33 Best Hotels in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

With chic modern decor in blues and blue-grays reflecting the waterfront location and buzzing on-site bars and eateries, this marina-side resort is among Cairns's hippest. Outdoor areas are suitably sleek, with extensive wooden decking, palm-shaded swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, and a poolside cocktail bar. Spacious rooms and suites have muted decor, balconies, and flow-through views of the pool area and gardens, or the mountains, bay, or marina. Paying extra for a Horizon Club room or suite buys you extra amenities and services, including free Horizon Club breakfasts, and sunset drinks and canapés. There is a well-equipped business center, valet parking, and a helpful tour desk that can arrange off-site activities. The Backyard restaurant, featuring fine fresh regional produce, makes it worth dining in-house.

Centered on a complex of interconnecting saltwater lagoon pools, the Sheraton Grand Mirage is a good choice for families. Recently upgraded guest rooms, suites, and villas are light, modern, and beachy, with sleek wood furnishings and appointments, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docking stations. The landscaped grounds front a white-sand beach, and there are lots of on-site dining and drinking options. It's a big resort, with all the pluses and minuses size can offer, but thanks to the clever configuration of the pools, you can almost always find a lounge chair.

Part of the Hamilton Island resort, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes manages more than 100 self-catered one- to five-bedroom vacation properties in prime locations around the island, including studio, split-level, and two-story designs. All have air-conditioning, TVs, balconies, ocean views, and access to the resort's communal swimming pools and fitness center. Some—such as the 10 salubrious Yacht Club Villas (from A$980), with landscaped outdoor areas, private plunge pools, and concierge service—are truly luxurious. Homes sleep between one and 12 people. Each rental comes with island airport transfers and the use of a four-seater golf buggy, nonmotorized watercraft at Catseye Beach, the Hamilton Island sports complex facilities, and, in some cases, access to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club gym. Rates vary according to property, guest numbers, and season. Book well ahead to get the best properties at the best rates.