high-angle photography of boat near island
Photo: Jess Bailey / Unsplash
Package holiday

Package holiday to Great Barrier Reef

Compare package holidays to Great Barrier Reef (Australia) – Flights, hotels and transfers in price comparison.

Where can I find the cheapest package holiday to Great Barrier Reef?

The comparison below shows package offers from major tour operators for Great Barrier Reef – flights, hotel and transfer with daily updated prices. Start the comparison and choose dates, departure airport and hotel.

Tip: Enter Great Barrier Reef as a travel destination in the comparison — there is no automatic pre-selection for this destination.

Compare package holidays to Great Barrier Reef

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Destination

Great Barrier Reef

Period

flexible

Travellers

2 adults

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When is the best time to visit Great Barrier Reef?

The best time to visit Great Barrier Reef is June to November — Dry season, clearest water, best visibility. August-November: Dwarf whales off Cairns. December-May: warmer, but jellyfish season (wear Stinger Suit).. In summer: 27-33°C (Dec-Mar), humid, jellyfish season. In winter: 21-27°C (Jun-Aug), dry, best conditions.

Best travel time

June to November — Dry season, clearest water, best visibility. August-November: Dwarf whales off Cairns. December-May: warmer, but jellyfish season (wear Stinger Suit).

Summer

27-33°C (Dec-Mar), humid, jellyfish season

Winter

21-27°C (Jun-Aug), dry, best conditions

Highlights

breathtaking nature, first-class relaxation options

Is a package holiday to Great Barrier Reef worth it?

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and one of the seven natural wonders. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the northeastern coast of Australia, it is home to over 600 species of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and countless sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and manta rays. From the International Space Station, it is the only living structure on Earth that is visible to the naked eye.

Cairns is the main gateway to the reef. From here, boats depart daily to the outer reef sections, where the corals are healthiest and the underwater world is most diverse. A snorkeling trip to the Outer Reef reveals a world of breathtaking colors: neon blue surgeonfish, bright yellow butterflyfish, clownfish in anemones, and giant sea turtles gliding by leisurely.

The Whitsunday Islands, 900 kilometers south of Cairns, are the most photogenic access point to the reef. Whitehaven Beach — with its dazzling white quartz sand and turquoise water — is regularly crowned one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Hill Inlet Lookout shows how sand and water mix in a surreal pattern of white and blue at low tide.

Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, offers a more relaxed access to the reef. Four Mile Beach, the Sunday market, and the short drive to the Daintree Rainforest — the oldest rainforest in the world, which borders the reef — make Port Douglas the ideal base camp.

The Great Barrier Reef is under pressure from coral bleaching and rising sea temperatures. Several severe bleaching events in recent years have damaged parts of the reef, and scientists warn that the reef is at risk in its current form. A visit therefore also has an urgent character: it is a natural wonder that should be experienced now — and whose protection concerns us all.

Great Barrier Reef particularly impresses with breathtaking nature, first-class relaxation options. As a package holiday destination, you benefit from attractive all-inclusive packages with flights, hotels, and often transfers – all at a fixed price and fully secured.

What are the highlights of Great Barrier Reef?

Snorkeling at the Outer Reef

Day tours to the outer reef with 600+ coral species and incredible biodiversity

Whitehaven Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the world: dazzling white quartz sand and turquoise water

Helicopter Flight

The famous 'Heart Reef' — a heart-shaped coral formation — visible only from the air

Sea Turtles

Encounters with green turtles and loggerhead turtles are almost guaranteed

Daintree Rainforest

The oldest rainforest in the world borders directly on the reef — a unique combination worldwide

When should I book a package holiday to Great Barrier Reef?

The best time to visit Great Barrier Reef is June to November — Dry season, clearest water, best visibility. August-November: Dwarf whales off Cairns. December-May: warmer, but jellyfish season (wear Stinger Suit).. For the cheapest package holiday deals, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance as an early bird. This way, you not only secure the best price but also the widest selection of hotels and flight times.

Is all-inclusive worth it in Great Barrier Reef?

Pay attention to the meal plan when booking: All Inclusive is particularly worthwhile in Great Barrier Reef (Australia), as dining out can quickly add up. Compare different hotels and read guest reviews to find the best accommodation for your needs.

Which tools help you plan your Great Barrier Reef holiday?

4 free tools help you plan your trip to Great Barrier Reef: Holiday finder, Budget calculator, Packing list and CO₂ calculator. They work directly in your browser.

Which other package holiday destinations are there in Australia?

Besides Great Barrier Reef, there are more package holidays destinations in Australia with their own page and price comparison: Melbourne, Byron Bay, Sydney and Uluru and 2 more.