Getting to the Great Barrier Reef



The one big disadvantage with the Great Barrier Reef is that, for most of us, it's on the other side of the world!

Therefore getting to the Reef means taking the dreaded long haul flight, with a major airline. Australia's national carrier is QANTAS, a top quality airline able to boast a 100% safety record, and the airline that's generally regarded as the master of long haul flights.
Other serious contenders include: Cathay Pacific;Singapore Airlines;Air New Zealand;British Airways;Malaysia Airlines.

Long haul flights can of course be made more bearable by having stopovers on the way, unless you're like me and just want to get there as quickly as possible!
Stopover points to Australia can include Singapore, Hong Kong and some Pacific Islands - depending on which route the airline takes.

The two main airports in Australia closest to the Great Barrier Reef are Brisbane Airport (for the southern end of the Reef) and Cairns Airport (for the northern end).
All major airlines will offer flights into both of these airports, either as direct flights or after one or two stopovers.

Aside from these two main destinations, there are several regional airports located up and down the length of the Great Barrier Reef coastline, and between them serve most of the resort islands.


Overland travel means

Rail Australia is the nation's premier server for tourist rail journeys, including The Sunlander which runs between Brisbane and Cairns ie the full length of the Great Barrier Reef coastline.
This is a comfortable way to get up or down the coast if you prefer not to do it by road.

Bus travel is of course another option, and Greyhound Australia is the cheapest long distance buses operating in the area, as well as throughout the country.

Car rental is of course another option if your budget allows. Cars and campervans are the most flexible way of getting to where you want to go and there are numerous companies that offer good deals.
If you're a family travelling, a campervan is a great idea although not the cheapest option.
Australian caravan parks are very well equipped with all known amenities, and can be found up and down the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef coastline.

To make your trip to the Great Barrier Reef as enjoyable as possible we have also put together some Travel tips for visiting the Reef.