Where to Stay in Great Barrier Reef – Cairns & Port Douglas
Resorts, hotels, and accommodation options in Great Barrier Reef – Cairns & Port Douglas
Accommodation Overview
Cairns and Port Douglas offer the widest range of accommodation in tropical Australia, from budget backpacker hostels to five-star luxury resorts. Cairns caters well to budget and mid-range travelers with numerous hotels, apartments, and hostels in the CBD and Esplanade area. Port Douglas leans more toward boutique and luxury accommodation, with beachfront resorts and intimate guesthouses. Palm Cove, located between the two cities, offers a quieter, village-style experience with upscale resorts. Most dive operators include accommodation packages or can recommend partner properties, and many hotels offer dive package deals combining rooms with daily reef trips. The range of accommodation ensures that every budget is catered for, from A$30 dorm beds to A$1,000+ per night luxury suites.
Recommended Areas
Cairns CBD & Esplanade
Central location with the most dining, nightlife, and dive operator access.
Port Douglas
Boutique coastal village with luxury resorts and intimate dining.
Palm Cove
Quiet beachfront village between Cairns and Port Douglas with upscale resorts.