What to do and see in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: The Best Other Outdoor Activities

February 27, 2022 Terina Blouin

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. CQ Adventure Flights

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5.0 based on 116 reviews

CQ Adventure Flights

CQ Adventure Flights is Airlie Beach’s fastest and most exciting tour operator. With so many brilliant things to do in the Whitsundays, CQ Adventure Flights is unlike anything else on offer. Operating a Yak52, a Soviet Air Force Training aeroplane built in 1990, they take tourists across every demographic on the Flight Of Their Life! Because the aeroplane only seats a Pilot and Instructor/Passenger the flights are fully catered to the passengers wants, without having to share their experience with anybody else. Passengers also get to set the intensity of their aerobatic experience to their comfort level The performance characteristics means that it is easy to give the passenger a gentle cruise with stunning views, or a mental aerobatic session, of an intensity that they choose. With 3 different experiences on offer, CQ Adventure Flights has a flight for everybody!

2. Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett

Excellent
87%
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8%
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5.0 based on 864 reviews

Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett

Skypark by AJ Hackett Cairns is an Adventure Park offering something for everyone. Operating Australia’s ONLY Bungy Jump, Giant Swing, Tower Climb & Lookout plus a licensed bar, café and rainforest venue. Home to the Worlds ONLY 16 style Jump menu, everyone is encouraged to step outside their comfort zone, whether you are a nervous first-timer or seasoned thrill seeker. Fly on the multi-person Giant Swing and reach speeds of up to 120kph in 3.5 seconds – enjoy the AJ Hackett way of experiencing extreme speed and acceleration together! With no minimum age and excellent family deals, it is a great way to make lifetime memories and have a blast. Climb the HIGHEST viewing platform in Cairns for FREE and take in the beautiful views out over the Northern Beaches and Great Barrier Reef.

3. Aquatica

116 Spence St, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia +61 403 621 172 [email protected] http://www.aquatica.com.au
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Aquatica

AQUATICA and Alex van Welderen - PADI CD - offer PADI Instructor courses and Specialty diving trips to the Yongala ship wreck. Our IDC's are held mainly in Cairns but we can travel to other locations. Yongala trips including Nitrox and Digital underwater Photo specialties are run on request. Fly in to Cairns and join Alex on a tour to the Yongala wreck and learn about the history on the drive down. Gain specialty diving knowledge and skills. Small groups only to make the most of over 20 years diving and teaching experience. for questions email Alex Direct.

4. In The Loop Ride and Fly

1 Pier St, Townsville, Queensland 4655 Australia +61 459 385 832 http://www.intheloopkiteboarding.com/intheloop-hervey-bay
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Kiteboarding, Stand Up Paddles, Fashion.

5. Eye to Eye Marine Encounters

10 Captain Cook Highway Sherrington Rd, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia +61 7 4098 5417 http://www.marineencounters.com.au
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Eye to Eye Marine Encounters

6. Port Douglas Microlights

Lot 16 Captain Cook Hwy Paddy's Airpark 2 km North of Port Douglas Turn Off, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia +61 408 189 565 [email protected] http://www.users.on.net/~mort/
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97%
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Port Douglas Microlights

Reviewed By H3689ZXstuartb - Brisbane, Australia

Spectacular, superb.. Feel the breeze as you climb above the Port Douglas. . This is just amazing open air just you and the pilot. They haven't fared well with Covid 19 and social distancing as you have to sit close to the pilot. But sights are spectacular. We flew both North to Mossman and back south of Port Douglas spotting Turtles, Crocs and an amazing waterfall - Keep it up guys

7. The Bump Track

Connelly Road, Port Douglas, Queensland Australia
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

The Bump Track

Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia

I tackled the Bump Track with a local hiking group on the weekend of Port Douglas Carnivale. It’s a fairly challenging hike with a steep uphill section for first 1.5 km, then undulating for next 3.5 km to Robbins Creek. (350 metres elevation in first 2 km). You need to cross Robbins creek and if you’ve got boots you’ll want to take these off as you’re feet will most definitely get wet. Approx 500 metres beyond the creek we took a side track to Big Mowbray Falls (this track is more narrow and took about 45 mins each way to the top of the falls). Here you can swim/cool off in the water and look out over a spectacular gorge opening out into rainforest. This side track isn’t far from the end of the Bump Track. Total Walk was around 15km if you do the side track (marked by pink ribbon, which I managed to miss the first time round). 12km just for Bump Track. I saw a black snake basking in the sun on the way back and apparently these are a common sight (I believe they are venomous). The Bump Track has a rich history (as an aboriginal trail and as a link for the early settlers to the hinterland by horse and cart) and there are plenty of info plaques on the way if you’re interested. To get there, drive a few kms south of Port Douglas and turn left just before the Mowbray Bridge down Mowbray River Road. Keep going down and turn onto Connolly Rd and continue until you get to the end over some dirt road sections.

8. Whitsunday Dive Adventures - Dive Courses & Half Day Dive Trips

Excellent
73%
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4.5 based on 37 reviews

Whitsunday Dive Adventures - Dive Courses & Half Day Dive Trips

You will find us shortly before you reach Airlie Beach, in Canonvale. We have well equipped classrooms, training rooms, a huge & deep pool and a dive shop selling all retail gear.

9. Intheloop Australia

Excellent
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4.5 based on 18 reviews

Intheloop Australia

Welcome to IntheLoop Australia your experts in water-sports and bike hire. We guarantee outstanding customer service, best prices and products. Our team has an incredible passion for action sports. Intheloop has been getting thousands of people stoked since our humble beginnings in 2002. Kiteboarding and Stand Up beginner and surf lesson are available every day depending on the conditions. Please enquire about tours and trips we are doing to several hot spots for waves, epic flat water and stunning backdrops. Come and explore the sunniest place in Australia. We offer half day SUP/ Kayak Tours at The Strand, Cape Pallarenda and The Upper Ross River. Our full day Stand Up Paddle/ Kayak tours will bring you to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Paluma Range and Paluma Lake experiencing the oldest rainforest in the world along several amazing waterfalls. This is an amazing and unique adventure suitable for anybody. Bicycle Hire available from our shop or in the CBD. Stand Up Paddle Board Hire available On The Strand, Pallarenda and Magnetic Island. Happy days

10. Keswick Underwater Adventures

Keswick Island, Mackay, Queensland 4740 Australia +61 400 989 161 [email protected] http://www.keswickunderwateradventures.com.au/
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4.0 based on 7 reviews

Keswick Underwater Adventures

12 minutes from Mackay, the beautiful Keswick Island is a natural wonderland – a world of national parks and tropical rainforests, fringed by white sands and a coral reef bursting with vibrant marine life.Join us for a dive, snorkel, kayak, or simply relax! If getting wet isn't your thing, discover the underwater world on our new 36 foot glass bottom boat! We offer a range of packages tailored to the inexperienced diver to those wanting to rediscover the deep, dark and daring!

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