Great Barrier Reef Vacation Packages

Your Great Barrier Reef Adventure

The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 1,400 miles along Queensland’s coastline, and no two experiences of it are alike. Whether you want to snorkel alongside sea turtles at Michaelmas Cay, dive with reef sharks at the Ribbon Reefs, cruise to the outer reef from Port Douglas, or simply float above it all on a glass-bottom boat, there is a version of the Reef that is perfect for you.

At About Australia, we’ve spent decades helping curious, adventurous travelers plan authentic experiences at the Great Barrier Reef without the tour buses, the crowds, or the guesswork. We pair you with a Travel Advisor who knows this region inside and out, then craft a tailor-made itinerary that fits your travel style, timeline, and budget.

Great Barrier Reef Vacation Packages

Our Great Barrier Reef vacation packages start from between $3,000 to $5,000 per person, including round-trip international flights from the U.S., hotels, domestic flights, transfers and selected reef tours. Most of our reef travelers combine the reef with Sydney, Melbourne or the Outback on a 2- to 3-week trip, and those itineraries typically range from $5,000 to $9,000 per person, depending on hotel level, the season and how many island nights you add.

Prices shown on each itinerary are a starting point. Your Travel Advisor will tailor every trip to your dates, travel style and budget, and quote flights in economy class unless you request premium economy or business class.

Great Barrier Reef Experiences in Australia

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Great Barrier Reef?f

Stinger season: Marine stingers (jellyfish) are present along the tropical Queensland coast roughly from November to May around Cairns and Port Douglas, and from about October to May in the Whitsundays. Out on the reef the risk is low, and reef tour boats provide or rent full-length Lycra stinger suits, which double as excellent sun protection. Mainland beaches use netted swimming enclosures during the season. Your Travel Advisor will make sure stinger suits are included on your reef tours.

Cyclone season: Australia’s official tropical cyclone season runs from November 1 to April 30. Storms can occasionally cancel reef tours or island transfers. If a reef tour is canceled for weather, your Travel Advisor works with the operator on rescheduling or a credit, and every itinerary includes supplier contact details for each component of your trip.

Wildlife calendar: Want to time your trip to something special? Humpback whales migrate along the reef from about June to October, manta rays gather in the greatest numbers around Lady Elliot Island from June to September, and sea turtles nest on southern reef islands from about November to February, with hatchlings heading to sea from February to April.

The Best of the Great Barrier Reef

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Great Barrier Reef Vacation FAQs

How much does a Great Barrier Reef vacation cost?

What is the best month to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

May through October is the best overall time, with sunny skies, low rainfall and calm, clear water. June to October also brings humpback whale season. The reef can be visited year-round, but November through April is hotter and wetter, with heavier rain from January to March.

When is stinger season, and is it safe to swim?

Stinger (jellyfish) season generally runs from about November to May in the Cairns and Port Douglas area and from about October to May in the Whitsundays. The risk out on the reef itself is low, and reef boats provide or rent full-body stinger suits. Your Travel Advisor will make sure suits are included with your reef tours.

Can I visit the Great Barrier Reef if I can’t swim?

Absolutely. Outer reef pontoons offer underwater observatories, semi-submersible tours and glass-bottom boats, and helicopter or seaplane flights let you see Heart Reef from above. On Daydream Island, the Living Reef lagoon lets you see reef marine life from the shore. Snorkelers who are less confident can use flotation vests and guided snorkel tours.

When is the best time to take the family to Australia?

June through August (Australia’s winter) is perfect for most family-friendly destinations. The tropical north (Queensland) is at its best during the dry winter season, the weather across the east coast is warm and sunny, and school holiday crowds in Australian destinations are manageable for international travelers. The Australian summer (December – February) is ideal for beach activities, while the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Do I need to be certified to scuba dive on the reef?

Should I stay in Cairns, Port Douglas or on an island?

Cairns has the widest choice of reef tours and is a great first base. Port Douglas is quieter and closer to the outer Ribbon Reefs and the Daintree Rainforest. An island resort such as Hamilton, Lizard, Lady Elliot or Daydream Island puts you right on the reef. Many travelers combine a mainland base with a few nights on an island. The choice is really up to what you want to experience out of your stay.

How many days should I spend at the Great Barrier Reef?

We recommend at least 4 nights in the reef region, enough for an outer reef day, a rainforest day and some downtime, or 6 to 7 nights if you’re adding an island stay. Most of our travelers include the reef as part of a 14- to 21-day Australia vacation.

Is the Great Barrier Reef still worth seeing?

Yes. The reef is vast, and many areas remain vibrant and full of life. Your Travel Advisor works with operators who visit healthy, well-managed sites. Read what our travelers say after seeing the reef.

What happens if my reef tour is canceled due to weather?

Reef tours occasionally cancel in rough weather, particularly during the November to April wet season. When that happens, your Travel Advisor works with the operator to reschedule or arrange a credit. Every itinerary includes contact details for each supplier, and our team is reachable by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm Central, and by email.