Around 3,000 reefs contribute to the world’s largest underwater ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef. Clownfish, whale sharks, manta rays, green turtles, and giant clams are just some of the marine species residing amid this Coral Sea marvel. Although so mammoth it can be spotted from space, a trip to the moon is a stretch too far for the average adventurer. A myriad of cruises, snorkeling tours, and helicopter flights depart from towns and cities along the tropical Queensland coast. Cairns, Airlie Beach, Townsville, and Port Douglas are the most convenient options although it’s even possible to sleep on an offshore island. Only catamaran away from the corals, these Airbnbs near the Great Barrier Reef are as phenomenal as the natural wonder.
Traveling to Australia/Oceania? Check out Matador’s Australia accommodations guides:
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- These Brisbane Airbnbs are your gateway to an underrated Australian city
- 8 iconic Sydney hotels that put you within walking distance of all attractions
- These Melbourne Airbnbs showcase the best of Mel-Bin style
- The coolest Auckland Airbnbs to experience New Zealand’s biggest city
We hope you love these Airbnbs near the Great Barrier Reef! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
- Luxury Airbnbs in Airlie Beach, Queensland
- Airbnb rentals in Hamilton Island, Australia
- Cairns Airbnbs near the Great Barrier Reef
- Airbnbs in Townsville City, Queensland
Luxury Airbnbs in Airlie Beach, Queensland
The classic jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is one of Australia’s prized vacation resorts. Pontoons with underwater viewing chambers operate alongside snorkel and dive outings to Reefworld while scenic flights soar over Heart Reef. Besides earning a free day out, volunteering with Eco Barge Clean Seas lets you help care for the aquatic environment and creatures. Back on dry land, you’ve got sandy bays and the Conway National Park to explore.
Romantic suite with private pool and Whitsunday views
This top-rated Airbnb near the Great Barrier Reef scooped up a gong for its awesome pool overlooking the Whitsundays. One bedroom overlooks the marina and the second peeps out into a patch of rainforest. The suite comes with its own barbecue deck, covered patio, and a bar on wheels. No stone has been left unturned: you’ve got laundry facilities, secure parking, and a funky kitchen. The hosts are always a text away while their two labradors are always down for a game of fetch.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $262 per night
Waterfront Port of Airlie Airbnb with pool
A short stroll from where Great Barrier Reef tours depart, this immaculate Airlie Beach Airbnb in the exclusive Cove development is ideal for families and larger groups. The master bedroom overlooks the marina and comes with a private balcony and a superb tub for post-snorkeling pampering. Cook up a feast in the gourmet kitchen or go about supper the Aussie way by firing up the barbie and dining on the waterfront deck or poolside. The main strip is just 150 meters from the home.
Eight guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,024 per night
Airbnb in the sky overlooking Airlie Beach
Throwing off dreamy Santorini vibes, this hilltop villa peers over the lagoon, marina, and Hayman Island. The covered infinity pool is the epicenter of the dwelling and may be used at any time of day although those plush couches and recliners might prove more irresistible after sunset. All bedrooms overlook the Coral Sea or the rainforest while bathrooms are large enough to fit a soccer team. The Conway Circuit (formerly the Whitsunday Great Walk) passes by the backyard.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $872 per night
Airbnb rentals in Hamilton Island, Australia
A privately-owned isle hanging right over the shelf, camping out at an Airbnb on Hamilton Island is as close to the Great Barrier Reef as you’ll find. Head to Catseye Beach with your mask for lazy snorkeling but don’t miss out on a full-day dive trip or Reefsleep overnight experience. Getting around this car-free island is via a rental buggy or a complimentary shuttle service engineered for islanders and tourists.
Panoramic Airbnb with private pool on Hamilton Island
Perched on a hill on the coveted Whitsunday island, the views and sunsets from this vacation villa are tough to top. Consumed by greenery, the five-bedroom vacation home is fronted by one long verandah and wall-to-wall glass to maximize the scenery. Retreat to the master suite for a bubble bath in the soaking tub. Outdoor living revolves around the sunken pool, sundeck, and lush gardens. Two golf buggies are provided for exploring the island plus airport/port collection and a personal chef is available at additional cost.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,728 per night
Outdoor luxury living on Hamilton Island
Situated at the northern end of the island, this four-bedroom villa grants spectacular a perspective over the Fitzalan Passage. The kitchen and living room spill over onto a covered patio where you’ll dine with the chance of spotting whales and dolphins. This area, the private pool and hot tub, plus the bedrooms all offer uninterrupted views over the Coral Sea. Only the master suite comes with a private balcony and a hotel-standard bathroom. Again, a pair of buggies come with the rental.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,923 per night
Cairns Airbnbs near the Great Barrier Reef
The official gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is surrounded on all sides by the Wet Tropics and Coral Sea. City life revolves around the Cairns Esplanade with its swimming lagoon and public barbecues. A hiking trip to Daintree National Park and a journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway are the perfect accompaniment to any reef excursions.
