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Great Barrier Reef Vacation Packages

Our Great Barrier Reef vacation packages take you to this Natural Wonder of the World. Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with sea turtles and vibrant coral, sail across the Coral Sea to secluded outer reef pontoons, or take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight over the iconic Heart Reef. Our Australia Travel Advisors handle every detail, so all you have to do is show up and be amazed.

Rated by 400+ Travelers

Fully customizable itineraries

Flexible payment plans

Your own Travel Advisor

Flights
included

Hotels
included

Tours & Transfers

Fully customizable itineraries

Flexible payment plans

Your own Travel Advisor

Flights
included

Hotels
included

Tours & Transfers

5-star reviews Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved

Over 400+ 5-Star Reviews on Shopper Approved

Your Great Barrier Reef Adventure

starts here

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.

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Great Barrier Reef Vacation Packages

Explore some of our most-loved itineraries featuring the Great Barrier Reef, Tropical North Queensland, and Australia’s stunning island escapes. These curated packages are a starting point. Every trip can be customized to match exactly what you’re looking for.

Frankland Islands

10 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS | $$$$$ | BOOKING CODE: AA-30935

Reef, Rainforest, Wildlife and Sydney Vacation

COUNTRIES: Australia
DESTINATIONS: Brisbane (2 Nights), Cairns (3), Sydney (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel| Family
EXPERIENCE: Cities, Art & History | Beaches, Island & Reef | Wildlife

Port Douglas Sailaway

12 DAYS, 10 NIGHTS | $$$$$ | BOOKING CODE: AA-30965

Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney Vacation

COUNTRIES: Australia
DESTINATIONS: Melbourne (3 Nights), Port Douglas (4), Sydney (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel
EXPERIENCE: Beaches, Island & Reef | Cities, Art & History | Food & Wine | Indigenous Culture
Sea turtle at Great Barrier Reef
11 DAYS, 9 NIGHTS | $$$$$ | BOOKING CODE: AA-31064

Relaxing Daydream Island Holiday Package

COUNTRIES: Australia
DESTINATIONS: Brisbane (2 Nights), Daydream Island (4), Sydney (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel
EXPERIENCE: Beaches, Island & Reef | Wildlife

Four Mile Beach Port Douglas

14 DAYS, 12 NIGHTS | $$$$$ | BOOKING CODE: AA-31142

Brisbane, Melbourne, Reef & Sydney Tour

COUNTRIES: Australia
DESTINATIONS: Brisbane (2 Nights), Melbourne (3), Port Douglas (4), Sydney (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel
EXPERIENCE: Wildlife | Cities, History & Art | Beaches, Island & Reef
Bondi Icebergs Pool

18 DAYS, 16 NIGHTS | $$$$$ | BOOKING CODE: AA-31136

Highlights & East Coast Australia Itinerary

COUNTRIES: Australia
DESTINATIONS: Sydney (3 Nights), Melbourne (2), Alice Springs (1), Uluru (Ayers Rock) (2), Cairns (4), Gold Coast (2), Brisbane (2)
STYLE: Independent Travel| Honeymoon & Romance
EXPERIENCE: Cities, Art & History | Food & Wine | Indigenous Culture | Nature, Outback | Wildlife

"We just finished four wonderful weeks in Australia and New Zealand and it could not have gone more smoothly. Roslyn did a superb job with every detail of our trip. She listened to what we were wanting on the trip and planned with those things in mind. We saw all the things we asked for, and also some things we didn't know that we needed to see. The transfers went smoothly and we loved all of her arrangements. The hotels were nice and exactly the kind of hotels we asked for. Planning a trip like this can be overwhelming, but she took the worry out of it and we were able to enjoy a beautiful vacation!"

Gloria S.

03-17-2026

"I really enjoyed our Australia vacation booked with About Australia! Everything was covered to make our vacation experience enjoyable including updated vacation communications, itineraries, and updates. Hotels, excursions, and recommendations, and transportation were included which made our trip pretty much stress free and enjoyable. This was our first trip to Australia and we enjoyed this introductory visit. We would definitely consider traveling again someday to Australia and using your company to assist us with future vacation planning."

Amazing T.

03-14-2026

"Stephanie is a great. She handled all the trip planning. She handled a 'hiccup' with transport without hesitation. A planned tour was cancelled and a credit was given to our credit card.. We had a wonderful time and highly recommend About Australia to anyone considering traveling to New Zealand and/or Australia. It was a wonderful worry vacation."

