Top Things to do in Great Barrier Reef
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10 Islands in Great Barrier Reef That You Shouldn't Miss
The world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef stretches almost 1500 miles into the Pacific from the tip of Queensland. Designated a Marine Park by the Australian government and a World Heritage Area by UNESCO, the reef is home to an extraordinary abundance of species and habitats. Snorkeling, diving and fishing are rightly popular along the reef, nowhere more so than on the Whitsunday Islands, where the silica sands and aqua waters of the Coral Sea create the perfect beach escape.
Restaurants in Great Barrier Reef
1. Upolu Cay
2. Curtis Island National Park and Regional Park
3. Whitsunday Islands National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By CodyMav - Gold Coast, Australia
Get on the water, and experience what you can of the 74 Whitsunday islands. Whether its sailing, a cruise, the iconic Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef or Hill Inlet, find a way to immerse yourself in this natural beauty
4. Museum of Tropical Queensland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Want to explore a shipwreck, dive on the Great Barrier Reef and visit a rainforest, all in one day? Situated in the city centre, the Museum showcases life in the tropics from dinosaurs to modern day, with our travelling exhibitions and local displays adding a touch of the unexpected. The Museum is family-friendly and has free activities and tours every day including a great activity where you can help fire a ships cannon (at 11am and 2.30Pm daily, covered shoes required). Our Cafe is open from 10am to 3pm daily and serves great coffee, milkshakes, fresh sandwiches, wraps, slices and more. There are gluten-free options as well. And we've got FREE WiFi!
Reviewed By SallieRae
We visited the Museum of Tropical Queensland and were fascinated by the story of the HMS Pandora, it’s journey in 1790 to try to reclaim the HMS Bounty and its subsequent shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef in 1791. The museum contains a life-size model of the bow of the HMS Pandora that provides enormous insight into the construction and size of the ship. The museum also houses numerous artifacts and provides visual storytelling of the discovery and investigation of the shipwreck of the HMS Pandora. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative museum.
5. Waddy Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Waddy Point is 5 hours north of Brisbane on the northern edge of Fraser Island.
Reviewed By Chippa65 - Gold Coast, Australia
Always a picturesque place to visit with the drive along 75 mile beach thru the cuttings along the inland track to orchid beach take the turnoff to waddy point camping area and it will lead you to the beach.With views all the way to sandy cape.
6. Michaelmas Cay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 639 reviews
Reviewed By UrsulaHans - St. Gallen, Switzerland
A great sandy island - inhabited by thousands of bird... A good spot to go snorkeling - even though the water is very shallow. One can still see a few fish, some corals, turtles - but it is not the reef of 30 years ago...
7. Magnetic Island Forts Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 947 reviews
If it's nature you like, don't miss a walk through Northern Australia's largest colony of wild koalas on Magnetic Island. The remarkable Forts Walk is the best vantage point for wildlife, spectacular rocky coves and historic military sites. With 360 degree sweeping views of the coast and Coral Sea, this is a walk guaranteed to impress. Home to the best preserved WWII fortification on the eastern seaboard, the Magnetic Island Forts Walk is a reminder of just how close Australia came to being invaded. The walk includes The Forts gun emplacements which are still intact and offers interpretive signage along the way, providing a great insight into the significance of the area. Enjoy this walk in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of spotting koalas. Be sure to take water and wear appropriate walking shoes as there are some steep climbs on this walk. Distance: 4km Time: 1.5 hours Grade: moderate
Reviewed By kanumbo - Magnetic Island, Australia
I’ve done this walk several times and never tire of it. The walk is about 2 hours and has some of the best views anywhere on Maggie. There’s some really interesting history about the fortifications during WW2 and we’ve always seen koalas up in the gumtrees. It’s not too strenuous, anyone reasonably fit can do it easily. Just wear proper footwear, not thongs, sandals or bare feet. If you get up early enough, and the weather is favourable, you should get a stunning sunrise...(although I haven’t done it yet!)
8. Magnetic Island National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By joniquelife - Australia, null
We took the ferry over to Magnetic Island (Maggie) using a super sunrise deal (google this!) We ended up catching a bus from the ferry terminal in Nelly Bay to the other side at Horseshoe Bay then made our walk back on foot visiting pretty much every bay and beach along the way coming across excellent lookouts also! We were told how beautiful this island really was and told it was a must see but we had no idea we would find it to me this magical... straight out of a fairy tale! We covered over 25 km in one day! “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
9. Molle Islands National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By carolineg650 - Brisbane, Australia
Great walks on Long Island - plenty of wildlife! Walk to Happy Bay and then do the loop. Walk to Sandy Bay!
10. South Cumberland Islands National Park
Overall Ratings
1.0 based on 1 reviews
