Sights

Explore The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world’s largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers, it comprises more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem that is home to an astonishing array of marine life. This natural wonder is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and biodiversity, featuring colorful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even large marine mammals like dolphins and whales.

Places You'll See

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

The Great Barrier Reef

5 Days 6 Nights
Australia: The Great Barrier Reef

Days Plan

  • Morning:
    • Arrive at Cairns Airport and check into your hotel.
    • Relax at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, a family-friendly spot for a swim or leisurely walk by the water.
  • Afternoon:
    • Enjoy a laid-back lunch at The Raw Prawn, offering fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
  • Evening:
    • Explore Cairns Night Markets for local crafts, souvenirs, and street food.
    • Dinner at Ochre Restaurant, renowned for its innovative use of local ingredients, including kangaroo and barramundi.

 

  • Morning:
    • Take a full-day excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef with a renowned operator like Quicksilver Cruises or Reef Magic Cruises.
    • Enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in crystal-clear waters, exploring coral gardens and vibrant marine life.
  • Afternoon:
    • Onboard lunch served during the reef tour, offering fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
    • Continue exploring the reef, with optional glass-bottom boat rides for non-divers.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Cairns.
    • Dinner at Salt House, offering a modern Australian menu with a focus on fresh, local seafood.

Day 3: Cairns Tropical and Wildlife Adventures

  • Morning:
    • Take a scenic ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda Village, traveling above the lush rainforests and offering views of the Coral Sea.
    • Explore Kuranda Markets for local arts, crafts, and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Rainforestation Nature Park for a wildlife experience with koalas, crocodiles, and indigenous cultural activities.
    • Lunch at The Secret Garden Restaurant in Kuranda, set in a tropical garden offering fresh, locally sourced dishes.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Cairns.
    • Dinner at The Pier Bar, offering casual dining with live music and great views of the water.

Day 4: Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

  • Morning:
    • Depart for a guided tour to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
    • Take a walk along the Mossman Gorge boardwalk, a stunning part of the Daintree National Park.
  • Afternoon:
    • Lunch at Cape Tribulation Beach House Restaurant, offering fresh seafood and tropical dishes in a laid-back, beachfront setting.
    • Explore the remote beaches or take a river cruise to spot crocodiles.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Cairns.
    • Dinner at Bushfire Flame Grill, a unique restaurant serving an all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ experience.

Day 5: Green Island and Final Day Exploration

  • Morning:
    • Take a morning cruise to Green Island, a beautiful coral cay with sandy beaches and vibrant reefs.
    • Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or explore the island’s walking trails.
  • Afternoon:
    • Lunch on the island at Green Island Resort Restaurant, offering tropical island dining with an Australian menu.
    • Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure: either relax on the beach, go on a glass-bottom boat tour, or enjoy the resort’s pool.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Cairns.
    • End your trip with a farewell dinner at Café China, a local favorite serving fresh, modern Chinese cuisine with a tropical twist.

Tips for Your Great Barrier Reef Trip

  • Best Time to Visit:
    • The best months to visit are from May to October, when the weather is mild, and the waters are clear for snorkeling and diving.
  • Packing Tips:
    • Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof camera for all your reef adventures.
  • Morning:
    • Take a scenic ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda Village, traveling above the lush rainforests and offering views of the Coral Sea.
    • Explore Kuranda Markets for local arts, crafts, and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Rainforestation Nature Park for a wildlife experience with koalas, crocodiles, and indigenous cultural activities.
    • Lunch at The Secret Garden Restaurant in Kuranda, set in a tropical garden offering fresh, locally sourced dishes.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Cairns.
    • Dinner at The Pier Bar, offering casual dining with live music and great views of the water.
  • Morning:
    • Depart for a guided tour to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
    • Take a walk along the Mossman Gorge boardwalk, a stunning part of the Daintree National Park.
  • Afternoon:
    • Lunch at Cape Tribulation Beach House Restaurant, offering fresh seafood and tropical dishes in a laid-back, beachfront setting.
    • Explore the remote beaches or take a river cruise to spot crocodiles.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Cairns.
    • Dinner at Bushfire Flame Grill, a unique restaurant serving an all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ experience.
  • Morning:
    • Take a morning cruise to Green Island, a beautiful coral cay with sandy beaches and vibrant reefs.
    • Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or explore the island’s walking trails.
  • Afternoon:
    • Lunch on the island at Green Island Resort Restaurant, offering tropical island dining with an Australian menu.
    • Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure: either relax on the beach, go on a glass-bottom boat tour, or enjoy the resort’s pool.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Cairns.
    • End your trip with a farewell dinner at Café China, a local favorite serving fresh, modern Chinese cuisine with a tropical twist.
Notes:

