Top Things to do in Great Barrier Reef
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10 Nature & Wildlife Areas 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. Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
An untouched beauty with day camping and a multi- day walking trail running the length on the eastern side of the island. Perfect for will practiced hiker accustomed to Australian conditions. No stroller or wheelchair access, no shops, no accomodation on the trail.
2. The Jack Barnes Bicentennial Mangrove Boardwalk
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. Billabong Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 971 reviews
Billabong Sanctuary is Australia's best interactive wildlife experience. There are interactive talks and feeding shows throughout the day commencing at 9:15 am. At these wildlife presentations you will learn all about the unique characteristics of Australia's native animals. The talks are not only informative but a lot of fun, so will have one of your best experiences at an Australian attraction. The native animals are displayed in their natural habitats of wetlands, eucalypt forest and rainforest. Highlights of the Sanctuary are holding a koala, hugging a wombat, hand feeding a cassowary, holding a small crocodile and wrapping a python around your neck. You will also be able to sit next to a dingo for a photo opportunity and watch feeding of giant estuarine or saltwater crocodiles. The wildlife presentations are repeated in the afternoons so nobody misses out. You can also return the following day with no extra charge. There are picnic areas with free gas barbecues or enjoy a meal at the Blinky Bill Cafe. You can also cool off in our tropically landscaped pool.
Reviewed By helenag90 - Kinver, United Kingdom
If you want to meet some native Australian wildlife the Billabong is a great place to go. My family live nearby so my niece is an absolute pro at feeding the kangaroos, joeys and birds proving that anyone can do it if a 2 year old can! The animals are friendly, staff are very well informed and although it might be small compared to other venues it has everything you may want for a great day out.
5. Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,076 reviews
Situated at Port Douglas, Queensland, the award winning Wildlife Habitat is a leader in eco-tourism and conservation. This immersion wildlife exhibit has five distinct Habitats - Woodlands, Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah and Nocturnal, which are set over 8 acres of land to provide an interactive, and educational native wildlife experience. Meet an abundance of Australian animals including koalas, emus and the endangered Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo and Southern Cassowary. Hand-feed wallabies and kangaroos and cuddle a koala. Enjoy Breakfast With The Birds or Lunch With The Lorikeets and enjoy a sumptuous buffet meal and meet some feathered friends.
Reviewed By Dcarno
Fantastic experience, great customer service and quite a range of Australian animals, with superb facilities.
6. Daintree Mangroves Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
7. Centenary Lakes - Cairns Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By erinlT9190CP - Queensland, Australia
Strolled many times the Lakes,Botanics,Markets area.Many LOTUS varieties in lake Inc a giant leaf.VIX rub on is a great -" bitey-" repellent..around fnqld tropics..A SUNBUS ride from CBD is only $2-3.. A wonderful area for a few hours & TOBRUK pool close by
8. Atherton Tablelands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 654 reviews
Reviewed By D6035PRkathyd
This was a really enjoyable area to explore by car at a leisurely pace. We did not get as far as we hoped, but thoroghly enjoyed Crater Lakes National Park (including the tea house on Lake Barrine), Yungaburra's walk along Peterson Train in search of a platypus sighting, Emerald Creek Ice Cream and the Cathedral Fig Tree.
9. Townsville Town Common Conservation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
The park's wildlife viewing areas and walking and mountain bike trails offer a range of nature-based recreation activities close to the centre of Townsville. The park features deep-water lagoons and seasonal wetlands, coastal woodlands and vine thickets, and sheltered beaches fringed by rocky headlands. Summer rains transform the area into an immense wetland, attracting large flocks of waterbirds. Hike across Many Peak Range, enjoy expansive island views while riding the Under the radar mountain bike trail or walk the trail to enjoy a picnic in beautiful secluded Shelley Beach. For birdwatchers, the park is a paradise! From bird hides and observation points, watch flocks of magpie geese, brolgas, finches, wrens and cisticolas; up to 280 species have been recorded here.
