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Great Barrier Reef Tours, Vacations, Trips & Travel Packages


  • The Great Barrier Reef is a must inclusion on all trips to Australia.
  • Anenomefish
  • A beautiful day out on the reef
  • Underwater photographer
  • A Barrier Reef island as seen from overhead
  • Just a few of the sponge and coral varieties found on the reef

Our Great Barrier Reef Tours

The Great Barrier Reef is a natural gift to Australia, a truly wondrous underwater phenomenon. It is the world’s largest coral reef system with 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands located off the coast of Queensland in the Coral Sea. Just to give an idea of its size, it stretches 2600 kilometres/1600 miles and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. In fact, it was declared a World Heritage site in 1981 and a must-visit on an Australian vacation.

Great Barrier Reef Vacation Highlights 

The Great Barrier Reef is environmentally protected to ensure marine life is healthy so that one can continue to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea turtles and a whole host of colourful tropical fish swimming in these waters.

With its clear warm waters and accessibility, the Great Barrier Reef not only attracts snorkelers and scuba divers who find this a major region for their activities but visitors can choose to stay on the mainland in resorts on trips to Australia. These include Cairns and Port Douglas. Or you can decide to stay on one of the many islands catering to tourists such as Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Heron Island in the Whitsunday Islands.

There are other ways to view the Reef on Australian tours. You can enjoy a short cruise for a few days or simply take a glass-bottomed boat for a half-day outing to view the underwater treasures.

Choosing how to explore might be the most difficult part of your Great Barrier Reef vacation, but you can bet it will be a rewarding one.

C’mon say G’day Downunder. Book one of our Australia vacations today and start exploring!

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Unveiling Lonely Planet’s Top Attractions of the World

Plan Your Perfect Australia Escape

Enjoy Cruising in Australia and the South Pacific

Swimming With the Fishes in Australia

Australia Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Australia. 

Learn about the history and culture of Australia, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Australia's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips and our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Australia for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our Australia vacations today!

Extend Your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your Australia vacation at one of Goway's South Pacific destinations. You can choose from our selection of New Zealand vacation packagesTahiti vacation packages or stay at one of our Fiji resorts or perhaps take a Cook Island vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Australia.

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FEATURED TRIP

Great Barrier Reef

  • Classic Australia: Melbourne, Red Centre, Cairns and Sydney

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore Australia’s most famous cities and natural wonders on this ideal introduction to the land Downunder. Connecting from Melbourne to Sydney, you’ll gaze upon the changing colours of Uluru, cruise the Great Barrier Reef, and go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,159
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Essence of Australia with Airfare: Sydney, Rock and Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Visit Australia’s must sees on this quintessential vacation. Drop anchor in Sydney’s famous harbour from the comfort of a luxury yacht. Discover the unique landscape, history and culture in Ayers Rock and then finish your vacation snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,699
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Essence of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef with Airfare

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Combine luxury accommodations and world-class landmarks on this Aussie vacation. Cruise Sydney Harbour and explore the rugged landscape of the Blue Mountains before connecting to Cairns to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree Rainforest.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,429
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Authentic Australia: Sydney to Melbourne

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Journey through the best of Australia on this unforgettable vacation that takes you from Sydney to Melbourne. Along the way, you’ll see Uluru/Ayers Rock, venture into Kakadu National Park, dive the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the Indigenous Dreamtime in Kuranda.
    Duration:
    16 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Queensland Reefs, Beaches & Dolphins with Airfare

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover Queensland's unique treasures - explore the wonders of the Sunshine State. Enjoy the dazzling Gold Coast, hand feed wild dolphins, relax in Noosa before you dive in and experience the wondrous ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,779
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Melbourne, Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef with Airfare

    FIRST CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: See the highlights of Melbourne with a quintessential city tour that takes you to many of the city's historic sights. Next, fly to the Whitsundays and your stay on Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. Hamilton Island is a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world-famous Whitehaven Beach. End your vacation in Brisbane, the capital city of Brisbane and a great place to eat, drink, explore and do that last minute shopping! Queensland Shines on the great Aussie Vacation.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,699
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Best of Brisbane & the Great Barrier Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the best of Queensland on this 11-day Brisbane and Port Douglas vacation. Make unforgettable memories as you float along the Brisbane River to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, speed along Moreton Bay on a catamaran tour, sail across the Coral Sea to the Low Isles, and walk through the expansive Daintree Forest.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,399
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Essence of Sydney, Wildlife and the Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: See many Australian icons on one essential tour. Drop anchor in Sydney’s famous harbour aboard a luxury yacht, get up close and personal with Australian wildlife on Kangaroo Island, snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef, and discover the natural beauty of the Daintree Rainforest.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,187
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Sydney: East Coast, Islands and Rainforest: Guided Vacation

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Embark on a 12-day group coach tour with an experienced travel director and driver. Make your way from Sydney to Coffs Harbour, Surfer’s Paradise, the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, and Cairns. Discover the countless beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, islands, and local wildlife that make Australia’s East Coast a must-visit destination.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,305
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Classic Sydney, Rock & Reef

