14 Best Hotels in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

This attractive hotel has an enviable location near the waterfront, a flotilla of services, and classy on-site drinking and dining options. Built around a central, open-air atrium, Hilton Cairns has large, stylishly furnished rooms and suites with all the amenities you'd expect of a modern business hotel and some pleasant additions you might not, including big, breezy furnished balconies. Spa rooms have large hydrotherapy tubs for postdive-trip pummelings. Enjoy a sundowner at Gin Social, or partake from the eclectic menu at Mondo Café Bar and Grill, overlooking Trinity Inlet.

The clean, spacious, self-contained studios at this friendly low-rise motel just outside of town make it a practical base for those who don't mind a short walk or cycle to Port Douglas's center. The studios come with fridges, microwaves, tea/coffeemaking facilities, and a minibar with milk and soft drinks, replenished daily. All are air-conditioned, with kitchenettes, desks, ceiling fans, free Wi-Fi, cool tile floors, and small patios. There's a spotless guest laundry, lovely tropical gardens, a free-form heated pool and bikes for guests' use. Continental breakfasts can be delivered to your door. Lazy Lizard is conveniently close to the beach, town, bars, and restaurants, but far enough away to be a restful retreat.

Part of a lively entertainment complex in the heart of Cairns, this high-end hotel has spacious rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants and bars, a theater, a casino, and an outdoor swimming pool. All accommodations have ceiling fans, plantation shutters, floor-to-ceiling windows, spa baths, and balconies. Soy Kitchen Street Food serves quality Asian dishes; the acclaimed Tamarind does contemporary cuisine with a twist; Bar36 serves up tapas and cocktails with live music acts often performing, and Flinders Bar & Grill is an inexpensive, tasty option inside the casino.

This attractive, two-story colonial-style hotel in the heart of town is the best bet in Cooktown. There are plenty of on-site facilities, including a large swimming pool, laundry facilities, car rental outlet, free Wi-Fi, the town's most upscale restaurant, and a sociable bar. With a wide front veranda and horizontal wide-slat shutters, the resort has the air of a plantation house. Guest rooms and apartments are simply but smartly outfitted with tiled floors, lounge areas, flat-screen TVs, and balconies with views. The Balcony Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is particularly good, serving classic Aussie dishes and showcasing local seafood. 

With the town's small beach at its doorstep, three eateries and bars downstairs, and the main street directly behind it, this hotel makes a comfy and convenient base. The modern rooms and spacious suites have flat-screen TVs, bar fridges, and tea/coffeemaking facilities; most open onto big balconies overlooking the palm-lined waterfront or town. You can also stay in smaller, ground-level motel-style rooms. There's a nice pool, a guest laundry, and a tour desk on-site.

The Flynn is one of three five-star Cairns properties owned by the Crystalbrook group, and it's the "fun and energetic" brand. The rooms and suites are all light and bright and thoughtfully designed, and the on-site drinking and dining options—bustling, casual Boardwalk Social; upmarket Whiskey and Wine; and classy Flynn's Italian—appeal to a sophisticated, younger crowd. Of particular note here is the glass-sided swimming pool set on a mezzanine level, providing those having a drink and snack at Boardwalk Social with a rather interesting view.

This modern, contemporary property on Cairns Esplanade is in the heart of the city, and rooms come with a view of the city, the pool, or the sea. The hotel's rooms and suites have chic finishes, a designer feel, and a plethora of amenities, from free Wi-Fi to complimentary movies to an Nespresso machine. Relax in the large resort-style pool, which has a sandy entrance ideal for kids and a view of the Esplanade, or settle in at the city's highest bar and restaurant, Rocco, or kick back on a day bed at the beach club-style rum bar Calypso Club downstairs.  For an amazing view from your bed or balcony, splurge on one of the suites or sea-view rooms and wake up to the Coral Sea greeting you each morning.

Opened in 2020, the Oaks is a much newer hotel than many in Cairns—and it shows, with smart and spacious rooms and one of the city's few rooftop bars and restaurants in Oak and Vine. This hotel is comfortable rather than luxurious, but service is friendly and efficient, and it's in the heart of the CBD opposite the lagoon.

The smartly configured studios and suites at this hotel are a five-minute walk from Palmer Street's bar and dining precinct, and an easy stroll across the footbridge from Flinders Street and the ferry port. Podlike accommodations are long and narrow but cleverly designed, with laundries, compact kitchens, and work desks. All have balconies and fast Wi-Fi. There are some useful guest facilities, too: a small gym, an outdoor pool, a business center, and free on-site parking. Don't expect five-star service, but if you're looking for a good base, this ticks the right boxes.

This practicality-meets-luxury hotel near Cairns's waterfront has an impressive three-story lobby, an elegant day spa, and rooms and suites with furnished balconies. The hotel underwent a major rejuvenation in 2021, with much-needed upgrades to public spaces and rooms. All corporate facilities have also been upgraded, and the Vie Spa is also looking sparkling and new. The on-site Coco's Kitchen + Bar, which serves a buffet breakfast, plus lunches and dinners.

This centrally located boutique hotel, once a private residence, feels positively quaint, and that's a good thing when you're looking for a low-key escape in this resort area. Rooms have expansive terraces or private patios (some with large spa tubs), large flat-screen LCD TVs, and minibars; some have separate lounge rooms and small kitchenettes. The well-regarded on-site restaurant predates the hotel and serves modern Australian cuisine with Asian influences and big buffet breakfasts. Light lunches are served poolside, and gelato offered to sunbathers at 3 pm. There's a tranquil guest lounge, and Brigadier's Bar, operated on an honor system (you sign for the drinks you pour yourself). There's also a lovely beach just across the street, but if the ocean doesn't call you or it's stinger season, there are two pools, including a heated mineral pool.

All hotel rooms here are comfortable, with private balconies, but only hotel rooms on the fifth floor and above live up to the name, with their unbroken Coral Sea vistas. Meanwhile, rooms on lower levels overlook a landscaped, tropical garden and pool. One- and two-bedroom Terrace and split-level suites on the 17th, 18th, and 19th levels in particular have fantastic ocean views. Guests get complimentary use of Hamilton's windsurfers, catamarans, paddle skis, and snorkeling gear as well as sports club facilities and return airport transfers. There's an on-site tour desk and a well-equipped business center.

With chic modern decor and buzzing on-site bars and eateries, this marina-side resort is among the city's best. Outdoor areas are suitably sleek, with extensive wooden decking, a palm-shaded swimming pool, 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.