The Great Barrier Reef: A 3-Day Itinerary

When traveling to the Great Barrier Reef, you have several prime locations to choose from for your stay. This natural wonder, like Japan, is off the coast of Queensland. You can get there from Cairns, Port Douglas, the Whitsundays, Lady Musgrave Island, Heron Island, or Hinchinbrook Island.

During my trip to the Great Barrier Reef, I flew into Cairns. From there, you can choose to stay in Cairns, or venture to nearby locations such as Port Douglas, Fitzroy Island, or Palm Cove. I opted to stay in Port Douglas, which I personally thought was the best place to stay. Port Douglas is a scenic hour-long drive along the coast from Cairns. Where you want to stay depends on the type of experience you are looking for. I found Cairns to be more touristy, while Port Douglas offered a more relaxed and picturesque place.

I picked up a rental car in Cairns for the drive to Port Douglas. The one-hour drive has stunning coastal views making the trip fly by. If you'd like to stop along the way, you can drive into Palm Cove for a coffee, a bite to eat, or some shopping. For a quick snack, stop by The Beach Hut Cafe & Juice Bar. If you're in the mood to treat yourself, I recommend Nu Nu Restaurant, which offers a rainforest type ambiance right on the beach. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu and you can enjoy a delicious breakfast while looking out at the ocean. If you’d like to see some crocodiles up close, you can stop at Hartley's Crocodile Adventure in Wangetti.

Once you arrive in Port Douglas, I'd recommend staying at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. This fancy resort is on the beach, next to lagoon pools. It is one of the best hotels in the area. It's only a few miles from Island Point Lookout and close to the Port Douglas Marina for the trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Spend your first day lounging by the beach or pool, and enjoy a drink at the resort's cocktail bar. For dinner, I recommend Zinc or Jungle Fowl. The steak and salmon sashimi at Zinc was divine. For a dining experience that immerses you in the natural vibe of the Great Barrier Reef, Jungle Fowl is the perfect choice. Both restaurants are located in the main town are, so after dinner you can walk around to see all the various restaurants, shops and bars. Get a good night's sleep to prepare for a full day out on the reef!

Wake up early to embark on a full-day adventure at the Great Barrier Reef. I booked the Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas through Viator. It was a great experience. The staff on the boat were extremely friendly and energetic, and I highly recommend taking a trip with this group.

As an inexperienced diver and snorkeler, I felt very safe in the middle of the ocean with the knowledgeable crew, who have led countless tours. I would listen to the crew’s advice on taking some anti-nausea medication (and drinking lots of water) before you head out. I usually don't get seasick, but I felt a little bad when we reached the reef because the water can be rough.

Once you're on the reef, only a few feet from the coral, you'll be amazed by the many types of marine life you'll see. These include coral, fish, clams, stingrays, sharks and even sea snakes. Our group visited three different reefs. The crew took extra care by counting everyone on the boat many times before leaving for new places, so no one was left behind.

After returning from the reef, head back to the hotel to relax and freshen up for dinner. I recommend dining at Barbados, which is by the port. Enjoy delicious rum cocktails by the water and salmon sashimi, charcoal waffle sashimi or Japanese pork katsu. If you're too tired to venture far, the Lagoon House Restaurant at the Sheraton is another excellent option close to your room. The menu features Aussie tropical-inspired cuisine; the DIY 'roll-ups' with smoked pork and pancakes and the Wagyu brisket are must-tries. Don't miss the cocktail served in a coconut — it's a fantastic way to end the night.

Day trip

You must visit Fitzroy Island. Located only a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island boasts one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. Be sure to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they can fill up quickly. I booked through Fitzroy Island Resort.

The beach on Fitzroy Island features stunning coral sand washed up from the reef, and the water is a crystal-clear blue. You can rent snorkeling gear from the island's hotel and swim around the island to see marine life.

Once you arrive at the island, grab a coffee at Zephyr Restaurant right off the boat, or walk down the path to the right to find Foxy’s Bar and Restaurant. The island's best beach, Nudey Beach, is only a short walk from Foxys. As you approach Nudey Beach, you’ll encounter a breathtaking lookout with picturesque, Gatorade-blue water surrounded by mountains (photo above). If you are looking to take a walk around the island, a loop around Lighthouse Road offers additional scenic views.

If you love Fitzroy Island, consider spending the night at Fitzroy Island Resort. I went back to Cairns on the ferry after a half-day on the island. I had dinner at The Backyard at the Shangri-La The Marina Cairns, which is near all the boats. I didn't go to any of the hikes or rainforests, but I've been told that Daintree rainforest and Millaa Millaa falls are worth visiting if you want more activities.

Cairns is a popular place for people who want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. But I found its restaurants to be much less impressive than those in Port Douglas. After about an hour of exploring Cairns, I decided to return to Port Douglas. You can choose to explore more of Cairns, head back to Port Douglas or continue to your next destination in Australia by flight or drive. My time exploring the Great Barrier Reef was amazing. I can say that visiting this natural wonder of the world is a great experience.

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