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Venture to three of Australia’s most famous spots, cosmopolitan Sydney, the outback and tropical Queensland. Get to know Sydney before catching the sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then explore Cairns, the rainforest and the incredible Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,592
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Auckland: Waltzing Matilda: Holiday of a Lifetime

    FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Embark on an unforgettable journey across Australia and New Zealand with the Waltzing Matilda Holiday of a Lifetime. As one of Goway’s premier tours, Waltzing Matilda showcases the icons of two remarkable nations, taking you from the harbour of Auckland to the Outback and Uluru/Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef and includes the cosmopolitan cities of Melbourne and Sydney.
    Duration:
    20 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Multi Country Vacation Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Classic Downunder: Auckland to Melbourne

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Get to know the true Downunder by experiencing the best of both Australia and New Zealand. Journey through New Zealand and Australia’s most spectacular sights including Rotorua, Milford Sound, Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef, with exciting, cosmopolitan cities to create the perfect Downunder experience.
    Duration:
    19 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,964
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    New Zealand See Trip Details
  • Ultimate Downunder: Auckland, Queenstown, Sydney, Great Barrier Reef

    DELUXE | PRIVATE GUIDED: On this incredible voyage exploring New Zealand and Australia, relax as you fly to breathtaking Milford Sound, sail iconic Sydney Harbour and unwind in the paradise that is Hayman Island, all while overnighting in world-class accommodations.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,759
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Luxury and Beyond, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Private Experiences, Small Group Touring, Stays of Distinction, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Cairns: Tropical Beaches and Reef: Guided Vacation

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Explore the countless tropical beaches and Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s east coast during this 9-day escorted coach tour. Make your way from Cairns to the Gold Coast with stops at Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands, Airlie Beach, Sarina, Rockhampton, Fraser Island, and Hervey Bay. Enhance your trip with the expertise of your highly trained travel director and driver.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,320
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Essence of Australia: Sydney, Rock and Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Visit Australia’s must sees on this quintessential vacation. Drop anchor in Sydney’s famous harbour from the comfort of a luxury yacht. Discover the unique landscape, history and culture in Ayers Rock and then finish your vacation snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,491
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Classic Sydney and Great Barrier Reef

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Visit the two of the most popular parts of Australia, particularly for first time visitors. Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and harbourside Sydney. See the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, then get to know the secrets of the rainforest.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,426
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Cairns Barrier Reef Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforests. Enjoy time on a wave piercing catamaran then board an amphibious army duck to venture into the rainforest.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 648
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Cairns: East Coast, Beaches and Reef: Guided Vacation

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Discover Australia’s beautiful tropical east coast on this 12-day escorted coach vacation. Make your way from Cairns to Kuranda, Arilie Beach, Whitsundays Islands, Sarina, Rockhampton, Fraser Island, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and Sydney. Australia’s East Coast invites you to explore its countless beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, islands, and vibrant local wildlife.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,305
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Essence of Queensland

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the wonders of the Sunshine State on this 14-day Queensland vacation, taking you from Surfers Paradise to Moreton Island, Brisbane, Noosa, and Port Douglas. Hand feed dolphins, explore Lamington National Park, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and dive into the wondrous ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef and ancient tropical Daintree Rainforest.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,869
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Gold Coast: Tropical Islands and Rainforest: Guided Vacation

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Embark on this 9-day vacation along Australia’s Gold Coast with a highly experienced travel director and driver. Relax on the many beaches, tropical islands, and rainforests as you make your way from the Gold Coast to Cairns, stopping at Fraser Island, Langmorn Station, Rockhampton, Sarina, Airlie Beach, and the Whitsundays Islands.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,320
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Sydney and Reef Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the spectacular Sydney harbour, visit with unique Aussie wildlife, learn about the indigenous culture in the rainforest and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. This package is perfect if you want a taste of Australia and you are limited on time.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,184
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Signature Australia: Sydney, Rock, Reef & Rainforest

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the icons of Australia in the company of a private guide. Go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House and cruise Sydney Harbour. Explore the Outback and see Uluru lit up at dawn and dusk. Explore the Daintree Rainforest and cap off the experience with a couple nights at a resort in the Whitsundays.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,959
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Signature Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: See Sydney’s famous sites behind the scenes in-style with your private-guide and cruise the fabulous harbour like a local. Head North to explore the Great Barrier Reef from your luxurious deluxe retreat. The tranquility and natural beauty of Lizard Island will pamper you.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,149
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Classic Aussie Rail Spectacular

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: This 12-day adventure combines two of Australia’s famous rail journeys: The Indian Pacific and The Ghan. Starting in Sydney, you will travel through the best of South Australia before going on to Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the Australian outback and beyond aboard these luxury trains.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,939
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
  • Aussie Family Adventure

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the best of Australia combining the excitement of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, a visit to the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo, dolphin feeding at Tangalooma, soaring above the rainforest in a cable car, and touring Sydney by ferry. An ideal family vacation.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
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