Things to do in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: The Best Multi-day Tours

July 20, 2021 Kandra Bartel

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. 3-Day Far North Queensland: Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown, Daintree via 4WD

Discovery Tours Australia
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Want to see Aberton Tablelands, Cooktown, the Daintree Rainforest and more in a 3-day tour with everything taken care of? This very small-group tour takes you on an exclusive guided 4WD tour to the Daintree National Park, Cooktown, and the Atherton Tablelands. This tour ticks all the boxes in terms of showing people the best of Far North Queensland! Visit Cooktown and its many surrounding attractions as you learn about this truly amazing ancient area of the world from our very experienced local naturalist guide.

Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, 2 nights accommodation, Dinner, National Park fees, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By Toni F

Even tho the weather was a overcast and a little drizzly on our day tour we still thoroughly enjoyed our day and visit to the Daintree area. Our guide was Darryl who was very informative and kept us entertained the whole day! The tour provided us with a great overview of the area for our first visit to this part of Australia. We would highly recommend this tour to first timers to the area.

2. 8-Day Cairns Tour: Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Daintree Rainforest

Discovery Tours Australia
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This 8-day multi-day tour of Cairns covers all the must do's, with some added extras. Your 8-day tour includes 7-nights accommodation in a standard queen, twin or triple room, round-trip airport transfers and a Cairns Evening Harbour & Dinner Cruise. If that's not enough, visit the stunning Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour with an introductory dive, enjoy a day-trip to Kuranda aboard the Scenic Railway and Skyrail and visit the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge. Top off your trip with a 40-minute scenic reef flight and a beautiful 4WD rainforest waterfall adventure with a free day to explore or just relax by the pool.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, 7 nights accommodation in a Standard Room (no meals), Round-trip airport transfers, Great Barrier Reef day trip including hotel pickup and drop-off, one introductory dive, breakfast and lunch, Daintree rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge day-trip with morning tea, lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off, Kuranda day trip aboard the Scenic Railway and Skyrail including hotel pickup and drop-off (no meals), Half-day 4WD Rainforest Waterfall tour (light refreshment provided), 40-minute scenic reef flight, Cairns Evening Harbour & Dinner Cruise

Exclusions: Breakfast at the Hotel, Transfers to and from The Cairns Evening Harbour & Dinner Cruise

Reviewed By Toni F

Even tho the weather was a overcast and a little drizzly on our day tour we still thoroughly enjoyed our day and visit to the Daintree area. Our guide was Darryl who was very informative and kept us entertained the whole day! The tour provided us with a great overview of the area for our first visit to this part of Australia. We would highly recommend this tour to first timers to the area.

3. Cairns Reef and Rainforest Combo: Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef

Discovery Tours Australia
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Enjoy two fun filled days exploring the Great Barrier Reef, including a free introduction dive, a scenic tour on the glass bottom boat. Breakfast and lunch are included as well as a visit to the 'Oldest Rainforest on Earth' with a day tour to the stunning Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and the magical Mossman Gorge. These tours are two must see attractions while visiting Cairns in the beautiful far Northern Queensland. Both tours are small group in nature and relaxed in true North Queensland style.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Return hotel transfers from Cairns City, Palm Cove & Trinity beach ONLY, Breakfast bacon and egg rolls, lunch buffet and afternoon cheese, wine and biscuits, tea and coffee, Reef tax and fuel levies, Interactive marine biology presentation, One scuba dive, Morning tea and restaurant style lunch, Small group tour, Accredited or naturalist local tour guides

Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Tours do not operate from Port Douglas, Overnight accommodation, There are 2 Options for this Package. Combo "Cairns City" is for all Cairns City Accommodation. Combo "Northern Beaches" must be selected for Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach & Palm Cove. If you book a "Northern Beaches" Option, there is a $22 per person charge for return Transfers for the Reef Tour. This amount is payable direct to the driver

Reviewed By Toni F

Even tho the weather was a overcast and a little drizzly on our day tour we still thoroughly enjoyed our day and visit to the Daintree area. Our guide was Darryl who was very informative and kept us entertained the whole day! The tour provided us with a great overview of the area for our first visit to this part of Australia. We would highly recommend this tour to first timers to the area.

