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Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Holidays

Introduction

The Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region 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.

 

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Top itineraries in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Spicers Peak Lodge

Queensland Discovery

14-day tailor-made holiday from £5,345 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 £3,805 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.

Hamilton Island, Australia

Sydney, the Whitsundays and Brisbane

16-day tailor-made holiday from £3,335 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.

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

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

14-day tailor-made holiday from £6,400 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 Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

The Pavilion Living Area, Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

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.

Hamo Day Room

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.

Eco-cabins

Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation

The unpretentious 41-room resort on tiny Lady Elliot Island provides one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most genuine eco-tourism experiences, where the spectacular nature of the place takes centre stage.

Jetty

Haggerstone Island, Northern Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation

Enjoy your very own Robinson Crusoe experience at this island resort in the upper reaches of the Great Barrier Reef.

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Where to go in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

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, Queensland, Australia

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, Queensland, Australia

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 Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

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Max temp Min temp Rainfall

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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Meet our Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0634

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0634 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

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