From May to October, north Queensland tends to have drier weather, lower humidity and good conditions for sailing, beaches and reef activities.
AUSTRALIA · BEACHES + NATURE
AUSTRALIA — GREAT BARRIER REEF
Explore the reefs and islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
DURATION10 days
BEST TIMEMay–Oct
EXPERIENCEBeaches + Nature
COUNTRYAustralia
THE JOURNEY
Route map
Cairns; Whitsundays; Hamilton Island
The map loads when you reach this section.
FEATURED
Key highlights
1Great Barrier Reef
2Snorkeling and diving
3Whitsundays
4Whitehaven Beach
5Hamilton Island
6Tropical marine life
Combining snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef with Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays brings together two of Australia's most famous natural images.
SEASONALITY
When to go
A STARTING POINT
Suggested base itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Cairns
Arrival in Cairns and first night in tropical north Queensland, with time to walk along the esplanade and rest from the flight.
DAY 2
Cairns and reef preparation
Day in Cairns for a diving or snorkeling briefing and preparation for trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
DAY 3
Great Barrier from Cairns
Departure by boat to the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, with snorkeling or diving among tropical fish and coral gardens.
DAY 4
Second day at sea in Cairns
Second day at sea from Cairns, choosing another reef or activity to expand the underwater experience.
DAY 5
Cairns → Whitsundays
Travel towards the Whitsundays and move from the northern reef base to the tropical island archipelago.
DAY 6
Whitsundays
Day sailing through the Whitsundays with a stop at Whitehaven Beach and views of the curves of sand and turquoise water.
DAY 7
Whitsundays → Hamilton Island
Transfer to Hamilton Island and installation with time for the beach and resort structure.
DAY 8
Hamilton Island
Day on Hamilton Island for sea, short trails or boat trips to neighboring islands.
DAY 9
Hamilton Island at a beach pace
Last full day at a beach pace, with the option of another trip to the reef or free time on the island.
DAY 10
Closing
End of the trip and connection to the next destination.
THE EXPERIENCE
The spirit of the journey
Cairns and the Whitsundays open two doors to the Great Barrier Reef, among reefs, islands, white beaches and tropical marine life.
YOUR WAY
I want to design my trip now!Customize your trip
This itinerary is a starting point. Order, duration, hotels and experiences can be customized to your pace and interests.