4. 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Adventure: Whitsunday Getaway

The Coffee Club Café - Airlie Beach, The Boathouse, Shop F9 Port Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia Whitsundays Sailing Adventures
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Whitsunday Getaways provides an intimate sailing adventure in comfort and style. Jump on board our beautiful catamaran and explore the amazing Whitsunday Islands. We offer a 2-night cruise for couples, departing once a week on Tuesday. Getaway comfortably accommodates 4 couples in private, air-conditioned cabins with en-suites. Your professional Skipper and Host will ensure your wants and needs are taken care of as you sail, snorkel and explore this spectacular playground. • Cruising for couples with private double cabins • Private en suite • Fully air-conditioned vessels • Amazing fresh food, all meals prepared on board by your host • Great sailing with hands on opportunities under the guidance of our experienced skippers • Large stable catamaran • Full service experience provided by highly professional crew • Use of our stand-up paddle boards • Relaxed and intimate trip for couples and honeymooners

Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, 2 nights accommodation, Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), National Park fees, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), All activities, Local guide, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Drinks - Soft Drinks & Bottled Water $2.50, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase before the trip) and minimal glass please

Reviewed By iWish2B

Awesome and so not what I was expecting. Damian and Kyle (sorry if I got that name wrong) were sensational hosts. They explained everything, from the sailing, spots visited, to facts about the wildlife. They were both informative and made everything very interesting. We had perfect weather, which meant not much sailing but the plus side was you could stay on deck the whole time. The boys kept everyone well feed and kept the food coming. Really enjoyed the snorkelling and visit to Whitehaven beach, plus night spotting fish was surprisingly interesting. The old ketch was very comfy and surprised with a hot tub. It was a wonderful experience.

5. 2-Day Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest Combo Package

1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia Down Under Cruise & Dive
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

See the best of Cairns with a two-day package that provides the ultimate reef and rainforest experience. Cruise from Cairns onboard the fastest, award-winning luxury vessel “EVOLUTION” for the best value tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an adventure-filled experience. You will enjoy a personalised day on the Great Barrier Reef with our friendly and professional boat crew. Embark on a full-day adventure to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef! Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Group size is limited for a more personalised experience. As a locally owned operator company for over 30 years, you will have an unforgettable experience with the perfect mix of professionalism, service, and fun!

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Private transportation on Rainforest Day, Full Day Reef Cruise Snorkelling with all snorkel equipment, safety briefings, lycra/sun-suit hire, Full Day Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Day Tour, Rainforest National Park fees, Use of scuba and snorkeling equipment is selected, 1 x introductory or certified dive (if selected)

Exclusions: $20 per person admin/fuel levy (to be paid direct prior to travel), Private transportation on Reef Day (can be arranged, contact reservations), Accommodation

Reviewed By 570caleba

Strongly recommend booking through this group. The entire team were very friendly, knowledgeable, entertaining and always happy to help out. The day out was suitable to anyone and everyone! I would highly recommend doing the introductory dive too. Was my first dive and just incredible and felt at ease the entire time with the instructor . Phil, Phil Jnr, Eddie and the rest of the crew, take a bow. Your customer service and experience provided was exceptional and should be highly commended. When I come back this is the only crew I’ll book again with. Thank you all so much for such an incredible day that my partner and I will cherish forever. Truly incredible. Cannot recommend enough! BOOK WITH THESE PEOPLE!!

6. 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach

38 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia True Blue Sailing
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

New Horizon is truly the best value for money vessel on the market. She is a stunning 21-meter traditional sailing vessel that has beautiful old-world charm with modern comforts such as air conditioning. She is a 21m sailing schooner that accommodates 32 passengers and 4 crew. She has 2 showers, 2 toilets, plenty of sheltered outdoor spaces and sun tanning space. Not to mention the only budget vessel with air con and her beds are spacious and comfortable, 8 doubles and 16 singles. Snorkelling, intro & certified scuba dives (to be booked and paid for on board the tour), SUP boards, bushwalks, beach games, movie lounge, 8 metre water slide and more. Our 4 fantastic crew instil a sense of fun in every facet of the tour by creating an atmosphere and culture that’s lively, engaging, and entertaining.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, 2 nights accommodation, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Professional guide, Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks and drinkable tap water

