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Great Barrier ReefNational parks

Our most recommended Great Barrier Reef National parks

From Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Scenic Flight

1. From Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Scenic Flight

Delight in a 60-minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy the big window views from your comfortable fixed-wing aircraft, and learn all about the area with your experienced pilot's expert commentary. After pickup from your accommodation in Airlie Beach, head to the nearby airport for take-off. Unlike flights offered by other companies in the area, the local partner is able to take-off from much closer to Airlie Beach, saving you the long 40-minute travel time. Once up in the air, marvel at the best bird's-eye views of the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Fly over Whitehaven Beach and picture postcard Hill Inlet before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing one of the most photographed reef locations Heart Reef. After you land, transfer back to your accommodation in Airlie Beach.

From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise

2. From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise

Climb aboard a modern catamaran to sail into Green Island National Park on a beach and snorkeling cruise from Cairns. Discover a hidden gem in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and explore its coral reefs with snorkeling gear. Choose to enjoy a buffet lunch and go on a semi-submarine tour. Make your way to the harbor to meet your friendly crew for the day and climb onto your catamaran. Relax in the sun as you set sail towards the Great Barrier Reef. Experience picturesque views of the ocean as you arrive at Green Island National Park. Stroll around the island and explore its tranquil beaches. Find a stop to relax and go for a dip in the ocean. Get access to snorkeling gear and take a peek into the region's thriving marine life. You can also opt to go on a semi-submarine or a glass-bottom boat tour to discover the colorful coral reef and fish in comfort.

Whitsundays: Ocean Rafting Fly Raft Tour with Snorkeling

3. Whitsundays: Ocean Rafting Fly Raft Tour with Snorkeling

Experience the best of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one day: from the water and the air. Visit the Whitsundays’ most iconic destinations. These include the famous Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and secret, exclusive snorkeling locations. Ride, beach, snorkel, and bush walk, all in one day. Visit both ends of the world-famous beach. Departing from Airlie Beach, take to the skies and experience a once-in-a-lifetime, 60-minute scenic flight. Soar over the islands and Great Barrier Reef, including famous Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. Guests will have a bird’s eye view of many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, flying over Whitehaven Beach and picture postcard Hill Inlet before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed-wing aircraft offers big window viewing, pilot commentary, and the best views of the Whitsundays. Then, take off on the ride of your life in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Departing from Airlie Beach, climb aboard the fastest day boat in the Whitsundays. This means it is not only an adventurous ride, but distances are covered in a shorter time, leaving more time for activities. The semi-rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing guests to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, enjoy a guided bushwalk to spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout to view and capture photographs of the stunning swirling silica sands and aqua water. This operator is the only tour to have direct access to all areas of the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach to ensure you enjoy the most memorable experience of this special place. If you have selected the 'North Whitehaven' option: This eco-adventure is a favourite amongst avid snorkellers because it is the only Whitsunday adventure which includes two different snorkel destinations. Not only that, but it includes a visit to the stunning beach at Hill Inlet, north end of Whitehaven Beach, and a guided National Park walk to the lookout above the silica sand of Whitehaven. Guests explore the restricted area of beautiful Hill Inlet at Whitehaven Beach.  If you have selected the South Whitehaven Option: This tour visits both the northern and southern ends of Whitehaven Beach with more beach time. Enjoy at least two hours relaxing on the world famous white silica sand, a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and experience the Southern Whitehaven Lookout, enjoying breathtaking views of Pentecost Island and the tropical waters of the Whitsundays. Snorkel for over an hour at Border Island, Dumbell Island or one of the “secret” snorkel spots, enjoying the amazing hard and soft corals of the fringing reefs.

From Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

4. From Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

Go on a Green Island eco-adventure from Cairns to explore the beautiful Great Barrier Reef island. Connect with nature on a tropical island with over 120 native plant species, birds, coral gardens, and abundant marine life. Choose from a glass bottom boat coral reef viewing tour or snorkeling gear. Your cruise includes the choice of an informative glass bottom boat coral viewing tour, or the use of snorkeling equipment to snorkel directly off the sandy white beaches. Explore the island’s lush rainforest with a leisurely self-guided walk, see the reef from the glass bottom boat coral viewing tour, snorkel from the beach, or take a refreshing dip in the island swimming pool. With an abundance of optional activities, you can scuba dive, take an offshore snorkel excursion, walk underwater with Seawalker helmet diving, kayak, or even take to the sky in a scenic helicopter flight. There's even the Marineland Melanesia crocodile habitat on the island! The island’s well-appointed day visitor facilities include a pool bar, and dive shop, plus restaurant and food outlets, where a delicious range of lunch, snacks, and refreshments can be purchased.

Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

5. Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Your day on the reef: Cruise from Cairns on board the fastest, luxury superyacht for the best value tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an adventure-filled experience. The 35-meter luxury superyacht departs Cairns daily, with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations known for their exceptional coral density and prolific marine life. Enjoy snorkelling at both reef sites with all snorkelling equipment and tuition provided. A gourmet buffet lunch with fresh prawns, fish, steak, and a variety of salads together and a free glass of wine with nibbles for your return journey provide a level of service and comfort that is unmatched. Your day in the Rainforest: Then, embark on a full-day adventure to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef! Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Group size is limited for a more personalized experience. As one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track, your experience will be like no other. Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, cool down with a refreshing swim at Emmagen Creek and enjoy lunch at Cape Tribulation. Savour a homemade Daintree ice cream on your journey home.

Barron Gorge: Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

6. Barron Gorge: Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

Experience white-water rafting in Barron Gorge National Park, known for its rugged rainforest mountains, steep ravines, and the falls carved out over thousands of years by the Barron River. Enjoy optional pickup from Cairns or Port Douglas before heading to the national park. Meet your guide at Lake Placid, and get ready for your river rafting tour on the river. Enjoy the area’s scenic beauty and a combination of calm water and a series of white-water rapids as well. Spend two hours navigating rapids up to grade three. No experience is necessary, making this a good choice for beginning rafters. There is also plenty of excitement for the more experienced.

From Cairns: Green Island Half-Day Morning Cruise

7. From Cairns: Green Island Half-Day Morning Cruise

Discover the lush rainforest of Green Island on this half-day tour and encounter some of the many marine animals that call the island home. Climb aboard the modern, air-conditioned 24-meter catamaran "Reef Rocket" to cruise over to this idyllic part of the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoy a full-day reef tour just 45-minutes from Cairns. Snorkel and dive among the reef fish and coral gardens, or stay dry on a spectacular semi-submersible submarine or glass-bottom boat to discover the underwater life in comfort. Alternatively, simply laze on the white sandy beach and soak up the sun.

Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari Tour

8. Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari Tour

An exhilarating ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation. This half-day eco-tour visits two different snorkel destinations, each with an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. The tour begins at Cape Tribulation beach where guests board the vessel bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The Ocean Safari vessel takes a maximum of 25 passengers allowing guests to experience tropical paradise and the pleasure of a small group. After a fast 25-minute ride, guests are ready to snorkel two fabulous locations at Mackay Reef. On most days, the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance swimming over reefs full of colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams, and starfish. The vessel is based on the original design of a rescue craft and is a rigid inflatable boat driven by 700hp engines. The experienced Skipper and Eco Host ensure the trip is filled with fun and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and the coastal rainforest of the Daintree, two world heritage areas side by side. Magical memories like these sometimes only happen once in a lifetime.

From Airlie Beach: 2-Day Whitsundays Sailing & Camping Trip

9. From Airlie Beach: 2-Day Whitsundays Sailing & Camping Trip

Discover the best of the Whitsunday Islands on this 2-day sail from Airlie Beach. Enjoy captivating snorkel excursions each day, visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed islands, and explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Visit locations such as Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, Hayman Island, Border Island, and Whitsunday Island. Stop to snorkel at Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, and Blue Pearl Bay. Sleep on a spacious maxi yacht on the first night and camp on one of the islands surrounding the Whitsundays on the second night. Help assist the crew by hoisting the mainsail and dropping anchor at each exciting destination. Alternatively, sit back and relax on the spacious deck and enjoy the view of the pristine Whitsunday Islands. Every evening, roll up your sleeves and help the crew prepare mouth-watering specialties like beef stew, spaghetti bolognese, fresh bread, green salad, pasta salads, and much more. Or, position yourself at the ship’s prow where you can watch the sky change from yellow to magenta as the sun sets.

