Travel guide · Australia
Great Barrier Reef: what to see and when to go
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching about 2,300 km along the coast of Queensland. From Cairns and Port Douglas, day trips reach the outer reef, and nearby the Daintree rainforest runs right down to the sea.
What to see and do on the Great Barrier Reef
Outer reef trips
Snorkel or dive among coral, turtles and reef fish.
Daintree Rainforest
One of the oldest rainforests on earth, meeting the reef at Cape Tribulation.
Whitsunday Islands
The pure silica sand of Whitehaven Beach and the heart-shaped reef.
Kuranda
The Skyrail cable car and the scenic railway through the rainforest.
Green and Fitzroy islands
Coral islands a short ferry ride from Cairns.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Apr – Nov.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 20 hr | ≈ €760 · See flights |
| New York | 20 hr, 15 min | ≈ €770 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 15 hr, 30 min | ≈ €660 · See flights |
| Dubai | 14 hr, 30 min | ≈ €640 · See flights |
| Singapore | 7 hr | ≈ €420 · See flights |
| Sydney | 3 hr | ≈ €190 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €1,100 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Australia
- Currency
- Australian Dollar
- Good for
- sea · nature · wild
- How long to stay
- 4–7 days
- Where to stay
- Cairns or Port Douglas; Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays.Find a place to stay on the Great Barrier Reef
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Great Barrier Reef, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €760 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments on the Great Barrier Reef (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- CarPick it up at the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like on the Great Barrier Reef and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Apr – Nov. Average highs range from 25° in July to 31° in January.
How many days do you need on the Great Barrier Reef?
4 to 7 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days on the Great Barrier Reef cost?
Accommodation runs at around €110 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €1,100 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 20 hr.
Where should you stay on the Great Barrier Reef?
Cairns or Port Douglas; Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays.
