A Great Barrier Reef honeymoon will welcome newlyweds to one of the most stunning ecosystems in the world and to magical tropical islands where you can create memories of a lifetime. Home to exotic marine life and the planet's most extensive coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the must-see places among couples.
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Is the Great Barrier Reef a Good Honeymoon Destination?
If an aquatic wonderland is your ideal honeymoon, heading to the world-famous reef down under will be the perfect post-wedding holiday for you. It was first declared a World Heritage Area in 1981, spanning over 1,430 miles off the coast of Queensland in eastern Australia.
You will be mesmerized by stunning coral reefs, turquoise waters, and powdery sands at the Great Barrier Reef. Especially if you’re into water sports, this haven will captivate your and your loved one’s hearts.
Don’t settle for a conventional honeymoon; dive right into the enchanting world of adventure and romance when you choose this Australian pride as your honeymoon destination.
What Kinds of Activities Can You Experience When Honeymooning at the Great Barrier Reef?
- Snorkeling. Beautiful coral gardens thrive in the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling should be on your to-do list if you want to explore these spaces and swim with various marine creatures. Popular spots are Lizard Island and Orpheus Island.
- Scuba diving. Scuba diving is an excellent activity if you wish to dive deeper into the splendor of the Great Barrier Reef and discover rare marine life. Cairns offers some of the best spots for scuba diving beginners.
- Kayaking. This Australian destination has many crystal-clear beaches perfect for paddling through. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most magnificent places for couples who want to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef leisurely. Come twilight time, you and your partner can also go on a sunset cruise.
- Whitewater rafting. For thrill-seekers, the Great Barrier Reef also has an array of areas where you can get your adrenaline pumping — including Cairns’ Tully River. You can also hit the beaches, go on a jet-skiing adventure, and explore coastlines at high speeds.
- Turtle hatchlings. See the miracle of life and experience the Great Barrier Reef meaningfully when you see baby turtles emerging from eggs and being released into the sea. Heron Island is the best place to witness this natural phenomenon.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Great Barrier Reef?
You will enjoy great weather and underwater visibility when you visit the Great Barrier Reef from May to October. However, some tourists brave the rainy season from November to April, as these months offer budget-friendly rates.
How Many Days Should You Spend Exploring the Great Barrier Reef?
You should allocate between three and seven days to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re after a secluded reef experience, three days in your destination of choice is a reasonable length of stay. If you want to extend your stay, you can visit other islands and cities in the region or fly to nearby cities (e.g., Brisbane, Sydney) or New Zealand.
What’s the Average Price of a Honeymoon to the Great Barrier Reef?
Though the figure will differ depending on your itineraries and the places you’ll explore, a seven-day Great Barrier Reef vacation for a couple will range from $4,000 to $5,000 or higher. The final price depends on your accommodation, dining, tours, and excursions.
How to Plan a Budget Honeymoon to the Great Barrier Reef
- Consider traveling during the low or shoulder season.
- Oopt for lodging with a kitchen so you can prepare some of your food.
- Go where locals eat and shop — touristy establishments tend to be pricier.
- Prioritize budget-friendly activities such as kayaking rather than private yacht charters.
- Lookout for economical honeymoon packages and discounted rates on flights, lodging, and tours.
7 Best Cities (Or Islands) to Stay In When Honeymooning at the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns
Over 1,000 miles north of Brisbane, Cairns is one of the best bases for a honeymoon in the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a vibrant city where natural beauty and spots for adventure junkies abound.
Apart from the Cairns Esplanade, you can explore the Cairns Botanic Gardens, aquarium, or the Kuranda Rainforest. With a short two-hour drive, you can also visit the Daintree Rainforest.
Where to stay: Esplanade
Port Douglas
North of Cairns, you’ll find another popular spot with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef: Port Douglas. Ideal for couples who want a chic and relaxing honeymoon, it has an upscale atmosphere with its array of bars, restaurants, and boutique shops (especially along Macrossan Street).
It’s also near Daintree Rainforest, and some of the best places to visit here are the Four Mile Beach, the Port Douglas Market, and Wildlife Habitat.
Where to stay: Four Mile Beach or Macrossan Street
Orpheus Island
Amazing fringing reefs and secluded spots are some of the best assets of Orpheus Island, located to the north of Townsville. This resort island only welcomes up to 28 guests at a time, so staying here means spending quality time with your loved one.
If you want a unique adventure, head to the giant clam garden and go snorkeling amid these massive mollusks.
Where to stay: Orpheus Island Lodge
Arlie Beach
Though it’s known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this tourist town is also an excellent base for a Great Barrier Reef holiday. This picturesque area has many open-air restaurants and waterfront parks.
This lively coastal area offers various outdoor activities to entertain you and your spouse. Head to the Airlie Beach Lagoon if you want to swim or to the Conway National Park to go hiking.
Where to stay: Near its main street
Whitsundays
This archipelago of islands is located in the Heart Reef — the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Its most popular destination, Whitehaven Beach, is accessible by plane from Arlie Beach or Hamilton Island.
This group of islands boasts some of the best luxury lodgings in the region, and its array of beaches is ideal for sailing and undertaking water sports like diving and snorkeling.
Where to stay: Hamilton Island (Qualia or Beach Club)
Lizard Island
This island is a national park in the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef. Native lizards are plenty here, hence the name of the area. Staying here puts you in the middle of raw natural beauty and gives you access to plenty of water activities.
Cod Hole is a famous spot for divers, and its white-sand beaches (24 of them) provide the ideal place for secluded beach lounging and swimming.
