The Great Barrier Reef is the planet’s largest coral reef system, a UNESCO World Heritage icon stretching 1,400 miles along Queensland. For tens of thousands of years it has been stewarded by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; today it dazzles visitors with coral gardens, sea turtles, manta rays, and powder-white beaches. From lively Cairns to sail-meets-village Airlie Beach, this itinerary balances reef, rainforest, and relaxed tropical evenings.

Expect two distinct flavors: Cairns and the Wet Tropics (with Daintree National Park and Kuranda) in the north, and the Whitsundays’ island-dotted lagoon farther south. You’ll snorkel outer reefs, glide over Barron Gorge on a historic railway and rainforest gondola, and step onto Whitehaven’s silica sands while the tide paints Hill Inlet into swirls of turquoise and cream.

Practical notes: stinger (jellyfish) season typically runs November–May; tour operators provide stinger suits and safety briefings. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light long-sleeve rash guard, and motion-sickness tablets if needed. Weather is warm year-round; the wet season peaks January–March, when showers are common but the rainforest is at its lush best.

Cairns

Cairns is the classic Great Barrier Reef gateway: a tropical city with a breezy Esplanade, a public lagoon, and marinas where fast catamarans depart daily for coral gardens. Its compact center makes dining and bar-hopping easy after big days on the water. Add the world’s oldest rainforest—the Daintree—and you have reef and jungle within a day’s reach.

Top experiences include outer reef snorkelling and diving, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and day trips north to Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Food-wise, think reef-to-plate seafood barges, modern Australian menus with native ingredients, and convivial breweries by the wharf.

• Where to stay: Browse stays near the Esplanade or marina on VRBO or hotels with lagoon views on Hotels.com. Areas: Esplanade/Mudflat for lagoon access, or Marlin Marina for early tour departures.
• Getting there: Fly into Cairns (CNS). Compare fares on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. From the airport, taxis and rideshare reach the CBD in ~10–15 minutes.

Day 1: Arrive in Cairns, Esplanade Stroll, and Seafood on the Marina

Morning: In transit. Fly to Cairns; aim for an arrival around midday to settle in.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and stretch your legs along the Cairns Esplanade. Cool off in the public lagoon, then grab coffee at The Chambers (roastery vibes, excellent avocado toast) or a fruit-loaded smoothie bowl at Muddy’s Café if you’re craving something light.

Evening: Dine harborside. Prawn Star serves just-landed prawns, bugs, and oysters from a fishing boat—no-frills and unforgettable. Ochre plates native ingredients (think wattleseed pavlova, kangaroo loin) with waterfront views. For a sundowner, Salt House has a fire pit and craft cocktails; later, slip into Three Wolves for small-batch whiskies and dimly lit Cairns cool.

Day 2: Outer Reef Snorkelling and Optional Intro Dive

Morning: Fuel up at Caffiend (house-made crumpets, superb flat whites) before your reef check-in around 7:30–8:00 a.m. Board a fast catamaran to the outer reef—operators like Silverswift, Down Under Cruise & Dive, and Sunlover typically visit 2–3 sites such as Flynn, Milln, Norman, or Saxon Reefs. Expect clear briefings, stinger suits (Nov–May), and flotation if desired.

Afternoon: Spend several in-water sessions snorkelling over hard and soft corals with parrotfish, giant clams, and—if you’re lucky—green turtles. Consider an introductory scuba dive (no certification needed; medical questionnaire applies) or a certified dive. Lunch is usually served on board; tea and snacks in between.

Evening: Boats return ~4:30–5:30 p.m. Rinse off and head to Hemingway’s Brewery on the wharf for a crisp pilsner and reef-fishing memorabilia. Dinner at Perrotta’s at the Gallery brings Mediterranean-leaning plates under fairy lights; ramen lovers should make for Ganbaranba Noodle Colosseum (springy noodles, rich tonkotsu, line moves fast).

Day 3: Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation

Morning: Join a guided Daintree & Cape Tribulation tour (~7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.) for relaxed logistics and naturalist commentary. First stop: Mossman Gorge for a boardwalk through fan palms and granite-lined streams; the water is crystal clear year-round.

Afternoon: Cross the Daintree River by cable ferry into the world’s oldest rainforest. Walk the Marrdja or Dubuji boardwalks, spotting cassowary prints and mangrove adaptations. Many tours include a wildlife cruise to look for saltwater crocodiles and kingfishers. Lunch might be a rainforest café or in Port Douglas; if you get time there, Salsa Bar & Grill is a beloved local for seafood pasta and tropical pavlovas.

Evening: Return to Cairns. For something special, book Rocco, a rooftop bar with Coral Sea views and Mediterranean share plates, or keep it casual with fish and chips on the Esplanade grass as fruit bats wing overhead at dusk.

Day 4: Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, and Fly to the Whitsundays (Airlie Beach)

Morning: Ride the heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway through hand-carved tunnels and past Barron Falls, then glide back on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway above the canopy. Allow ~4–5 hours including station stops and boardwalks. Grab a quick bite at Kuranda markets—try a crepe or tropical ice cream.

