10 of the most idyllic Great Barrier Reef accommodations

Your key to unlocking once-in-a-lifetime marine exploration starts with the finest Great Barrier Reef accommodation picks.

Listing each incredible Great Barrier Reef accommodation would take a lifetime. After all, the world’s largest coral reef system measures in at more than 344,400 square kilometres, extending 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast. There are, however, some true highlights in the mix, shining a light on the remarkable beauty of this natural ecosystem while nailing warm hospitality, world-class amenities and Instagram-perfect fit outs.

From Hamilton Island to Hayman Island, we round up the best accommodation offerings in proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

1. qualia

the private tub with ocean views at Windward Pavillion, qualia

The north-facing Windward Pavilions feature private baths. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Where: Hamilton Island

Price: $$$$$

Perfect for: Couples

One of the largest luxury lodges in Australia, qualia is a bucket list experience renowned for exceptional vistas and outstanding service. Split into two glorious sections, the Leeward Pavilions and Windward Pavilions feature floor-to-ceiling windows (to help you marvel in expansive views across The Whitsundays), private sundecks, the most comfortable of beds, mammoth bathrooms and private plunge pools if you choose wisely. But wherefore art thou magnificent reef in comparison? This Great Barrier Reef accommodation standout can arrange snorkelling and diving expeditions that depart right off the sand. Additionally, scenic flights, chopper rides taking in Heart Reef (much more petite up close but no less extraordinary), and luxury cruises can also be teed up.

2. Dunk Island Spit Camping

an aerial view of Dunk Island, Great Barrier Reef accommodation

Hit the beach and relax on Dunk Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Dunk Island, 4km from Mission Beach

Perfect for: Nature lovers

Love your camping but keen to treat yourself? Dunk Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, is putting the final touches on Tropical North Queensland’s very first glamping experience. A collection of glamping tents is scheduled to be unveiled this year, as is a new cafe and a bar slinging cocktails, creating one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most unique accommodation options. Additionally, there are four traditional campsites located on the jetty-side foreshore, providing equally sensational views of the reef that envelopes Dunk Island. Given 2011’s Cyclone Yasi destroying most of the island’s infrastructure, this opening is highly anticipated and bound to be instantly embraced.

3. Lizard Island villas and suites

the 8-metre plunge pool at The Villa, Lizard Island Resort

The Clifftop Villa comes with an 8-metre plunge pool overlooking the Coral Sea. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Lizard Island, 240km north of Cairns

Price: $$$$$

Perfect for: Couples

Add another one to your bucket list with the far-flung Lizard Island and its collection of villas and suites. Located in Lizard Island National Park, which covers 1,013 hectares of remote tropical rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef accommodation is completely secluded from the rest of the world. Serving as the reef’s most northern accommodation and celebrated for its 24 white-sand beaches and ultra-luxe digs, the hot spot boasts one truly idyllic setting. A lawn flanked by palm trees invites guests in to take their pick from beachfront suites, plunge pool villas, garden view suites and larger, more extravagant houses. Each differs in scale and price tag; however, none skimp on the extras as your all-inclusive stay covers every meal (but no drinks).

There’s also a gym, tennis court, guided snorkelling tours via sea darts, motorised dinghies, Great Barrier Reef tours, fishing expeditions and stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, nature trails, yoga and a freshwater swimming pool to keep you busy.

4. Crystalbrook Riley

the lagoon-style pool at Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley reels you in with its lagoon-style pool. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Cairns

Price: $$$

Perfect for: Families

A glittering gem in the Cairns accommodation portfolio, Crystalbrook Riley is a knockout choice for families thanks to its crowd-magnet of a pool situated right by the hotel’s eateries. Sure, setting off on a Great Barrier Reef adventure is just a short walk away (the Cairns Marlin Marina sees plenty of tours depart daily), but trust us — you will struggle to leave this fabulous all-day attraction if the sun’s beating down (and it often is in Cairns). Design-wise, spacious and elegantly appointed rooms feature balconies and just the right amount of pop colour (in signature Crystalbrook style), while dining comes in three varieties: Rocco, a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant, Paper Crane, dishing up big authentic Asian flavours, and Calypso Club, a trendy scene fitted with day beds that overlook the street to induce serious onlooker envy.

