The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

August 31, 2021 Harland Bartelt

The world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef stretches almost 1500 miles into the Pacific from the tip of Queensland. Designated a Marine Park by the Australian government and a World Heritage Area by UNESCO, the reef is home to an extraordinary abundance of species and habitats. Snorkeling, diving and fishing are rightly popular along the reef, nowhere more so than on the Whitsunday Islands, where the silica sands and aqua waters of the Coral Sea create the perfect beach escape.
Restaurants in Great Barrier Reef

1. Lake McKenzie

Fraser Island, Queensland 4581 Australia +61 7 4124 7626 http://www.fraserisland.net/fraser-island-lakes.html
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,810 reviews

Lake McKenzie

Reviewed By Hervey2 - Hervey Bay, Australia

Such a beautiful fresh water lake, only the depth changes the colour, so turquoise in the shallows. Try cleaning your jewellery in the sand. I have cleaned my watch and watch face many times, that tells you how soft the sand is. So pure.

2. Mackay Aqua Park

Poco Place, Mackay, Queensland 4740 Australia +61 1300 500 261 [email protected] http://www.wakehouse.com.au
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 149 reviews

Mackay Aqua Park

The ultimate inflatable obstacle course on water that's fun for all ages! Perfect for groups large and small, birthday parties or just a fun way to get active and cool off in Mackay! We typically close over the winter months of June, July and August. Please always check our website for up to date session times.

Reviewed By J8878BUshanek

If you are in Mackay and you enjoy water sports then Wakehouse is a must visit. Great facilities, staff that are passionate about wakeboarding and great coffee and food from the lakeside cafe. Also the aquapark is a great option to get the kids out on the water.

3. Passage Peak

Australia
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 348 reviews

Passage Peak

Reviewed By KevinE_13

This is the best view on Hamilton Island and well worth the trip up the hill the path is at well maintained and an easy walk take your time bring water

4. Billabong Sanctuary

Bruce Highway Nome, Townsville, Queensland 4816 Australia +61 7 4778 8344 [email protected] http://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 971 reviews

Billabong Sanctuary

Billabong Sanctuary is Australia's best interactive wildlife experience. There are interactive talks and feeding shows throughout the day commencing at 9:15 am. At these wildlife presentations you will learn all about the unique characteristics of Australia's native animals. The talks are not only informative but a lot of fun, so will have one of your best experiences at an Australian attraction. The native animals are displayed in their natural habitats of wetlands, eucalypt forest and rainforest. Highlights of the Sanctuary are holding a koala, hugging a wombat, hand feeding a cassowary, holding a small crocodile and wrapping a python around your neck. You will also be able to sit next to a dingo for a photo opportunity and watch feeding of giant estuarine or saltwater crocodiles. The wildlife presentations are repeated in the afternoons so nobody misses out. You can also return the following day with no extra charge. There are picnic areas with free gas barbecues or enjoy a meal at the Blinky Bill Cafe. You can also cool off in our tropically landscaped pool.

Reviewed By helenag90 - Kinver, United Kingdom

If you want to meet some native Australian wildlife the Billabong is a great place to go. My family live nearby so my niece is an absolute pro at feeding the kangaroos, joeys and birds proving that anyone can do it if a 2 year old can! The animals are friendly, staff are very well informed and although it might be small compared to other venues it has everything you may want for a great day out.

5. Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia +61 7 4099 3235 [email protected] http://www.wildlifehabitat.com.au
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,076 reviews

Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

Situated at Port Douglas, Queensland, the award winning Wildlife Habitat is a leader in eco-tourism and conservation. This immersion wildlife exhibit has five distinct Habitats - Woodlands, Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah and Nocturnal, which are set over 8 acres of land to provide an interactive, and educational native wildlife experience. Meet an abundance of Australian animals including koalas, emus and the endangered Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo and Southern Cassowary. Hand-feed wallabies and kangaroos and cuddle a koala. Enjoy Breakfast With The Birds or Lunch With The Lorikeets and enjoy a sumptuous buffet meal and meet some feathered friends.

