Great Barrier Reef & Tropical Islands

Change Your Latitude > The Great Barrier Reef & Tropical Islands

Nowhere else can visitors better experience the natural wonders of the world’s largest marine park than in Tropical North Queensland.

As Australia’s closest and easiest access point to the Great Barrier Reef, visitors can immerse themselves in this marine wonderland and to explore the 6,600 species of flora and fauna including 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 species of molluscs and 400 types of coral.

Diving

The Cairns & Great Barrier Reef coastline is the ultimate destination for diving as it provides so many ways for visitors to participate with dive trips designed for all skill levels and budgets.

Beginner courses and resort dives are popular ways to be introduced to the Great Barrier Reef. Daily reef excursions offer introductory dives, a ‘hand-held’ dive lasting about 40 minutes, with professional tutorage allowing first time divers the chance to get a taste for the sport while exploring the marine wonderland.

Some of the world’s biggest and best diver training facilities are found in Cairns and Port Douglas and offer a range of certificate courses from open water to advanced and specialist diving accreditation. Commencing on land in salt-water swimming pools, courses then progress to the practical 3-4 day live on board finale at the reef itself.

An impressive fleet of live-a-board dive vessels are available that offer specialised dive experiences including night dives, research excursions and tailored expeditions into the far reaches of the Coral Sea. Local dive operators offer extended trips for all levels of divers, from budget/backpacker style live-a-board trips, private luxury charter vessels equipped with 5-star chefs to extended research expeditions that visit the outer extremes of the Great Barrier Reef.

People of all ages and budgets are catered for while multilingual instructors provide dive courses in Japanese, German, French, Spanish and Italian.

Map of Tropical North Queensland

Day Trips

Nearly every tour to the Great Barrier Reef is designed for both swimmers and non-swimmers, so that everyone can marvel at one of the world’s most inspiring wonders.

The ultimate is spending the day pampered in five-star luxury. From early morning, sleek cruise and dive vessels, catamarans and luxury sail boats travel to nearby coral islands, cays and distant untamed reefs.

Spacious reef pontoons (some with twin levels!) feature underwater glass observatories and semi-submersible boats 2 metres below the surface. It’s easy to take photographs and videos of marine life as they drift past, while interpreters provide educational commentary. Guided snorkelling tours are complemented by knowledgeable marine biologists, and keen scuba divers are well catered for on day trips.

For something different, Tropical North Queensland also offers platform walking with your very own diving helmet or navigate the coral gardens on a motorized snorkelling scooter. A different view of the reef can be seen from the air with a variety of aircraft providing a bird’s-eye view of the coral formations and inhabitants of the reef.

Extended Stays

Part of Tropical North Queensland’s strong portfolio of marine-based activities are a variety of luxury sailing and cruising options that cater for small groups, romantic honeymoons and even incentives.

For the romantic, stately cruise ships offer superb 3-7 day cruises with many inclusions. Excellent cuisine and entertainment are featured. Snorkelling and diving interests are well catered for, as are children.

The flexibility of a personalised cruise on board a charted yacht, cruiser or even a houseboat allows visitors to explore at a leisurely pace and to enjoy a picnic on remote beaches, cruise to a favourite island or cay or completely navigate the Great Barrier Reef.

Tropical Islands

The Tropical Islands of Tropical North Queensland cater for a variety of budgets and tastes and are the most accessible island experiences along the Queensland coastline. 

Totally relax as waves wash ashore, enjoy an array of exciting water sports or be pampered in a luxury spa. From Fitzroy Island, Green Island, Bedarra Island, Dunk Island, Lizard Island, Double Island, Hinchinbrook Island to Poruma Island, these secluded retreats, considered among the best in the world, offer a choice of island accommodation - ecotourism chalets, boutique resort hotels, 5-star luxury lodges and resorts, many with spa facilities and casual family resorts.