Afternoon: Fly Cairns to Proserpine (PPP) or Hamilton Island (HTI); flight time ~1 hr 20 min, often $120–$250 one-way. Check fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From PPP, shuttle or rideshare to Airlie Beach takes ~30–40 minutes.

Evening: Settle into your stay and wander the foreshore. Dinner at Fish D’vine & The Rum Bar is a must for crispy skin barramundi, chilli mud crab (seasonal), and an encyclopedic rum list. Alternatively, Sorrento Restaurant & Bar at Coral Sea Marina pairs sunset over masts with seafood pizza and Aperol spritz.

Airlie Beach (Whitsundays)

Airlie Beach is the friendly village gateway to the Whitsunday Islands—74 emerald isles scattered across electric-blue water. Days here mean boat rides to Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling coral bommies in protected bays, and, if you wish, scenic flights over the heart-shaped coral of Hardy Lagoon.

The town’s boardwalk (Bicentennial Walkway) strings together cafés, marinas, and palm-fringed coves. Evenings are easy: feet-in-sand bars, live music, and breezy bistros serving reef fish, steaks, and tropical cocktails.

• Where to stay: Check apartments near the lagoon or marina on VRBO or resort-style hotels on Hotels.com. Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach Lagoon, and Cannonvale are handy areas.
• Getting around: Most day trips include hotel pickup. Taxis, shuttles, and a coastal walking path connect town and marinas. A free courtesy bus often runs to Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill—ask your hotel.

Day 5: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and Snorkelling

Morning: Coffee at Café One 3 (house-baked banana bread, great brekkie wraps) or Bohemian Raw at the marina (organic smoothies). Join an 8:00–8:30 a.m. day trip: choose a leisurely large-catamaran cruise or high-speed Ocean Rafting to fit in more snorkeling. Land at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach and hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout for the signature swirling sands—best seen around mid to low tide.

Afternoon: Swim the 98% silica sands (they squeak underfoot) and snorkel a coral-fringed bay such as Border Island or Hook Island’s Mantaray Bay, where schools of batfish and neon damselfish gather. Guides supply stinger suits, noodles, and reef interpretation.

Evening: Back in Airlie, watch the sky turn sherbet at The Garden Bar Bistro (marina-side, fresh oysters and chargrilled prawns). For dinner, La Tabella Trattoria on the main street serves handmade pastas and ribeye with truffle mash; late-night, Breeze Bar pours creative cocktails amid tropical greenery.

Day 6: Hardy Reef Pontoon or Scenic Flight + Island Time

Morning: Two excellent options: 1) Take a full-day cruise to the Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef (outer reef). Expect ~2.5–3 hours each way across the Whitsunday Passage, with several hours of snorkeling from the pontoon, optional introductory or certified dives, and a semi-submersible for dry viewing. 2) If you prefer to stay closer, book a 60-minute scenic flight over the islands, Whitehaven, and Heart Reef, then enjoy a relaxed beach afternoon.

Afternoon: On the pontoon, look for giant trevally, coral trout, and, in cooler months, the occasional manta ray. Lunch is included; warm showers are on board. If you chose the flight, wander the Bicentennial Walkway to Cannonvale for coffee and cake at Fat Frog Beach Café, a local favorite with sea views.

Evening: Celebrate at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill—go for wood-fired barramundi wings, burgers, and a hammock at sunset. Many nights feature live music; the courtesy shuttle simplifies the ride.

Day 7: Lagoon Laze, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, then fuel up at Sidewalk Café (classic Aussie breakfasts, seaside tables). Pick up locally made gifts at the Airlie Beach Markets (weekends) if timing aligns.

Afternoon: Shuttle to Proserpine Airport (~30–40 minutes) or ferry to Hamilton Island if flying from HTI. Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you have extra time, a quick marina lunch at Sorrento or The Kiosk hits the spot.

Evening: Fly onward. If you’re connecting via Brisbane or Sydney, consider a window seat for one last glimpse of patchwork reef and islands.

Practical Tips and Local Gems

• Seasonality: November–May brings warm water and stingers; suits are provided. June–October is peak visibility and whale season (you may spot humpbacks in the Whitsundays).
• Diving: Certified divers should bring logbooks and cards; nitrox availability varies by operator. Non-swimmers can still enjoy reef pontoons via semi-submersibles.
• Motion sickness: The outer reef can be choppy. Take tablets 30–60 minutes before departure and sit mid-ship. Hydrate and avoid heavy breakfasts.
• Conservation: Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t stand on coral, and keep fins off the reef. Many tours include a reef levy that supports management and science.
• Costs at a glance (per adult, typical 2025 rates): Outer reef day trip $180–$260; intro dive add-on $80–$120; Daintree tour $170–$230; Whitehaven/snorkel day $149–$239; Hardy Reef pontoon $250–$320; scenic flight $199–$329. Cairns–PPP/HTI flights $120–$250.

Where reef meets rainforest and sailing meets sand, this 7-day plan gives you the Great Barrier Reef’s greatest hits without the rush. You’ll leave with salt in your hair, camera full of aquamarine, and a deeper appreciation for the living wonder that is Queensland’s coral coast.