Top Things to do in Great Barrier Reef
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Top 10 Free Things to do 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. Passage Peak
3. 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????
4. 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
5. 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.
6. The Strand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,469 reviews
Immerse yourself in the Townsville way of life and discover The Strand, Townsville's thriving beach foreshore! With a relaxed, yet energetic vibe, The Strand is bursting with activities to excite the whole family. The two and a half kilometre walkway offers spectacular views across to Magnetic Island and is popular for runners, walkers and kids with bikes and scooters. Enjoy the ocean breezes with a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes there. Alternatively treat the whole family to a barbecue or beach picnic. With a number of fantastic playgrounds and the popular Strand Water Park, The Strand will keep the kids entertained for hours. Take a swim in the ocean or the rock pool, test your balance on a Stand-Up Paddle Board or land on the beach after the adrenalin rush of skydiving! Enjoy the shade of the palm trees with a good book or grab a gelato and just enjoy the stunning views. For fishing enthusiasts, the jetty is a great spot to cast a line. At the end of The Strand, discover Jezzine Barracks and uncover the stories of Townsville's settlement. Learn of the regions significant military and indigenous history and enjoy the outdoor art.
Reviewed By Headsterb
This length of Townsville water front has something to offer everyone. Beaches (with stinger nets), BBQ’s, grassed picnic areas, playgrounds and family friendly cafes for families. For fitness enthusiasts, walk, run or ride the entire length of the wide concrete path in addition using the outdoor workout equipment. Romantic restaurants with 5 star menus and water views for couples. Bistros, Taverns and Pubs for group get togethers.
7. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,647 reviews
Escape the heat at one of Cairns' best known landmarks, the Esplanade Lagoon. Set on the Cairns foreshore overlooking Trinity Inlet, the 4800 sq metre saltwater swimming lagoon offers locals and tourists a year round safe swimming location. Saltwater is pumped from the inlet and filtered through a state of the art filtration and chlorination system, to meet Australian Standards. The kids can enjoy the sandy edges, build sand castles and play in shallow water. On the other side of the Lagoon, visitors can lounge on the timber decks in moderate shade. Shady trees, landscaped gardens and open spaces all contribute to the leisurely atmosphere on the Esplanade The Lagoon is open 6am-6pm Thursday - Tuesday, Midday-6pm Wednesday all year round.
Reviewed By nikkichutney - Melbourne, Australia
Absolutely fabulous definitely recommend if you are holidaying in Cairns and near the Esplanade you’ve got to swim in the lagoon at least once a day to cool off. The people of Cairns are very lucky to have this lagoon here.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Rusty's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By mazzaintazza - London, United Kingdom
Colourful, buzzing, great range of fruit and veg, plus the odd live singer, cafe with awesome breads and cakes, and a few jewellery/craft stalls. A must do, even just to take photos. Four avocados for $2! Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
