Eight Incredible Ways You Can Experience the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland

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If you're looking for a way to extend your summer this year, there is no better place to escape to than the Great Barrier Reef. From first-time snorkellers to diehard divers, everyone will find an experience off the shores of Tropical North Queensland to get pumped about.

You can meet green turtles and manta rays, peep an abundance of mesmerising coral and give a little wave to Nemo in his natural habitat. So, consider this your sign to finally tick off this bucket list trip to witness the magic of the reef this autumn. 

Tourism and Events Queensland

GO DEEP INTO THE SEA WITH FIRST NATIONS GUIDES

If your idea of a perfect day in the ocean is seeing beautiful reefs and getting an insightful connection to the sea, put Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel on your itinerary. Offering a unique experience, this local team will invite you to step into the Great Barrier Reef's Dreamtime.

Visiting an array of reefs unique to Tropical North Queensland, you'll be accompanied by First Nations sea rangers who are passionate marine lovers, prioritising reef preservation and sustainable tourism. With Dreamtime, you'll spend the day snorkelling in some of the world's best reefs and learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island traditions and cultural connections to the region.

Tourism and Events Queensland

BLAST OFF TO VLASOFF CAY FOR AN EXCLUSIVE REEF ENCOUNTER

An exclusive experience awaits with this lush trip to Vlasoff Cay — a jewel in the crown of the Great Barrier Reef. This sandy cay, with 360-degree views of the world famous reef, is also accessible via boat, but the luxe experience is from the air. To see the sights from above, book a full-day return helicopter trip with eco-certified reef lovers Nautilus Aviation.

You'll get to spend hours with the sand between your toes, snorkelling and indulging in a gourmet picnic hamper as you drip-dry in the balmy tropical air. The cay is a popular destination, so take advantage of the off-peak months and beat the crowds.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE WITH AROONA LUXURY BOAT CHARTERS

Grab eight of your closest mates and jump aboard Aroona for a totally luxurious reef experience. Whether you're exploring the reef on a day trip, or escaping the mainland for a seven-day soiree, Aroona Luxury Boat Charters is the choose-your-own-adventure experience of your dreams.

Want a jam-packed escape featuring fishing and kite-surfing, or a calmer pace with snorkelling and sipping cocktails on the top deck? Thankfully, Aroona boasts flexibility and an abundance of options that is synonymous with the area. And there's no better way to watch tropical rainfall over the rainforest than from the deck as you cruise towards Fitzroy Island.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland

SET SAIL TO GREEN ISLAND

Green Island is the quintessential destination for the rainforest and ocean combo for which Tropical North Queensland is famous. As the name suggests, it's the only cay in the Great Barrier Reef that boasts a rainforest as well as pristine sands. Plus, Ocean Free is the only tour operator in Cairns that offers a personal sailing reef and island tour.

Ocean Free provide a tour with an exclusive reef mooring at the island. Taking a highly personalised approach, Ocean Free lets you decide how to spend your day. Snorkel straight off the boat, try your hand at an introductory dive or spend the day exploring the island's rainforest. Then, return aboard Ocean Free to relax and marvel at Green Island over a smorgasbord lunch.

EXPLORE THE REEF FROM TROPICAL ISLAND SHORES

A day tour on the Frankland Islands Reef Cruises will take you to more places in one day than you could visit in a week anywhere else in the world. And, its tour features the shortest open water crossing to the reef in Cairns — ideal for those who are prone to seasickness.

Start the day with a quick coach trip from Cairns through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest mountains to the Mulgrave River. Here, the luxurious riverboat will carry you downriver and across the sea to your base at Normanby Island. Then the day is yours to explore this secluded National Park island. You can snorkel right off the beach or explore the reef and marine life a little further afield on a guided snorkel safari experience. Be sure to take a walk around the island with the tour's marine biologist who'll help you discover the diverse wildlife that flourishes in the island's rainforest and rock pools.

Tourism and Events Queensland

STAY DRY AT CAIRNS AQUARIUM

If it's childhood wonder and extensive marine knowledge you're after, then the Cairns Aquarium is ideal. Home to more than 16,000 specimens and ten different ecosystems, the aquarium is a window into the flora and fauna that call the Great Barrier Reef home — and it's only a stroll from the bustling Cairns Esplanade.

Get inspired by daily ecosystem talks, animal presentations, live diver feeds and marine touch 'n' talk shows. Or, if a day of underwater wonder sets your stomach rumbling, head to the aquarium's Dundee's Restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal on the Daintree Deck and watch the warm tropical rain fall in an afternoon shower.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland

CATCH COLOURFUL SEA CREATURES OFF THE COAST OF PORT DOUGLAS

If you're a diehard snorkelling fan, jump onboard Calypso Reef Cruises for an unforgettable and environmentally friendly experience off the coast of Port Douglas. Relax on Calypso's dedicated snorkelling vessel, offering comfortable day beds and spacious decks, before popping on your gear and meeting some of the most exquisite marine life in the world.

The vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life at Opal Reef are visible within a couple of metres from the water surface making it accessible for most levels of swimming skill. The trickiest part will be keeping count of how many giant clams, stingrays, green turtles and clownfish you'll spot.

SPLURGE ON A MULTI-DAY DIVING TRIP

This multi-day live-aboard experience is the ideal ocean getaway for accredited open water divers. Offering three-, four- and seven-day trips, Spirit of Freedom will whisk you away to Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef — some of the most impressive dive destinations in the world.

Experience shark dives, sheer walls laced with soft corals, manta rays, and bright, abundant tropical reefs rich with biodiversity paired with hotel quality amenities and first-class meals on this lush escape. And, did we mention the boat's three decks you can relax on? They're perfect for an afternoon kip before heading out for a twilight dive.

Ready to dive deep into the reef? For more information and to discover more about a holiday in Tropical North Queensland this autumn, visit the website. 

Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland