Top Things to do in Great Barrier Reef
Top 10 Beaches in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
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. Whitehaven Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,394 reviews
Uninhabited Whitsunday Island is home to this beautiful beach, one of the world's most spectacular.
Reviewed By 1962SteveB - Brisbane, Australia
This is a must do when you go to Airlie and the Whitsundays. Highly recommend using Cruise Whitsundays that offer a guided walk at Hill Inlet, a delicious lunch and great service. Make sure you snorkel at the southern end reef, there are thousands of fish and live coral galore. Yep, it is not all dead.
2. Grays Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Halcyonways114
This is the next best thing to kayaking around the Whitsunday islands. Beautiful and peaceful and a great place to take the kids.
3. Alma Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By A4943HTanthonys - Melbourne, Australia
The great thing about Magnetic Island is that it has been protected from over-development. It has retained its natural beauty from the first time I visited the place in 1993. Whilst there has been some progress where there are some good accommodation, eating and entertainment options now, its a great place to just unwind and unplug. No better place on the island is Alma Bay. Because of its location on the island, and the absence of mangrove creeks nearby, it is protected from infestation of box jellyfish making it the perfect place to swim all year round. There are plenty of shady trees and its patrolled daily by a lifesaver so its perfect for families but also newlyweds as its just so peaceful. A day spent here and your soul will be restored.
4. Four Mile Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,022 reviews
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????
5. Palm Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,154 reviews
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
6. Putney Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 213nadinet - Brisbane, Australia
Had the best time over at Great Keppel Island on Putney Beach. Was so relaxing and the beach was a fantastic spot. One of the best beaches ive been too.
7. Dolphin Heads
8. Monkey Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By kirstenandhenk - Brisbane, Australia
We where told to do walking track to monkey beach by staff at kiosk as we wanted to snorkel. What a beautiful trek to get there. Once you walk onto beach you see the beauty of it all. We snorkelled in the area as has big rock areas close to shore and a reef little way out which hubby swam to. Massive sting rays and tropical fish can be seen everywhere. Was a highlight and recommend it highly. As low tide I snorkelled around to main beach with another lady we met and hubby walked the rocks close to water watching and pointing out the reefs for us. Very tiring but worth it. A must see.
9. Seventy-Five Mile Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 548 reviews
Reviewed By Ginty012 - Melbourne, Australia
Drove along the Seventy-Five Mile Beach in a custom made 4wd coach as part of the Beauty Spots tour. Unique experience. Enjoyed every minute of the trip. Particularly enjoyed looking at the Maheno shipwreck. Also saw several wild dingos.
10. Ellis Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By leonp303 - Noosaville, Australia
A rare find on the Captain Cook Highway. A swimming enclosure with Lifesavers. Beautiful water and a really great Tavern across the road for lunch. Well worth a stop for a couple if hours.
