10 Specialty lodgings in Great Barrier Reef: Best hotel deals for 2023

May 1, 2023 Rebbecca Marino

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.
Things to do in Great Barrier Reef

1. Mantra Aqueous On Port

3 - 5 Davidson St, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia
Excellent
47%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1594 reviews

Mantra Aqueous On Port

Encompassing all Port Douglas has to offer, Mantra Aqueous on Port is the ideal location for couples, families & honeymooners. Situated in the heart of the village centre of Port Douglas lies one of the most fashionable resort destinations in Tropical North Queensland. You can take advantage of the five star restaurants, designer boutiques, family eateries and a range of bars and cafes. With a contemporary design featuring an aquatic flavor, most apartments feature pool views, spa baths and balconies. The resort boasts 4 stunning pools, sundecks and cabanas with barbeques so guests can enjoy the warm tropical climate of the exclusive beachside town, Port Douglas. The Swim-Up rooms feature a swim-up pool deck with direct pool access. At Mantra Aqueous on Port you can do as little or as much as you like. Wander the quiet streets and sample some of the culinary delights or simply relax on your balcony while you watch the world go by. Important information: In accordance with recent Government directives in response to slowing the spread of COVID-19, Hotel facilities may experience temporary closures or changes to operating times and/or services provided. Please contact our reception for further details. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding during this time.

Can’t fault the location!

Reviewed By Vicki S

I was a little disappointed when we checked in as I was expecting more resort-like accommodation. Our room was a basic bedroom with tiny kitchenette and regular bathroom, with a spa in the balcony (which we didn’t use). There was nowhere to sit other than the bed and balcony chairs. We opted not to pay extra for daily housekeeping which was a mistake on our part, as there was soon a build up of sand from Four Mile Beach which inevitably found its way into the bed. I tried to clean it off our balcony with the dustpan and brush I found in the room. I like to avoid housework when I’m on holiday but found myself cleaning, emptying the rubbish, making the bed etc. although to be fair, there was an extreme staff shortage at the time of our visit. The bed was uncomfortable and I didn’t sleep very well. There was only a single sheet provided, which wasn’t enough. I’d have liked easier access to clean towels too, or some dropped off to our room. I couldn’t fault the location though…a short stroll to the beach and shops which was great..we could pop out to the Night Owl convenience store, or grab an ice-cream. We went to Little Larder for breakfast, just a few minutes walk away. We didn’t use the pools, preferring the beach.

2. Turtle Cove Beach Resort

4500 Captain Cook Hwy, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia
Excellent
69%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 562 reviews

Turtle Cove Beach Resort

Turtle Cove Beach Resort is a Gay and Lesbian, Adults Only, Absolute Beach Front Holiday Resort near Cairns, Australia. Join us in Tropical Far North Queensland and experience the most fantastic and secluded piece of unspoilt GLBT Paradise in Australia,some say the world. Be assured,Turtle Cove Beach Resort is not your ordinary Gay and Lesbian Hotel! Come and explore our totally private, clothing optional, tropical beach and have the holiday/vacation of your life time! Turtle Cove Beach Resort is an absolute beachfront slice of Gay and Lesbian Heaven and is conveniently located between Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas, it is the perfect place to chill and relax.

Beautiful oasis

Reviewed By Mitchell R

My partner and I recently stayed at Turtle Cove Beach Resort to celebrate his birthday. From the moment we arrived Nathan and Julian were extremely welcoming and went above and beyond to make our stay wonderful. They even organized a special birthday dinner on the beach! The pool, spa and gym are fantastic and the private beach is stunning. I highly recommend staying here if you are looking for a relaxing holiday in a secluded and peaceful environment. We look forward to visiting the Turtle Cove family again soon.

3. at Water's Edge Resort

4 Golden Orchid Drive Airlile Beach Whitsundays, Airlie Beach, Queensland 4802 Australia
Excellent
41%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
8%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 739 reviews

at Water's Edge Resort

If location, tranquillity and comfort are what you are looking for in holiday accommodation, then Water's Edge Resort apartments are for you. Water's Edge Resort apartments in Airlie Beach, are quietly nestled in the hillside amongst lush tropical gardens, 100 metres from the centre of the bustling cosmopolitan village of Airlie Beach. Water's Edge is quite simply one of the Whitsunday's premier holiday locations. Holidaying at the beautiful Water's Edge Resort 1, 2 or 3 Bedroom Ocean View apartments allows you the best of both worlds. You are within walking distance to the cosmopolitan village of Airlie Beach and all that it has to offer as well as being on the door step of the Whitsunday Islands and the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef.....the epitome of paradise. Water's Edge Resort exudes style, sophistication and refinement. Professional and personalised service, breathtaking location, exquisite Balinese decor make Water's Edge Resort the perfect choice for a first class Whitsundays holiday. Airlie Beach is the epitome of a beach town, you'll instantly feel the carefree and relaxed attitude emanating from every space. You'll find it in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a manmade saltwater swimming area surrounded by sand and grassy knolls, where you can lounge away the day in the sun. You'll find it in the beachside parks where afternoon barbeques proliferate and continue into the evening hours and you'll find it in the alfresco dining restaurants where fresh seafood overflows from every dish.

Excellent location

Reviewed By Rubybegonia08

Very close to main st of Airlie Beach, not too big a hill to walk up. Also close to Woolworths, handy as we had a serviced apartment with a kitchen. Beautiful infinity pools and a spa. Only downside was that we could hear someone walking around in the apartment above us.