Reviewed By RSV_12 - Brisbane, Australia
Townsville Town Common Conservation Park and Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park are located close to Townsville (about 6-10kim). They can be reached by car or public transport (bus#206. You can get the timetable and the route map at the Information Centre in Townsville, 280 Flinders St., Queensland Government Department of National Parks website has a lot of maps and useful information). I completed Freshwater - Many Peaks tracks loop recently (beginning of June) and liked it. The walk has a nice variety of terrain and forest, lots of wildlife (including eagles nesting) and there are spectacular 360 degree views from Mount Marlow summit over the Town Common wetlands and along the coastline. I recommend to start early in the morning (before midday heat and it's a great time to watch birds. Allow about 5hour). You can start this circuit from either the Walter Nesbit Carpark in Cape Pallarenda Road or inside the Town Common at the Freshwater Bird Hide car park. I choose 2nd option, starting at Freshwater carpark, and went clockwise, thus splitting Freshwater trail hike (3.6km -1h) into two 1.8km sections (each about 30min of slow walk), so you start and finish your long hike on the flat and easy sections. Bring binoculars, as there are a lot of wildlife on Freshwater trail in the morning. Many Peaks Track (5.7km - about 3h) goes through grassland, eucalyptus woodland and vine thicket with open sections and lookouts, but mostly it is stony and shady. In some areas the trail can be indistinct and you have to follow the orange trail markers. Mosquito repellent is highly recommended. There were plenty of small and blood thirsty mosquitoes even on the open and sunny parts of the track (when you move they are bearable, but once you stop... just bring repellent). If you go clockwise: it is 30min walk along Freshwater track, then join Many Peaks Track and it is 45min up to the summit of Mount Marlow, then about 2h descend towards the wetlands through vine thickets and woodland. At the end of the track I choose to have a short Wetland loop walk (about 850m) and then completed big loop and returned to the car via second section of Freshwater track (30min). Freshwater and Lagoon walks are the best early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when there are plenty of wildlife. Townsville Town Common is indeed a birdwatcher's paradise in the right time of the day. Also take with you a lot of water – there is no water sources on a tracks (sun-cream, hat and camera go without saying). I do not recommend hiking in this area in summer months. Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park, its historical former quarantine station, beaches and walking tracks are within few minutes walk from the bus stop. I had just a short 2-3km walk along Under the Radar trail(UTR) to Rock Gardens and a bit of Lagoon track to see what they were like for the future hiking plans. It looks like a nice day loop walk: Under the Radar trail (10.1km) – Lagoon trail (4.6km). UTR is a stony narrow path with lots of ups and downs, zigzagging along the coastline with stunning views on Coral Sea and the group of Palm Islands. I do not recommend wearing headphones while walking as walkers and cross country mountain bikers share this (and Lagoon) trail, so you need to be alert for bike riders approaching from either direction. I came across a few and it looked like they all, by various degrees, regretted their choice of riding place – they said it was really rough and difficult. But it is great for hiking (at least the bit I did). Lagoon trail is very easy, but can become boggy after the rain. Again, bring a lot of water and mozzie repellent. I am looking forward hiking this loop next time I am in the area. All in all I recommended both parks for anyone who likes hiking. Just choose the right season and take a lot of water with you.
10. Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 747 reviews
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are amongst the oldest public gardens in Queensland. Entry to the gardens and zoo is FREE. They open daily from 6am to 6pm. Located within the Gardens is the Rockhampton Zoo. It is home to over 50 species of native animals from across Australia and exotic animals from around the world! Its the perfect place for families to see animals in their natural surroundings. The Gardens Tearooms is the café nestled under the 150 year old Banyan Figs and offer a range of meals and refreshments as well as catering for special events. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available. The Japanese Gardens provide tranquillity and peace, while the Cenotaph honours our Australian soldiers.
Reviewed By Bouffer9 - Gold Coast, Australia
Beautiful calm well laid out gardens with a lagoon filled with water birds and a war memorial, including a 64 feet grey marble obelisk on a plinth, commemorating the Anzacs; kiosk had a large menu and food was good - outdoor table settings under banyan fig trees were beseiged by ,rainbow lorikeets, blue faced honey eaters, ibis, miners and a kookaburra, which added to the fun. A free zoo is adjacent to the gardens. While I don't like animals in cages, some of these had been rehabilitated after being hit by cars and were unable to fend for themselves in the wild. All animals were in good condition and it was a delightful way for children to interact with and be introduced to species.
