Top 10 Things To Do At The Great Barrier Reef 2023
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder that attracts tourists to Australia’s tropical north Queensland each year. It has benefited the tourism sector because it offers a wide variety of activities, views, and things to do in general.
With over 400 different varieties of coral and over 6,600 species of sea life, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest and most stunning coral reef system. It, together with the area’s numerous islands, creates virtually infinite chances for exploration and sightseeing.
With so many possible activities in the Great Barrier Reef, the variety of options can occasionally seem overwhelming. To help you make the most of organising your Great Barrier Reef itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of recommended tours, cruises, excursions, and more.
Check out the list below, and as usual, don’t hesitate to contact Experience Oz at any time if you have more questions!
10. Explore the Daintree Rainforest
Looking inland, you’ll soon find the vibrant greens of some of the oldest and most beautiful rainforests, the ancient and World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. The incredible blues of the ocean that cover the Great Barrier Reef are not the only visually stunning display on offer in the area.
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The Daintree will undoubtedly impact you that will last a long time, whether you spend your time exploring this fantastic green ecological playground or splitting your day between the reef and the rainforest.
You’ll find some of the last traces of the most ancient rainforest in this region of far north Queensland, where a combination of primitive animals, plants, and an indigenous culture still flourishes today. This area of far north QLD is brimming with incredible wildlife and lush surroundings that make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
9. Whitewater Rafting
Only a short distance inland from the Great Barrier Reef, the stunning Russell and Barron Rivers offer whitewater rafting excursions through pristine rainforests, crystal-clear rivers, and gorgeous scenery.
These two magnificent waterways, among the most well-liked rafting locations in the world, provide unparalleled opportunities for an inexpensive, adventurous, and exhilarating day out.
There is something accessible for people of all experience and ability levels thanks to various fast courses ranging from grades one to four. The majority of packages also include a leisurely picnic lunch.
All rafting excursions are conducted by knowledgeable instructors who will demonstrate the safest techniques to navigate the rapids. You can take in the feeling of exhilaration without ever feeling truly in danger.
Whitewater rafting close to the Great Barrier Reef will make you feel more alive whether you’re travelling alone, with a partner, or with a group.
8. Hot Air Ballooning
The Great Barrier Reef and the breathtaking natural surroundings that make up the geography of this tropical north Queensland region may both be seen from the high heights that hot air ballooning will carry you to.
Climb above Cairns to take in the awe, romance, and stillness of the far north Queensland wilderness, golden sand beaches, and breathtaking azure waters.
The Great Barrier Reef’s next best activity is a hot air balloon flight, a breathtaking experience you must have after seeing the reef and the rainforest up close.
7. Go Snorkelling
A snorkelling trip will allow you to escape into this new world full of surprises, and a cruise that will take you to the magnificent Outer Reef to a spacious activity platform permanently moored at a beautiful site will serve as the ideal springboard for guests of all ages – swimmers and non-swimmers alike – to enjoy a day of discovery.
You can snorkel directly from the platform and instantly find yourself among stunning coral gardens and colourful marine life – or you can take part in the Eco talks and reef presentations, board an air-conditioned semi-submersible for views without getting wet, and enjoy morning and afternoon teas along with a delicious gourmet lunch.
6. Outer Reef Cruise to Activity Platform
The Outer Reef, in particular, is in a league of its own, making it one of the top snorkelling locations in the world. It is teeming with beautiful coral gardens and rich marine life. Port Douglas offers another ideal departure point to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
These cruises will take you to the renowned Agincourt Reef, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef proper that showcases a series of odd coral formations, colourful marine life, and an exceptional level of underwater visibility, all while air-conditioned comfort.
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You can engage in a wide variety of reef activities, such as snorkelling and diving, semi-submersible viewing, fish feeding demonstrations, and much more, on a roomy activity platform waiting for you.
5. Green Island Day Trip
Green Island is a breathtakingly gorgeous coral cay that can be reached from Cairns by catamaran in about 45 minutes. It has been inhabited for over 6,000 years and is home to over 120 native plant varieties and various colourful birds.
This day trip to Green Island, a haven for environment lovers, offers snorkelling and an educational glass-bottom boat tour that will let you thoroughly explore this gorgeous island getaway.
The package also includes many extras, such as access to the island’s fantastic pool and an eco-island tour to see some of the unique rainforest flora on Green Island.
The day may be as active or relaxing as you choose, with various restaurant and cafe lunch options and extra activities like scuba and helmet diving, parasailing, and scenic helicopter tours, all of which are available upon request.
4. Low Isles Sailing Cruise
On our Low Islands Sailing Cruise, set sail for the Great Barrier Reef’s Low Isles, a natural tropical island paradise that perfectly complements the innate romance of sailing on an opulent 30m sailing catamaran.
The Low Islands, one of the Great Barrier Reef’s natural gems, is a picturesque group of undeveloped islands that serve as the ideal microcosm of the Reef and its surroundings.
A wide variety of reef activities, such as glass-bottom boat trips to see the diverse marine life and snorkelling over the colourful coral gardens full of turtles and brightly coloured fish, are waiting to be engaged.
You may also take it easy by going on guided beach walks, lounging on the beach or the boat decks while soaking up some sunshine, and stopping for a delectable tropical buffet lunch in the middle of the day.
3. Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight
One of the most significant ways to observe the coral and other marine life up close from above is to take a helicopter flight over the reef from Port Douglas.
Flying in a helicopter gives you a unique perspective on the Great Barrier Reef because you can see the wonders below up close while hovering at low altitudes.
After arriving at your destination, we’ll stop for a hot and cold tropical buffet lunch and allow you to go snorkelling, use an underwater observatory, or take a semi-submersible tour to see the coral from below the surface.
2. Take a Seaplane Flight over the Whitsundays
One of the most significant ways to observe the coral and other marine life up close from above is to take a helicopter flight over the reef from Port Douglas.
Flying in a helicopter gives you a unique perspective on the Great Barrier Reef because you can see the wonders below up close while hovering at low altitudes.
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After arriving at your destination, we’ll stop for a hot and cold tropical buffet lunch and allow you to go snorkelling, use an underwater observatory, or take a semi-submersible tour to see the coral from below the surface.
1. Visit Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach, which has recently been named “The Best Beach in Australia,” is a symbol that captures the essence of what the Great Barrier Reef is thought to be all about. It is easy to understand why Whitehaven is such a well-known tourism destination with its immaculate white silica sand contrasted so wonderfully with the surrounding brilliant blue waters.
Please pick up a handful of the finely-grained sand and feel it run through your fingers to experience the beach truly. It’s the ideal excuse for some leisure among the multitude of water sports and other activities you’ll undoubtedly be otherwise amusing yourself with.
Many trips may take you to Whitehaven Beach and have varying itineraries. The majority give you a thorough overview of the beach and its neighbouring islands and diving and snorkelling locations.
Whitehaven is not just some tiny pocket of beach that just so happens to be picture-perfect; it’s a natural, expansive beach that is big enough to ensure that even in the busiest seasons, you’ll still be able to feel a sense of solitude. It extends over a fairly sizable area of about seven kilometres in total.
Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef are urged to schedule their visits as soon as possible because the beach is rarely crowded, and its popularity and reputation are likely to cause its conditions to worsen quickly. You can reserve a full-day cruise to Whitehaven by clicking the following link.
Check out our region pages for more information if you’re seeking other things to do in Cairns, Port Douglas, the Whitsundays, and the Great Barrier Reef itself!