4. Freedom Shores

Lot 103 Pringle Road, Woodwark, Airlie Beach, Queensland 4802 Australia
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 64 reviews

Freedom Shores

At Freedom Shores visitors can stay in a Boat Bungalow or Resort Suite, dine at the award winning Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill with a great selection of craft beers and boutique wines, enjoy a menu developed by our inspired Head Chef Zibby Deca, or just soak in the view of the water’s edge with a cocktail in hand and a moment of relaxation. Freedom Shores resort captures the natural surrounds of the ocean and lush Whitsunday tropical forests. Set in a hidden valley close to Airlie Beach, the destination provides various unique accommodation options from a converted boat, bespoke boat bungalow accommodation, through to well-appointed Resort Suites. The extensive landscaped gardens have pockets of peace, there is stunning craftsmanship found in all the buildings, and Freedom Shores offers service from highly experienced and knowledgeable staff. The venue is also poplar as an event destination.

Tropical paradise

Reviewed By alexathome86

I love this place. The rooms are cumfy clean and have great air-conditioning for those super hot days. The team at the concierge desk are always friendly and helpful and the stunning back drop of the ocean and islands leave you feeling revitalised. On the plus side your only a 1 min walk away from Northerlies and fantastic bar and resturant. Treat youself to this amazing resort you will not be disappointed.

5. Discovery Parks - Tannum Sands

Lot 20 Mellennium Esp, Tannum Sands, Queensland 4680 Australia
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 347 reviews

Discovery Parks - Tannum Sands

A quiet bushland setting with direct access to the golden sands of Tannum Beach and within walking distance of the picturesque seaside communities of Tannum Sands and Boyne Island is where you'll find Discovery Parks - Tannum Sands. Just 25km's south of Gladstone, Tannum Sands is tucked away from the hustle and bustle providing a sanctuary to escape the everyday and embrace a relaxed coastal lifestyle centred on the outdoors and marine pursuits. Our caravan park sits right on the innovative and eco-friendly Millenium Esplanade, an ideal place for picnics, barbeques and of course swimming. The waters at Tannum Beach are patrolled by lifesavers during Spring and Summer, providing a safe way to cool off and with only a small variation in water temperature during the year, you can take a dip virtually all year round. There's plenty to see and do at Tannum Sand and Boyne Island with cafes and shopping facilities plus a boat ramp, skate park and golf course to keep the whole family entertained. At the caravan park you'll find a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and facilities including a resort style swimming pool, tennis court, BBQ's, camp kitchens and more . Come and take a break with Discovery Parks - Tannum Sands.

Best Discovery Park in Australia

Reviewed By juliecM6475XA

This is by far the best caravan park we have stayed in within Australia. Spacious site even able to store our boat two dog friendly open beaches for them to play in. The fishing in Gladstone is superior to everywhere we have been. We will be back. The staff are So so lovely too.

6. Amaroo On Mandalay

61-79 Mandalay Ave Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island, Queensland 4819 Australia
Excellent
53%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 118 reviews

Amaroo On Mandalay

Amaroo on Mandelay

Reviewed By C7649WGanthonyg

If you are looking for a weekend getaway perhaps look at another resort. Stayed 2 nights. Very old and tired. No quality fixtures or services. Nothing like the website. Website out of date Quite a few units had permanent boarders. Very Disappointing experience .

7. Uyoung Diving Resort

123 Davidson St, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Uyoung Diving Resort

Uyoung Diving Resort is located at Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia, a popular tropical holiday destination. Set against a backdrop of pristine World Heritage Daintree Rainforest and facing one of the world’s great wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, the location is a patch of paradise between the mountains and the sea. With a sporting, health and environmental protection ethos, Uyoung Dive Resort specialises in diving sports and provides a full range of accommodation, food and beverage, travel consultation and other exclusive services.

Beautiful resort !

Reviewed By 182jennyg

We stay one night with 3 kids . We had a pool just for us . We had a beautiful time there , super clean and quiet . The couple at the reception was super nice and take a time to check on us . I definitely recommend it . 3 min drive from the center . We will come back !!!

8. Aaron Motel

Aaron Motel 6 Scenery St, Gladstone, Queensland 4680 Australia
Excellent
56%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Aaron Motel

Aaron Motel, offers Free Netflix and WiFi is centrally located 500 meters off the main streets ensuring a quiet night’s sleep. All rooms have reverse cycle air conditioning, flatscreen TV, Two door refrigerators, microwave, toaster, tea and coffee making, and iron

Great unit, great price, quiet location

Reviewed By 278gayd

A Freshly renovated room. Spacious room, easy to have 2 suitcases accessible. Good bench space in bathroom. Full size fridge. Even a reclining chair in our unit. Great price, friendly staff, easy booking, quiet location, good size TV, Netflix. Continental Breakfast available.

9. The Abbott Boutique Hotel

69-73 Abbott St, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
Excellent
40%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
20%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 5 reviews

The Abbott Boutique Hotel

Great spot!

Reviewed By lyng628

Had a lovely couple of nights at The Abbot! Spacious, clean room and extremely quiet! Peter was friendly, welcoming and helpful. The hotel is so centrally located that you can walk to restaurants, coffee shops, the Esplanade etc. Highly recommend!

10. Whitsundays BNB Retreat

51 Moonlight Dr, Airlie Beach, Queensland 4802 Australia
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 12 reviews

Whitsundays BNB Retreat

A fabulous find!!!

Reviewed By AWDW71

Such a gem we found for one night passing through Airlie Beach. Room had a kitchenette with everything you need plus your own patio too. Bedroom was roomy & bed was really comfortable. Off road parking provided too. Leonie was just lovely. We couldn’t stay for breakfast as we had an early start the next morning so she made us quiches & provided banana bread. This place is so beautiful & could’ve stayed longer!!

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