Penthouse pad on the esplanade with whirlpool bath
Live the high life at this penthouse apartment with lagoon and Green Island views. The open-concept living space features a roomy lounge and a top-notch kitchen. The artwork on display is a preview of what you’ll see from the balcony if you book this place during the Cairns Festival. Enjoy an al fresco brekkie as ships sail out to the reef while evenings are to be spent sipping Shiraz in the hot tub. You’ll have full access to complex facilities including the pool, garden, and gym.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $247 per night
Queensland rainforest treehouse with private pool and sauna
Nestled in the waterfall-studded Crystal Cascades, this Cairns Airbnb is a 20-minute drive from the esplanade and harbor. In addition to cruising the reef, there are bushwalking trails, canyoning excursions, and swimming holes right on the doorstep of this treehouse haven. Decks floating above the canopy are furnished with hammocks and Balinese beds while the pool, hot tub, sauna, and billiards table make it impossible to get bored in the jungle.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $233 per night
Botanic retreat near Cairns Esplanade
One of the best Airbnbs near the Great Barrier Reef for a couple, this tropical hideaway is minutes from the coastal walkway linking Cairns North and the CBD. The secluded guest suite comprises a four-poster bed and deluxe bedroom although it’s the garden that’ll leave you gobsmacked. Sink into the open-air tub while lizards scuttle through the foliage and birds look for their next meal. There’s an outdoor kitchen and various nooks for unwinding by the koi fish ponds.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $163 per night
Airbnbs in Townsville City, Queensland
The meeting point of the A1 and A6, Townsville is an appealing base for road trippers as well as those flying in. A dive to the S.S. Yongala shipwreck is a must for experienced divers while snorkeling at the Stanley Reef and Museum of Underwater Art are open to all abilities. Onland, you can warm up with bird’s eye views from Castle Hill and a potter around the Museum of Tropical Queensland.
Chic designer apartment in a converted church
This century-old church is located near the creek within walking distance of Townsville Train Station and the SeaLink ferry terminal. Light, airy, and luxuriously renovated, the apartment features arched windows, vaulted ceilings, and polished timber flooring. An oh-so-stylish master room has its own round soaker, bougie bathrobes, and playful modern art while the main bathroom is spa-worthy. Free off-street parking is available upon request.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $262 per night
Luxury dacha for couples or groups on Magnetic Island
An adopted suburb of Townsville, Magnetic Island is a popular day trip from town although “Maggie” accommodation means sleeping within the limits of the reef. One of the best Airbnbs near the Great Barrier Reef for a larger group, you can book the entire dacha or reserve a private suite. A Midas touch to the bathroom sinks, scatter cushions, and gleaming kitchen harmonizes the villa. The tiered patio contains a plunge pool plus areas for tanning or chilling in the shade.
Up to 15 guests, six bedrooms
Price: from $174 per night
Family-friendly seaside Airbnb near the Strand
This two-story home is close enough to walk to the CBD yet peaceful and calm in the evening. The upper level opens out onto a covered deck with killer mountain and ocean views while the private pool bears the intensity of the Australian sunshine. It’s an older property that has undergone careful maintenance and decoration as per a coastal theme. One of the best vacation rentals for younger kids, the host can supply safety gates and baby gear.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $271 per night
Where is the Great Barrier Reef?
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is located off the northeast coast of Queensland between Cape York and Bundaberg. Boat and helicopter tours depart from the beach cities of Cairns, Townsville, and Airlie Beach as well as inhabited offshore islands.
How long is the Great Barrier Reef?
Extending from Cape York Tip, the northernmost point of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef stretches 1,429 miles south toward Bundaberg. It covers 135,000 square miles – roughly half the size of Texas. 