Great Barrier Reef Holidays

The region around Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is Australia's tropical paradise. Few places on earth rival North Queensland for unique natural attractions, chief among them the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef with its dazzling coral and colourful sea life and the ancient tropical rainforests, such as Daintree. This tropical paradise offers natural beauty, islands and beaches, relaxation, indulgence, an envied lifestyle and adventure.

The beautiful city of Cairns and stylish Port Douglas are the main hubs in this area, however there are plenty of remote resorts offering isolated and secluded luxury getaways. Exciting adventure, nature at its most sublime and world-class resorts, restaurants and lifestyle are all waiting to be experienced in this blessed corner of the world.

Queensland Discovery

14-day tailor-made holiday from £5,605 pp incl. flights

This is a showcase for the best of Queensland. After taking in the city sights of Brisbane and the glorious hinterland, head out to the Whitsundays for a slice of island indulgence.

Uluru / Ayers Rock, Northern Territory, Australia

Sydney, Uluru & the Great Barrier Reef

15-day tailor-made holiday from £3,800 pp incl. flights

Discover the sophistication of Sydney, the monolithic beauty and Aboriginal culture of Uluru and the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. This is Australia at its iconic best.

Sydney, the Whitsundays and Brisbane

16-day tailor-made holiday from £3,590 pp incl. flights

Between the sights of Sydney and Brisbane, hop out to the Whitsundays to enjoy some island relaxation alongside hikes, cruises, kayak paddles and snorkelling trips.

The Great Barrier Reef: Palm Cove, Daintree and Lizard Island

14-day tailor-made holiday from £8,165 pp incl. flights

Experience the myriad delights of northern Queensland, from the ancient rainforests of Queensland’s Daintree to picture-perfect Palm Cove and gorgeous Lizard Island – a remote hideaway on the Great Barrier Reef.

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Top places to stay in Tropical North Queensland

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Contemporary lodge

Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 resorts in the world, Lizard Island is a spectacular and secluded island escape that is the ultimate in understated luxury.

Qualia, Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation

Situated on the northern tip of Hamilton Island in Queensland’s idyllic Whitsundays, qualia is one of Australia’s finest luxury resorts. You don’t have to take our word for it – in 2012 it was voted the Best Resort in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Whitsundays

Contemporary resort

Enjoy five-star island luxury within touching distance of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. It's all paired with the best in gourmet dining, relaxing spa treatments and a full spread of immersive adventures.

Beach Club, Hamilton Island

Accommodation

The Beach Club on Hamilton Island is the perfect couples’ retreat for those looking for a getaway in the idyllic Whitsundays.

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Where to go in Tropical North Queensland

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is relaxed beachfront town around two hours south of Cairns. Here two World Heritage areas, The Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest converge with more than 14 kilometres of golden sandy beaches to create a popular tropical paradise destination.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef and richest source of marine life as well as the only living thing visible from space. Spectacular and awe-inspiring, this natural wonder never ceases to amaze.

Daintree & Cape Tribulation

The 135-million-year-old Daintree rainforest is the oldest in the world. It is a vast, exotic living museum, home to the largest range of plants and animals in the world. Once you cross the Daintree River north toward Cape Tribulation you are entering an untouched and ancient region where a 4WD veh…

Port Douglas

The palm-fringed resort town of Port Douglas attracts sun-seekers, honeymooners, celebrities, and even US Presidents to rejuvenate on its shores. Luxurious day spas, championship golf courses and designer boutiques sit comfortably alongside Aussie pubs and independent shops and local markets.

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When to go to Tropical North Queensland

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For almost guaranteed sunshine, head to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef between May and September, when the weather is warm, the skies are cloudless and the underwater visibility is at its best. In the north, the wet season runs from October to March, although the temperature throughout Queensland is warm year round.

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Tropical North Queensland articles

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