Where to stay: Lizard Island Resort
Heron Island
Though the northern region of the reef is more popular than the south, the southern Great Barrier Reef has many less-touristy islands. They are ideal for couples who want a tranquil and more relaxed post-wedding holiday.
Heron Island boasts unique wildlife and an underwater ecosystem you can enjoy exploring. The best sites here include Heron Bommie, which was named by no less than French undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau as one of his favorite diving spots.
Where to stay: Heron Island resort
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available Near the Great Barrier Reef?
Couples looking for luxury or simplicity can find accommodation options that suit their taste and budget.
If you prefer to be in an adults-only luxury resort, try Qualia, which boasts 60 different pavilions. If you want to stay in a posh boutique hotel that only accepts adults, Beach Club in Hamilton Island is one of the popular choices. For a secluded experience, Lizard Island Resort is the perfect place on the most northern island in Great Barrier. You’ll be surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters there.
You can also stay at apartments, bed and breakfasts, private villas, and Airbnb-listed rental properties.
What’s the Best Way to Travel to Northeast Australia?
Prepare for a long trip if you plan to have a Great Barrier Reef honeymoon. You’ll fly to the Cairns Airport in the country’s northeastern corner. From there, you must ride a ferry to your city or island destination.
Traveling Around Northeast Australia
Northeast Australia is a large region. To get around, you can rent a vehicle or campervan, take public buses, or invest in fully guided tours complete with transfers. If you plan to visit a different region of Australia, you can take a domestic flight.
How to Plan a Great Barrier Reef Itinerary
With a honeymoon destination as vast as the Great Barrier Reef, planning a romantic getaway can be overwhelming.
Do-it-yourself planning is perfect for couples who prefer flexibility. You and your significant other can design your desired itinerary. It can also be cheaper since you won’t pay travel agent fees. But take note that this demands more time, energy, and effort. Also, if you’re unfamiliar with the region’s cities and islands, you may pay more.
Hiring an agent takes the stress out of your honeymoon planning, albeit having a higher upfront cost. Since you will also be busy preparing for the wedding, leaving the post-nuptials vacation to a pro may be more advantageous. If you choose this option, make sure to get help from reputable businesses only. Honeymoon planners should be able to find deals and packages that meet your needs and preferences.
5 Nearby Activities to Enjoy When You’re Not Exploring the Reef
There’s more to the Great Barrier Reef than exploring its magnificent reef system. When not wearing snorkeling or scuba diving gear, these activities can keep you busy on your holiday:
- Unwind at the Esplanade Boardwalk. Laze around while surrounded by a picturesque coastline when you visit the heart of Cairns. Apart from the boardwalk, you can check out parklands, recreational facilities, and a lagoon (where you can swim more safely).
- Meet friendly koalas at the Kuranda Koala Gardens. Cairn’s Kuranda Heritage Markets is home to this boutique wildlife attraction where you can meet — and cuddle up — cute and friendly koalas.
- Explore the Daintree Rainforest. In this 130 million-year-old forest, you can take a break from the water and explore the region’s flora, fauna, and wildlife, including kangaroos. Cape Tribulation, one of the two sections of the Daintree National Park, is a great hiking destination. It’s known as a place where the reef meets the rainforest.
- Go on a hot air balloon ride. Take to the skies and see the Coral Sea and nearby landscapes from above. For a more opulent experience, you can also book a helicopter ride for a romantic date with your new spouse.
- Relax and avail of spa treatments. Most lodging options in the region offer day spa services to help you relax after months of wedding planning. There are also stand-alone spa centers you can visit.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include While Honeymooning at the Great Barrier Reef?
You can forge deeper connections with the Great Barrier Reef by including cultural experiences in your honeymoon. Tropical North Queensland is home to two indigenous cultures, the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Island People, which you can learn more about via walking and 4WD cultural adventures.
You can also head north of Cairns to embark on Jarramali Rock Art Tours featuring over 400 paintings that are around 20,000 years old. Meanwhile, you can witness (or partake in) a smoke cleansing ceremony when you visit Mandingalbay Yindinji land.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Northeast Australia?
- Prawns. Prawns, as shrimp are called in Australia, are a staple in Australia’s diet. There are various varieties (e.g., Tiger prawns, King prawns, Endeavour), and you can enjoy these fresh, grilled, or battered.
- Kangaroo steak. While beef steak is a must-try, you also shouldn’t miss out on the gamey and tender meat of kangaroos. Kangaroo steak is a lean-meat dish you can enjoy on your honeymoon in the Great Barrier Reef.
- Tropical fruit. Northeast Australia boasts tropical fruits for a healthy snack or dessert, from papayas to avocados to finger limes and rambutans. You can also drink them in a cocktail and add a refreshing twist.
What to Pack for a Great Barrier Reef Honeymoon
Since you’re going to a tropical destination, clothing made from breathable fabrics, swimwear, sunscreen, and bug sprays are essential. If you’ve got diving and snorkeling gear, you can bring those to help save money and ensure a comfortable fit. An underwater-ready camera is also a must-bring to capture the fantastic views of the Great Barrier Reef.
Is Visiting the Great Barrier Reef Safe?
This region is generally safe to visit. Check out these safety tips to help you out:
- Be honest about your ability to swim and navigate the underwater world.
- Follow warning signs (e.g., crocodile sightings).
- Seek immediate medical attention if you have been stung by a jellyfish or other dangerous marine animal.
- Always heed the advice of local experts and tour guides.
- Watch your step — whether you’re exploring marine life or a forest.