Once you do peel yourself away, however, you’re in good hands as Cairns is the undisputed gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Day tours will take you out to snorkel or dive different parts of the underwater playground, guiding you through a technicolour dream of coral and marine life. There are also helicopter tours, scenic flights and pretty much every aquatic activity in between.

5. InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

an aerial view of InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef with a pool next to the beach

This tranquil Hayman Island resort boasts the largest swimming pool in Australia. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Hayman Island, 41km from Hamilton Island

Price: $$$$

Perfect for: Families

Since 1950, Hayman Island has lured visitors in search of an exclusive and jaw-droppingly beautiful Whitsundays Island stay. Now, nestled under the wing of the hyper-luxe InterContinental group, this Great Barrier Reef accommodation is better than ever. Think flawless views of the Coral Sea, lush rainforest, white-sand beaches, fascinating wildlife and signature Queensland sunshine, elevated thanks to 182 sophisticated guest rooms, suites and villas, five restaurants and bars, ample beach activities, the tranquil Hayman Spa and Hair Salon, a golf simulator, a kids’ club, nature walks and more. Better yet, scenic flights and chopper rides, plus boating expeditions that comb through the reef’s brilliant natural masterpieces, depart right from the resort.

6. Rambutan Resort

Where: Townsville

Price: $$

Best for: Budget travellers

An affordable option, Rambutan Resort is a Townsville institution. You’ll find her smack bang in the middle of town, neighboured by convenience stores, cafes and upscale bars – the latter of which you needn’t leave for, however. On-site at this Great Barrier Reef accommodation, there’s a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant, plus a second bar that faces the street, as well as a rooftop pool, laundry and free wi-fi.

Townsville is also a great choice for those who want to explore the outer Great Barrier Reef. SS Yongola Shipwreck, a mysterious and historically significant diving spot on the reef, is teeming with marine life, widely considered one of the world’s best dive sites. Day trips to nearby islands, including the ferry you can take to Magnetic Island, add further fun-fuelled fodder to your to-do list.

7. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas on Four Mile Beach

The five-star resort sits next to the golden sands of Four Mile Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Port Douglas

Price: $$$

Best for: Families

Port Douglas is one of the closest and most popular entry points to the Great Barrier Reef, home to the reliably comfortable Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas.  Here, you’ll find every type of traveller – families, newlyweds, loved-up couples and lone rangers – soaking up the resort’s 147 hectares of subtropical rainforest and coastal-inspired rooms. The Great Barrier Reef accommodation still stands as the only beachfront property on Four Mile Beach, a sandy stretch of clear blue sea and waving palms. It’s also utterly beloved by golfers thanks to its stellar 18-hole golf course.

8. Fitzroy Island Resort

an aerial view of Fitzroy Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef accommodation

Spend a dreamy stay in a tropical oasis at Fitzroy Island Resort. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Fitzroy Island, a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns

Price: $$-$$$

Best for: Families

A seriously untapped location within the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island is a hidden gem begging to be explored. Its ultra-charming Fitzroy Island Resort, the only place to stay on the island and accessible via the Fitzroy Flyer ferry service, will set you up for epic exploration. On land, you’ll find a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, fine dining restaurant Zephyr Restaurant which also nails breakfast, a games room and the wonderful Foxy’s Bar & Cafe which throws up breathtaking sunsets right off the beach.

Meanwhile, kids will lap up the Junior Marine Biologist program, plus daily fish feeding and movie screenings, while more mature guests shouldn’t resist visiting the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, located within a short walk from the resort lobby. Then, it’s time to head out over those waters on a glass bottom boat tour, which often includes a bout of successful sea turtle spotting. As for where you’ll rest your head, there’s a stack of options spanning studios, villas, suites and cabins, plus one extremely luxe penthouse that sleeps up to eight.

