Great Barrier Reef Tours & Vacations

Most of our East Coast trips begin in Sydney, Cairns or Brisbane. Some of the most popular launching pads for the Great Barrier Reef are Airlie Beach, Townsville and Port Douglas.

These destinations are all serviced by commercial airlines. It's also possible to drive to one of the towns near the Great Barrier Reef and access the wonders of the underwater world on a small group tour.

If you plan on visiting the reef on a day trip, try to allow at least two days to visit the Great Barrier Reef. This will give you some flexibility if the weather isn’t good on the day you originally planned to visit the reef. The other option is to join a Whitsunday Islands Explorer tour and spend several days on a live-aboard yacht exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The waters of the Great Barrier Reef get warmer the further north you go.

There are only two seasons along the reef – the dry season (winter) from May to October and the wet season (summer) from November to April. The temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year with average highs of 86°F and lows of 69.8°F.

May through October is considered to be the best time to experience the reef as rainfall is low and water visibility is high. You may also see whales during their annual migration from the Antarctic.

If you're visiting between October and May, it's advisable to wear a stinger suit to protect yourself from possible jellyfish stings.

The Great Barrier Reef tends to be a casual place so you can leave your fancy clothes at home. Even if you're staying at a high-end resort, smart casual clothes are all you will need. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must, even in winter, as the sun reflects off the water and white sand. Bring essentials such as basic medications with you won't find any shops when you're out exploring the reef. 

In short, pretty much non-existent unless you're near one of the major tourist hubs such as Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays or on the mainland at a town like Airlie Beach.

Unless you're near one of the major tourist spots, it's unlikely you will be able to get a cell phone signal. 

We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.

Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customized trip just for you.