    • 2 passport size photos
    • Adult – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / Driving Licence /  Voters       ID / Passport
    • Child – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / School ID / Passport
    • Infant – Aadhar Card / Birth certificate
    • NRI / Foreign nationals – Mandatory Passport + Valid Indian visa / OCI card / PIO card
    • Above mentioned ID proof is mandatory at the time of booking and carry the same ID proof on         tour as well

Great Barrier Reef

Tour Details


Hear from Our
Happy Travelers

"Our trip to the Northern Great Barrier Reef with Salt and Sea Adventure was absolutely unforgettable! The well-planned itinerary gave us the perfect mix of snorkeling, reef exploration, and relaxation. The guides were knowledgeable, and the reef experiences were top-notch. Plus, the lunch provided on the boat was fantastic – fresh, local seafood that really added to the experience. Highly recommend this company for anyone looking to explore the reef in style!"

— James and Maria Thompson, Sydney

Salt and Sea Adventure made our Great Barrier Reef experience seamless and magical! From the moment we arrived, the team ensured everything was well-organized, from the boat rides to the reef, to snorkeling gear, and even recommendations for local eateries. The day we spent in the northern reef was the highlight of our trip to Australia. We saw so much marine life, and the guides shared great insights into the ecosystem. A fantastic experience we’ll cherish forever!"

— Emily Carter, Melbourne

"If you’re looking to experience the Northern Great Barrier Reef, I highly recommend Salt and Sea Adventure! Their attention to detail made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable. The snorkeling trips were incredible, and we even had the chance to explore less crowded parts of the reef. Lunch aboard the boat was delicious, and they made sure we had everything we needed for the day. It was an unforgettable adventure, and we’re already planning our next trip with them!"

— Daniel and Claire Watson, Brisbane

Best Time to Visit:

  1. May to October (Dry Season):
    • Best time for clear water visibility, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
    • Mild weather with lower humidity and cooler temperatures (20–26°C).
    • Whale-watching season (July to November).
  2. November to April (Wet Season):
    • Warmer temperatures and higher humidity, but frequent rain showers.
    • Great for swimming, though visibility for diving may not be as clear due to water conditions.
    • More tourists visit in December and January, leading to crowded spots.

How to Reach:

  1. By Air:
    • Fly into Cairns Airport or Hamilton Island Airport, the main gateways to the reef.
    • Both airports are well-connected to major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
  2. By Sea:
    • Cruise ships from major Australian ports like Sydney and Brisbane often include the Great Barrier Reef in their itineraries.
    • Local reef operators offer daily tours departing from CairnsPort Douglas, or Airlie Beach.
  3. By Road:
    • You can drive along the Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to various reef departure points, such as Palm Cove or Port Douglas.
    • Whitsunday Islands can be accessed by road from Airlie Beach and offer direct access to reef trips.

Importance of
Great Barrier Reef:

  1. Natural Wonder:
    • A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
    • Comprising over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, it is the world’s largest coral reef system.
  2. Biodiversity:
    • Home to an incredible variety of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and 30 species of whales and dolphins.
    • It’s an essential habitat for endangered species like the dugong and green sea turtle.
  3. Tourism Hub:
    • The Great Barrier Reef attracts millions of visitors annually for activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours.
    • Reef-related tourism supports local economies in Cairns, Airlie Beach, and Port Douglas.
  4. Environmental Importance:
    • Plays a crucial role in the health of the oceans and helps protect coastlines from erosion.
    • It serves as a natural carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change effects.
  5. Educational Value:
    • Offers opportunities for scientific research, marine conservation, and environmental education.
    • Known for marine tourism that fosters awareness about conservation efforts and the protection of coral ecosystems.