Reviewed By Dcarno

Fantastic experience, great customer service and quite a range of Australian animals, with superb facilities.

6. Kuranda Scenic Railway

Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,667 reviews

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Kuranda Scenic Railway is the original scenic rail journey to Kuranda. This spectacular experience travels over bridges and through tunnels hand-made by North Queensland's pioneers over 100 years ago. Traversing the World Heritage listed rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park, this is one of the world's great railway journeys.

7. Four Mile Beach

Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,022 reviews

Four Mile Beach

Reviewed By PaulBartleyW - Lichfield, United Kingdom

We stayed at The Peninsula Boutique Hotel, at the far end of this awesomely serene Beach (just off Main Street, at the town end). The hotel, sits back but next to the beach and is ideally scenically located for the beach. Four Mile Beach is a Stunning view to see & a pleasure to explore.. Its wide; clean and the sand is not grainy underfoot.. Yes, there can sometimes be jellyfish in the water - BUT, you can swim in the safe / secure netted area (at the one end of the beach), snorkel & see the sea life very safely.. There’s also a lifeguard here, should you get into distress - again, adding to the safety of this lovely beach.. Additionally, you can cycle down this beach easily and safely - as well as enjoying a gentle stroll???? Just, don’t forget the sunscreen - whatever your doing on the beach????

8. Palm Cove Beach

111 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, Queensland 4879 Australia
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,154 reviews

Palm Cove Beach

Reviewed By 71lynw

Nice clean beach on one side with Beach patrolled flagged area and the fishing jetty at the end great spot Amazing sunrises from the beachfront

9. Castle Hill

Castle Hill Road, Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia 61800801902 http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/facilities/parks/Pages/trails.aspx#castle
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,814 reviews

Castle Hill

Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville - a perfect place for visitors to orientate themselves. As well as offering vehicle access, Castle Hill provides a number of popular walking tracks, which are frequented by more than 2,500 locals a day! The 360-degree views of Townsville at the top are well worth the journey. Be sure to have a camera on hand, particularly for sunrise or sunset as these are photo opportunities which shouldn't be missed. As well as offering an iconic centre piece for the city and spectacular scenic views, Castle Hill has a significant history. The Hill's vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the Hill reminding visitors of Castle Hill's military history. Castle Hill facilities include car parking, public amenities, drink fountains and shaded seating to enjoy while taking in some of the best views of the city and across to Magnetic Island.

Reviewed By A-Reel - Townsville, Australia

Wonderful workout routes abound to take you to the summit of Townsville landmark and great view. Mingle with Townsvillagers getting their exercise fix hiking to the top.

10. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

52 - 54 The Esplanade Opposite Mantra Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia +61 7 4044 3715 [email protected] http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/facilities/lagoon
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,647 reviews

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Escape the heat at one of Cairns' best known landmarks, the Esplanade Lagoon. Set on the Cairns foreshore overlooking Trinity Inlet, the 4800 sq metre saltwater swimming lagoon offers locals and tourists a year round safe swimming location. Saltwater is pumped from the inlet and filtered through a state of the art filtration and chlorination system, to meet Australian Standards. The kids can enjoy the sandy edges, build sand castles and play in shallow water. On the other side of the Lagoon, visitors can lounge on the timber decks in moderate shade. Shady trees, landscaped gardens and open spaces all contribute to the leisurely atmosphere on the Esplanade The Lagoon is open 6am-6pm Thursday - Tuesday, Midday-6pm Wednesday all year round.

Reviewed By nikkichutney - Melbourne, Australia

Absolutely fabulous definitely recommend if you are holidaying in Cairns and near the Esplanade you’ve got to swim in the lagoon at least once a day to cool off. The people of Cairns are very lucky to have this lagoon here.

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