reasons to stay, play & eat at Orpheus Island

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Looking to explore one of the earth's most stunning natural wonders? We show you how to explore the magnificent reef.

Highlights
Do & See
Stay
Guide

Adventure Holidays

Lady Elliot Island: The island stay that lets you swim with manta rays

Get up close and personal with extraordinary marine life in a paradise like no other.

The annual coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef at Flynn Reef

Things to do

Coral spawning in the Great Barrier Reef

A cruise in the dead of night offers up the perfect opportunity to witness the wonder of nature in all its kinky glory.

Adventure Holidays

Inside the Great Barrier Reef’s scuba diving mecca

With some of the planet’s best scuba diving spots, the Great Barrier Reef is a natural playground in our own backyard waiting to be explored, and the best of it is found on and around its stunning coral cays at the likes of the stunning Lady Elliot Island.

lady elliot island manta ray water resort save great barrier reef

Eco Holidays

8 ways a trip to Lady Elliot Island can help save The Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a living structure under pressure, threatened by climate change, pollution and land run off, and other factors. While flying to Lady Elliot Island, its southernmost coral cay, for a few days of saltwater fun isn’t going to solve all the reef’s problems, your visit can have a positive impact finds Kara Murphy.

Accommodation

5 luxurious reasons to stay, play & eat at Orpheus Island

It’s time The Great Barrier Reef’s Orpheus emerged from the shadows of its larger island neighbours in the Whitsundays, particularly after its million dollar luxury makeover, says Phil Hawkes.

Island Holidays

Haggerstone & Poruma Islands – How & why to Visit

More than 600km north of Cairns, if you’ve made it this far, your Marine Park voyage is regrettably almost over.

Accommodation

Northern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Beginning at Townsville and spilling northwards beyond Cape York into Torres Strait, the emphasis in the northern reaches is on the vast range of experiences, with everything from five star celebrity hangouts to deserted Robinson Crusoe-style outposts. The choice is yours. By Fiona Harper

Accommodation

Bedarra Island – Happy couples, no keys

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

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Do & See

the Lizard Island Resort as seen from above

CCarla Grossetti

An insider’s guide to Lizard Island and Lizard Island Resort

Discover the essentials of Lizard Island with an expert guide from someone who's experienced it firsthand.

KKristie Lau-Adams

12 Great Barrier Reef facts to help you plan a bucket list adventure

Soak up every extraordinary inch of the world’s largest coral reef system with our round-up of the most fascinating Great Barrier Reef facts.

Clown fish in coral on the Great Barrier Reef

EEmily Murphy

Great Barrier Reef is the first non-human nominated for this award

Sir David Attenborough won it. Now the Great Barrier Reef wants in.

EEmily McAuliffe

This giant coral chest could save the Great Barrier Reef

If one of the world’s most important ecosystems fails, this clever insurance policy may prove to be its saving grace; take a look inside the world’s first living coral biobank.

DDavid Levell

Coral spawning in the Great Barrier Reef

A cruise in the dead of night offers up the perfect opportunity to witness the wonder of nature in all its kinky glory.

A swim with horses in where else but Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island

CCraig Tansley

Why you should visit Magnetic Island, QLD

It was business as usual for travel journalist Craig Tansley, when an invitation to Magnetic Island arrived in his inbox. Next thing he knew, he was moving there. This is his attempt to explain why... (Photography Andrew Rankin).

KKristie Lau-Adams

8 of the best spots to go camping in the Great Barrier Reef

Your access-all-areas pass to a spectacular natural wonder is up for grabs at the best spots to go camping on the Great Barrier Reef.

Dunk Island beachfront in Tropical North Queensland

EEmily Murphy

After a 14-year closure, this tropical island is back in business

Cyclone Yasi left it in ruins – now Dunk Island is back with TNQ’s only island glamping experience.

AAnita Jokovich

A night in the new InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

An idyllic island bounces back to be better than ever with the resurrection of an Australian icon.

Hotel review: Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays

CChristine Retchlag

Hotel review: Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays

It's the first 100 per cent solar-powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef and the newest to be built in the Whitsundays for years. But does Elysian Retreat stand up to its sustainability claims?

EEditor

5 luxurious reasons to stay, play & eat at Orpheus Island

It’s time The Great Barrier Reef’s Orpheus emerged from the shadows of its larger island neighbours in the Whitsundays, particularly after its million dollar luxury makeover, says Phil Hawkes.

You can see it from space and it’s absolutely magnificent. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef is a magnet for tourists and locals and for very good reason. The Great Barrier Reef is ideal for any type of holiday, whether it’s a romantic escape or an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving. Choosing the right island for you can be overwhelming, but one thing is certain: you won’t be disappointed.

Top Things to See on the Great Barrier Reef

Of course, the Reef is famous for its marine life. Often described as one of Australia’s most incredible natural gifts, the beauty lies in the coral reef. There are more than 3000 individual reef systems, coral cays and hundreds of islands to explore. For those who wish to stay on land, and even for those who want to rush into the water, the Daintree Rainforest should not be missed.

Best Ways to Explore the Great Barrier Reef

From land, in the ocean or from the air, no matter how you see the Reef, it’s mesmerising. But arguably the best way to explore the reef is at any of the best snorkelling and diving sites, where you’ll be able to see the vibrant underwater ecosystems up close.

Surrounded by pristine white beaches and a gateway to the magnificent reef, Hamilton Island is the perfect base. There’s a huge selection of bars and restaurants on the island and heaps of water sports available.

From breathtaking scenic flights to luxurious yacht charters and immersive experiences in the Great Barrier Reef, a day trip from the island offers a variety of memorable adventures.

Stay in Luxury Accommodation

The Great Barrier Reef is definitely not short of accommodation options, from resorts to whole islands. Family-friendly hotels on Hamilton Island are plentiful and will cater to entertaining kids. Those seeking luxury shouldn’t look past the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Lizard Island, or qualia. For a unique experience, Australia’s first underwater hotel Reefsuites will immerse you in the heart of one of the world’s most spectacular marine environments. For those who prefer a more adventurous stay, camping options are available as well.

Tours and Packages

Land, sea and air tours and packages are available and if you have time, it’s recommended to check out all three options. It’s the only way you’ll truly appreciate the grandeur that is the Great Barrier Reef. You can find the best options in our Great Barrier Reef tours guide.