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable) Luggage can be stored in our office for $10pp, BYO Alcohol (no glass), Soft drinks available for purchase for $3 each

Reviewed By TravellingIrishgal19

Where do I begin.... It was definitely the best cruise I've ever been on. Each one of these guys went above and beyond for us all. From Johnny's amazing sunsets and sunrises with the perfect music to go with it over all top man. Dan being a social butterfly, story telling, educating us about the boat and the islands picking up plastic bottles in the sea, you can see the love these have for marine life. Tiffs amazing cooking, chats and bush walks. Tommy's brilliant diving skills, announcements and excellent boat parking. Honestly we were blessed to get such a good crew. Scuba driving was definitely the highlight of our trip. Tommy was just amazing, although I was a bit nervous at first he made me feel so safe and the experience was just out of this world. Beautiful meals snacks and music. They have definitely set high standards. How the crew treat each other is so nice to see they are just a big happy family. Over all it was SOME FECKEN CRAIC????????????

7. 2 Day Great Barrier Reef "Reefsuites" Experience

Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia Cruise Whitsundays
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4.9 based on 23 reviews

Moored offshore at Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach, Reefworld is the setting for your spectacular overnight Reefsuite experience. Begin your journey with a cruise through the Whitsunday Islands to Hardy Reef onboard our high-speed vessel, arriving at the reef around 11am. After lunch, guests can snorkel, dive, swim or take a scenic helicopter flight to see famous Heart Reef (additional cost). Day visitors depart mid-afternoon and then overnight guests have Hardy Reef and Reefworld all to themselves. Watch a stunning sunset with a drink in hand before enjoying a starlit long-table dinner on the pontoon’s upper deck. After dinner, Reefsuite guests can retreat to the privacy of their undersea accommodation. Sit back, relax and watch as the reef comes to life through the floor to ceiling windows. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and an exclusive morning on the reef before heading home in the afternoon with memories that will stay with you forever.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Use of snorkeling equipment, Semi-submersible coral viewing with reef appreciation talk, Overnight accommodation in an underwater Reefsuite, Round-trip cruise, Underwater viewing chamber, Guided snorkelling tour, Beverages (beer, wine and soft drinks)

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Optional activities including scuba diving, helicopter flights, massage (available to purchase on board)

Reviewed By Bceeingu

This was a wonderful tour. The boat ride out took about 3 hours and was a little choppy that day. On arrival we saw the wonderful pontoon, what a great setup, in two sections, daytime guests and reef sleep guests. Lots of equipment for guests to use, and lots of sanitisation stations. We were glad wave goodbye to the day guests and enjoyed the reef almost exclusively. It was so beautiful and peaceful. We went snorkeling many times and it was like swimming in an aquarium, so many species of fish, also saw turtles and manta rays. Our chef did an amazing job with the food, wonderfully presented and tasted great. Canapés and sunset on the upper deck was amazing and very romantic. The staff did a great job of looking after us all. It was wonderful to sleep under the stars and our bed was very comfortable. Got up early to see the wonderful sun rise and the reef was very clam and still. Enjoyed to rest of the morning snorkeling and enjoy the company of our fellow guests. Thanks to chef, reefsleep staff Ben and Aimee.

8. Matador Whitsundays

Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia Matador Whitsundays
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4.9 based on 332 reviews

Join the crew on Matador Whitsundays for a truly unique experience on-board an ex-race boat legend. Matador has been freshly refurbished in 2017 for its 2-Day 1-Night Tour. Hop on-board with like-minded guests sailing over to the World Famous Whitehaven Beach then on to the best snorkelling spots the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has to offer. Get hands-on and help with sailing or sit back and relax – it’s up to you!  A bit about Matador • Largest commercial ex-race boat in the Whitsundays at 85ft in length • Best of the best crew. • Glowing race history - 52 races, 8 Regattas and two world maxi yacht races, boasting a total of 31 wins 5 seconds and 6 thirds. • Nominated and awarded bronze for "Best New Tourism Business" at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards 2017. • Locally owned and operated company promising an authentic Aussie experience.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), Fuel surcharge, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Local taxes, National Park fees, Afternoon tea, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea, All activities, Local guide, Tour escort/host, Use of Snorkelling equipment

Exclusions: Snacks and alcohol are BYO

Reviewed By Segolenne R

The trip on the matador was absolutely perfect. The spots we stopped off at were wonderful and the crew was so knowledgeable and kind and made sure we all just had the best time. They made sure we saw all the good spots without the crowds of tourists. Food was great too.

