Experience Your Best Great Barrier Reef Vacation

Few natural wonders command such attention as the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Here, after all, is a spectacle so vast that it can be seen from the moon.

What makes the Reef so great is not just what's beneath the surface but also what's above it - the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. On an island, you can truly experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world. From the exclusivity and luxury of five-star resorts to the back-to-nature simplicity of tented accommodation in natural settings, the reef's islands offer a retreat from the demands of everyday life.

The different islands along the vast stretch of reef are there to complement your ideal Great Barrier Reef experience: ecological, luxurious, natural, secluded. From these islands you can choose how you connect with the Reef. Dive into it, snorkel through it, sail on it, or fish it. Swim with turtles or watch whales play. Whichever island you choose, you'll have an experience that will live with you forever.

Things to do in Cairns Beaches

Bedarra Island

Bedarra Island lies off the coast of Cairns and offers rainforests, pristine white sand and the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea. Bedarra is Australia's most exclusive island, with a resort designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and caters for only 32 guests at a time. When it comes to relaxing in glorious seclusion, Bedarra Island is the perfect retreat.

Daydream Island

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled among the Whitsunday Islands, it offers affordable luxury for couples and families alike. Its natural attributes - secluded beaches, azure waters and stunning rainforest - are complimented by a diverse range of fun-filled activities, magical dining experiences and contemporary facilities.

Dunk Island

Dunk Island is made up of golden sands, palm-lined beaches, tranquil waters and a thriving rainforest. With a huge variety of activities, facilities and experiences to choose from, you'll be tempted to extend your stay indefinitely. Located in a national park, Dunk Island Resort lies just south of Cairns and is within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef.

Hamilton Island

In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island offers an experience like no other: brilliant beaches, stunning coral reefs, unique flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and a multitude of activities. A wide range of accommodation options vary from luxurious and intimate beachfront settings to sweeping views of the Coral Sea.

Hayman Island

Hayman is Australia's most celebrated private island destination. The most northerly of the Whitsunday Islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman invites guests into a world of privacy, luxury, relaxation, fine wines and dining and breathtaking scenery. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this idyllic retreat has won a host of prestigious local and international awards.

Heron Island

Heron Island is a true coral cay, located right on the Great Barrier Reef. A place of stunning natural beauty, it has sugar-white sands, crystal clear waters and acres of brilliant coral with colorful marine life. At this World Heritage-listed marine national park, all flora and fauna is protected, so the island is a nature lover's paradise, where the emphasis is on enjoying natural beauty.

Lizard island

Lizard Island is a ruggedly beautiful island on the northern Great Barrier Reef. Lizard boasts 24 pristine beaches. Lizard Island is surrounded by coral reefs, ribbon and lagoon reefs. Lizard is home to one of Australia's northernmost island resorts, where design works in harmony with the island's spectacular natural beauty. This premium property caters for just 80 guests.

Orpheus Island

Surrounded by national park amidst the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island is a nature lover's paradise. Strictly limited to 42 guests, Orpheus provides the ultimate hideaway. The magnificence of this island with its beautiful fringing reefs, pristine beaches and tropical rainforests are a stunning backdrop to an experience in tropical food, wine and privacy like no other.