9. Daintree Ecolodge

a woman staying at Daintree Ecolodge looking out the rainforest views from her room

The ECO-certified Daintree Eco Lodge is nestled between lush foliage. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Daintree Rainforest

Price: $$

Best for: Adventure-seekers

Discover where the Daintree Rainforest meets the reef at Daintree Ecolodge. Located about an hour and a half north of Cairns, this Great Barrier Reef accommodation offers a transformative experience amid otherworldly surroundings. 15 individual treehouses set a purely magical scene.

Before you dip into the reef, explore the lodge in full, keeping an ear out at night for the cacophony of frog song. During the day, look out for cassowaries and other wildlife roaming around the property which features a bar and the Julaymba Restaurant dishing up modern Australian cuisine across breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t miss taking time out at the Daintree Wellness Spa and on-site pool, too.

10. BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

the waterslide park at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

The family-friendly resort features a giant waterslide. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Airlie Beach

Price: $-$$

Best for: Large groups

Airlie Beach is located on the north-east Queensland coast, between Mackay and Townsville, so it’s blue-upon-blue heaven before you even embark on the reef.

Offering a budget-friendly stay for extended families and groups of friends, the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is an unbeatable pick for value and fun. The facilities are phenomenal, with 13 water slides, an animal park of its own, a kids’ club, mini golf, an outdoor cinema, poolside day spa services and even more. Furthermore, accommodation comes in the way of multi-bedroom cabins and various camping sites. Go on day trips, fly in a seaplane or sail the Whitsunday Islands — the Great Barrier Reef is your oyster if you stay here.

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.

There’s been a resort on Orpheus Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for years… since 1931, in fact. It’s flown largely under the radar, perhaps overwhelmed by more developed and aggressively promoted islands in the Whitsundays and around the Cairns and Port Douglas.

But Orpheus, 80km north of Townsville, has a new lease of life, thanks to entrepreneur Chris Morris and his Colonial Leisure Group, with over $20-million invested (including the purchase price, believed to be around $5 million) to create, as he puts it, a special destination of “laid-back luxury”.

Seductively small-scale: Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef.

So what exactly does Orpheus Island offer? This is what…

1. Heli-va way to get there

The coup de grace is getting to and from Orpheus. It’s a helicopter ride from Townsville or Cairns so the adventure starts when you step into the Nautilus Aviation chopper, swoop low over the reefs and adjoining islands, and land at “Orpheus Island International Heliport”. No passport required!

2. Where is everybody?

With only 14 rooms and suites, it’s hardly crowded. In fact, at any given time it seems as if there are more staff than guests; ideal for that “getting away from it all” feeling.

3. All-inclusive and unpretentious

The accommodation is in unpretentious contemporary villa style with a “minimalist island aesthetic” – including the air-con and flat-screen-TV works, and the fluffy towels and the fittings and bathrooms are spotless. Importantly, all the rooms have private porches where you can contemplate the sea, the sky, the sunsets and your libation of choice.

4. Indonesian tastes, fine Australia drops

The real joy of Orpheus, however, is its food and beverage service. The highly regarded chef, Arie Prabowo, cooks up a storm in the modern kitchen and menus are personalised when you meet with him on arrival, over a glass of bubbly, of course. There’s an emphasis on fresh seafood (often from guests’ fishing trips), prime meats, vegetables and herbs from his garden, and spices from his native Indonesia. The flavours and textures of the fusion cuisine are mouth watering. The wine list, naturally, is formidable with a solid selections of Australian varieties and French Champagnes. Dining With the Tides (a private dinner on a pier over the Coral Sea) is the must-try signature dining experience.

5. Reasons to get off the daybed

The tranquility of Orpheus Island’s infinity pool.

Activities range from doing nothing at all to kayaking, fishing, snorkelling and swimming in the 25-metre horizon pool. There are some great walks across the island or if that’s too strenuous you can take a motorised dinghy to explore the bays, with a picnic lunch on a deserted beach where clothes and inhibitions are superfluous. At the end of the day head to The Gwandalan Day Spa, which uses LI’TYA products, full of feel-good Australian organic ingredients.

More information: See Orpheus Island