Deb A.

03-13-2026

5-star reviews Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved

Over 400+ 5-Star Reviews on Shopper Approved
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Great Barrier Reef Experiences in Australia

The Reef is not one single experience, it’s thousands of them. Here’s a look at what awaits you, and how our travel specialists help you choose the experiences that are right for you. When you’re ready, contact your personal About Australia Travel Advisor to create your perfect “No Worries Journey.”

Outer Great Barrier Reef

Outer Reef

The outer reef, beyond the islands and the tourist crowds, is where the Great Barrier Reef truly reveals itself. Visibility stretches for dozens of feet. Coral gardens pulse with color. Sea turtles drift past. Our Travel Advisors will connect you with the best operators in Cairns and Port Douglas who run small-group, expert-guided reef trips to sites that most visitors never see.

Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef

Snorkeling

You don’t need to be a scuba diver to have a life-changing reef experience. The Great Barrier Reef’s snorkeling is world-famous for good reason. Even at the surface, the marine life is extraordinary. From the turtle-rich waters of Michaelmas Cay to the coral gardens of Agincourt Reef, we’ll match you with the right snorkeling experience for your comfort level and interests.

Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef

Scuba Diving

For divers, certified or aspiring, the Great Barrier Reef is a true bucket list destination. Explore the Ribbon Reefs off Port Douglas, drift through the famous Cod Hole, or dive the Coral Sea’s deep walls. We work with expert dive operators across the region and can include intro dives, liveaboard expeditions, and multi-dive day trips as part of your custom dive itinerary.

Heart Reef Australia

Scenic Helicopter & Seaplane Flights

Some of the most iconic images of the Great Barrier Reef, including the heart-shaped Heart Reef in the Whitsundays, can only be truly appreciated from above. A scenic helicopter or seaplane flight over the reef is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that no photograph fully captures. Ask your Travel Advisor about adding an aerial reef experience to your itinerary.

Whitehaven Beach

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsundays are home to 74 tropical islands and one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches: Whitehaven Beach, where silica sand is so fine and white it squeaks underfoot. Sail through the islands, visit Hill Inlet’s swirling sand and water, and snorkel the fringing reefs of the Coral Sea. This is island life at its most spectacular.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas

Nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Coral Sea, Port Douglas is one of Australia’s most beautiful small towns, and one of the best places in the world to access the outer Great Barrier Reef. Spend your days reef-hopping and your evenings at the town’s acclaimed restaurants. Ask your About Australia specialist why so many experienced travelers choose Port Douglas over Cairns for their reef base.

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The Best of the Great Barrier Reef

Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef, then get in touch to have one of our Travel Advisors create a tailor-made Australia vacation package just for you!

Heart Reef

Explore the Great Barrier Reef, one of the best places to visit in Australia. Dive, snorkel, or take a scenic flight to see its beauty.

Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. Photo Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland and Achim Wetz
Hear from our travelers who share their real experiences visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Is the reef still worth seeing? Read what they say!
Clam gardens scuba diving spots

Discover a tropical getaway in Australia’s Whitsundays. See stunning beaches, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, and unwind in Airlie Beach.

Tropical North Queensland
Explore a land where rainforests date back to the age of dinosaurs. Our 6 reasons why you need to go to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef!

Planning your trip to Australia?

Get expert help from a South Pacific Specialist who has the knowledge and experience to help you plan and book every detail of your trip.

More Destinations You’ll love

Close up of koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife

Australia offers an unparalleled wildlife experience with iconic species such as kangaroos, koalas, and the elusive platypus thriving in their natural habitats. From the vast Outback to the stunning Great Barrier Reef, encounters with diverse wildlife await around every corner. Delve deeper into Australia’s rich biodiversity and plan your wildlife adventure today!

Woman at Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island

Beaches, Islands & Reefs

Experience Australia’s captivating beach, island, and reef landscapes. From the white sands of the Whitsundays to the turquoise waters of Rottnest Island, Australia’s coastal beauty beckons. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater wonderland or relax on the secluded beaches of Kangaroo Island.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

Explore Australia’s unmatched scuba diving opportunities, where vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life await. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef’s colorful depths or explore dramatic shipwrecks off Western Australia’s coast. Encounter sea turtles, tropical fish, and majestic manta rays in crystal-clear waters.