Top Things to do in Great Barrier Reef
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
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. Lake McKenzie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,810 reviews
Reviewed By Hervey2 - Hervey Bay, Australia
Such a beautiful fresh water lake, only the depth changes the colour, so turquoise in the shallows. Try cleaning your jewellery in the sand. I have cleaned my watch and watch face many times, that tells you how soft the sand is. So pure.
2. Whitehaven Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,394 reviews
Uninhabited Whitsunday Island is home to this beautiful beach, one of the world's most spectacular.
Reviewed By 1962SteveB - Brisbane, Australia
This is a must do when you go to Airlie and the Whitsundays. Highly recommend using Cruise Whitsundays that offer a guided walk at Hill Inlet, a delicious lunch and great service. Make sure you snorkel at the southern end reef, there are thousands of fish and live coral galore. Yep, it is not all dead.
3. Heart Reef
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 397 reviews
Reviewed By 217donnah - Brisbane, Australia
We took a flight with GSL Aviation over the reef and heart reef, it was absolutely stunning, the colour of the ocean is beautiful and a must do!! Bucket list item done!!!
4. Opal Reef
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Four Mile Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,022 reviews
Reviewed By PaulBartleyW - Lichfield, United Kingdom
We stayed at The Peninsula Boutique Hotel, at the far end of this awesomely serene Beach (just off Main Street, at the town end). The hotel, sits back but next to the beach and is ideally scenically located for the beach. Four Mile Beach is a Stunning view to see & a pleasure to explore.. Its wide; clean and the sand is not grainy underfoot.. Yes, there can sometimes be jellyfish in the water - BUT, you can swim in the safe / secure netted area (at the one end of the beach), snorkel & see the sea life very safely.. There’s also a lifeguard here, should you get into distress - again, adding to the safety of this lovely beach.. Additionally, you can cycle down this beach easily and safely - as well as enjoying a gentle stroll???? Just, don’t forget the sunscreen - whatever your doing on the beach????
8. Palm Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,154 reviews
Reviewed By 71lynw
Nice clean beach on one side with Beach patrolled flagged area and the fishing jetty at the end great spot Amazing sunrises from the beachfront
9. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,814 reviews
Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville - a perfect place for visitors to orientate themselves. As well as offering vehicle access, Castle Hill provides a number of popular walking tracks, which are frequented by more than 2,500 locals a day! The 360-degree views of Townsville at the top are well worth the journey. Be sure to have a camera on hand, particularly for sunrise or sunset as these are photo opportunities which shouldn't be missed. As well as offering an iconic centre piece for the city and spectacular scenic views, Castle Hill has a significant history. The Hill's vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the Hill reminding visitors of Castle Hill's military history. Castle Hill facilities include car parking, public amenities, drink fountains and shaded seating to enjoy while taking in some of the best views of the city and across to Magnetic Island.
Reviewed By A-Reel - Townsville, Australia
Wonderful workout routes abound to take you to the summit of Townsville landmark and great view. Mingle with Townsvillagers getting their exercise fix hiking to the top.
10. Cairns Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Tropical Gardens
Reviewed By KathyM134
Wonderful gardens with a great display of orchids and butterflies in the Conservatory. We attended the free botanical talk - on every day at 10 am - which was really interesting and informative.