Cairns: Paronella, Lake Barrine & Millaa Millaa Falls Tour

10. Cairns: Paronella, Lake Barrine & Millaa Millaa Falls Tour

The departure is from Cairns, we head south travelling past Walsh’s Pyramid, one of the largest naturally formed pyramids in the world. Here your guide will stop so you can grab a photo of this unique North Queensland landmark. Now it’s time to travel up the World Heritage-listed Gillies Highway climbing 730 metres above sea level whilst enjoying the breathtaking views over the Goldsborough Valley. Just before the top of the amazing Gillies Range is a short photo opportunity at the Heales Lookout before heading into the gorgeous Atherton Tablelands. The first stop is the beautiful World Heritage Listed Lake Barrine Crater Lake National Park. On arrival, your tour guide will take you on a short walk to visit the 1000-year-old Twin Kauri Pines, true giants of the rainforest. Enjoy a Devonshire morning tea with freshly-baked scones before departing for the historical town of Yungaburra, which has the most Nationally Listed Heritage buildings in Queensland. Go on a driving tour around this quaint town, showcasing the many Nationally Heritage buildings. Next stop is The Curtain Fig Tree located in the Curtain Fig Tree National Park. This amazing feat of nature reaching 45+ metres up into the tropical rainforest canopy. Follow your guide on the boardwalk to learn about the amazing formation of this 600-800-year old epiphyte. Spy endemic wildlife species in the rainforest canopy, like the rare Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo. From here, head through the historical dairy town of Malanda, home to Australia’s oldest continuously running commercial picture theatre. Your guide will drive you around this charming town showcasing the beautiful old pub and theatre. Travelling through extensive beef, dairy, sugar cane, and other diverse types of farming areas, arrive at Millaa Millaa Falls, one of Australia’s most photographed waterfalls. Have an option of swimming under the cool waters or you sit back, relax, enjoy the tranquility of nature. Now it’s time to descend from the mountains down the Palmerstone Highway through sugar cane & banana fields to the coastal town of Innisfail, after leaving Innisfail you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Paronella Park is the next destination with a 45-minute guided tour in English, Chinese or Japanese. Be guided through the extensive National Trust Gardens while learning the rich history of Hose Paronella’s wonderful achievements and the colorful history of how he built his Spanish Castle in the rainforest; you will have amazing photo opportunities of the breathtaking Mena Creek and Theresa falls. Spend approx 2.5 hours here allowing plenty of free time to enjoy the rest of the park at a leisurely pace. Then, return to Cairns.

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What people are saying about Great Barrier Reef

This tour was incredible. The crew were fantastic, Joanna, Carter and the the skipper, Alex all went above and beyond to give us an unforgettable experience, in very testing conditions. despite the weather we had a very comfortable and safe time in a beautiful part of the world. Alex's knowledge and expertise of the area, Australia, and obviously sailing, which he shares with you is a huge bonus as well. The meals were amazing too. Very happy with the experience even though we came in the wet season, credit to the crew and especially the skipper. 10/10 would absolutely reccomend this tour as a must do, while in the whitsundays.

Incredible day. You definitely get your moneys worth. Once we got on the trip we were asked if we wanted to do the snorkelling safari as well and we are SO glad we did that on top as you get taken out deeper and get an i depth tour of the reef. and the reef is incredible. so recommend doing that too once on the trip! Thanks for the best day

It is the most beautiful and touching experience of Nature I have ever had. And I have travelled a lot. It almost brought me to tears of commotion for how stunning Mother Nature is. Just divine.

Freddie was amazing- we did the snorkel safari ran by her Freddie and she was so knowledgeable and fun! Thank you for making our day!

Such a lovely day out. Amazing crew and experience :)