9. 12-Day Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation Program from Cairns

Cairns, Cairns, Cairns Region, Queensland No Limit Adventures
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4.9 based on 7 reviews

Travel to the Great Barrier Reef and become a Marine Conservation Volunteer and official surveyor for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority. Your tour operator, No Limit Adventures has teamed up with Passions of Paradise, a leading scuba diving and outer reef operator in Cairns with a high commitment to environmental sustainability. Together we are offering our Marine Conservation Program run on the Great Barrier Reef combining firstly the adventure of scuba diving with the opportunity to help the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) monitor and identify reef health indicators on the Great Barrier Reef. Spend your volunteer holiday in Cairns and enjoy our 12-day program that combines the adventure of diving with marine conservation on the Great Barrier Reef. Become part of our dedicated team and make a genuine contribution to marine conservation and care for the Great Barrier Reef. Your efforts will make a difference for future generations.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Accommodation at Gilligans Backpacker Resort (or similar), 9 nights dorm accommodation , Meals as noted in the program (B,L,D), 2-hour Reef Teach educational session, Dive course as per options 1 – 3. dive courses include 3 day/ 2 night live aboard reef trip, 4 x day trips on Passions of Paradise with a dedicated reef conservation guide doing Eye on the Reef – Rapid Monitoring and other Marine Conservation tasks, Project AWARE Specialist Card (all participants), Specified number of dives on the Great Barrier Reef, Day trip to Fitzroy Island and visit at the turtle hospital, with hands-on activities (subject to availability on the day), Conservation program participant certificate and t-shirt (all participants), Tour coordination and assistance by No Limit Adventures

Exclusions: International and domestic flights, Visa fees to Australia (if applicable), Airport transfers (see Note), Reef taxes and levies (approx. $80 for the 3D/2N reef trip and $20/ day with Passions of Paradise. TOTAL Reef Fees: AUD$160), Dive medical costs (if required), First Aid Certificate cost (only required by participants doing Rescue Dive Course), Costs of personal nature, Optional activities

Reviewed By Jennlo114

Just got back from a week in PNG. I got to know No Limit Advenatures last year on a trip through Australia and Konrad was fantasic and when chatting about other vacation spots he kept referencing PNG. I'd never even considered it but so glad he brought it up for diving. I specifically got certified for PNG and could not have been happier I did. The island is amazing, the food is spectacular, the dive guides are extraordinary, just overall an epic trip. The best part is that you don't run into anyone else on the island, no competition in the water for dive locations or surf spots, you're so isolated and it's only you & your group. I can't recommend No Limit Adventures enough!

10. Dingos 3 Day Tag along Fraser Island 4WD Adventure

18 Spectrum St, Rainbow Beach QLD 4581, Australia Dingo's Fraser Island Tours
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4.8 based on 29 reviews

With a fully flexible tag-along style itinerary which includes Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Indian Head and the Champagne Pools, it's clear to see why Dingo's Tag-Along has been etched in backpackers memories as the highlight of their East Coast trip since the early 2000s. With fun and adventure in mind,this tour shows the highlights of Fraser Island and leaves you with lasting memories and new friends for 18-35 year olds! In other words, discovering Fraser Island with Dingo's is a mind-blowing experience you will remember the rest of your life.

Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Fuel for 4x4s & all camping equipment , 4WD driver training on the beach, Lead driver guide taking you to Fraser Island's highlights, All camping permits, national park and vehicle permits, Return ferry transfer, Luggage storage and safety deposit at Freedom Rainbow Beach, 2 nights camping on Fraser Island with toilets and showers

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Reviewed By geraldiner326

Awesome experience! The Dingos team were so friendly and helpful, the cars were kitted out with everything you needed and everywhere we went was awesome. 100% recommend

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