Covering an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers (132,973.6 square miles), the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Found in the Coral Sea in the northeastern part of Australia, it houses more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. Water sports enthusiasts from around the world flock here to indulge in thrilling activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, canoeing, and more. There are also plenty of pristine beaches along its coastline that offer the perfect setting for family picnics. There’s no better place to take your loved ones for a holiday. For a carefree vacation, check out this list of the best family resorts near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Oaks Port Douglas Resort (from USD 137)
If you’re planning to spend your summer vacation in Port Douglas, Oaks Port Douglas Resort can ensure you and your loved ones a memorable stay. You can have a family picnic at Four Mile Beach, which is only a six-minute walk away. The resort offers spacious family rooms, board games, and strollers.
Guests with kids can access babysitting services and kid meals for a surcharge. Families can pass time cycling or playing billiards and table tennis on site. When the temperature rises, you can cool off in the outdoor pool.
Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Address: 87-107 Port Douglas Road
540.21 km (335.7 mi) from Ocean Rafting
2. Mantra Club Croc, Cannonvale (from USD 130)
Book a family room with a garden view at Mantra Club Croc and enjoy a memorable holiday with your dear ones. To ensure families stay active, the resort offers board games and a lagoon-style pool for all ages. Cannonvale Beach is steps away from the property, where you can indulge in outdoor activities such as diving, snorkeling and sailing or simply relax and soak up some rays.
Laundry facilities and kid meals are available for a fee, whereas the kid-friendly buffet is served free of charge. You’ll have access to a gym, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
Mantra Club Croc
Address: 240 Shute Harbour Road
1.62 km (1.1 mi) from Ocean Rafting
3. Rosslyn Bay Resort Yeppoon (from USD 101)
Reasonable rates for spacious, clean rooms with ocean views.
Great facilities including a pool, on-site restaurant, and free washing facilities.
Conveniently close to the port and rock formations, but a car is needed to reach other areas.
Excellent dining experiences with a variety of options nearby.
Tucked away in the heart of Rosslyn Bay, this is a fantastic 4-star establishment that can offer you and your loved ones a great stay while in Australia. A short stroll will take you to Kemp Beach, where you can have a family picnic. The resort has comfy family rooms with air conditioning, heating, and a coffee maker. Your tots can enjoy delicious meals for a surcharge. There’s an outdoor pool with a shallow end that’s open throughout the year.
Rosslyn Bay Resort Yeppoon
Address: 34-48 Vin E. Jones Drive, Rosslyn Bay
387.51 km (240.8 mi) from Ocean Rafting
4. Club Wyndham Airlie Beach (from USD 110)
Visiting Airlie Beach with your family? Club Wyndham is a wonderful choice for accommodation. Located along Mt Whitsunday Drive, this 4-star resort features a modern gym and an infinity pool with breathtaking views of the Coral Sea. The property comes with cozy family rooms for large groups and board games to ensure guests stay entertained.
You can access babysitting services and activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing for an additional cost. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available on the premises.
Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
Address: Mt Whitsunday Drive
1.59 km (1.0 mi) from Ocean Rafting
5. Heron Island (from USD 274)
Resort pricing includes guided tours and snorkeling gear. Dinner buffet is overpriced at $50 pp.
Abundant wildlife, pristine waters, and free educational island tours.
Secluded island with crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and wildlife encounters.
Breakfast buffet is good, but dinner buffet is overpriced and lacks variety. Limited healthy options.
If snorkeling is your hobby, then Heron Island should be your home during your Great Barrier Reef getaway. This is a popular family-friendly resort that sits on the edge of the ocean. You can take snorkeling lessons in the outdoor pool or join one of the free guided reef walks. You can also pass the time playing billiards or board games on site.
Kids can enjoy a free buffet or delicious meals for an extra cost. If you’re a group of seven people, book the turtle or reef family room with two single beds, one double bed, a balcony, a minibar, and a patio with sea views.
Heron Island
Address: Great Barrier Reef
483.55 km (300.5 mi) from Ocean Rafting
6. Fitzroy Island Resort (from USD 170)
Reasonably priced hotel with separate bungalows near the forest and sea.
Air conditioning, grill, swimming pool, live music, snorkeling, and island living vibe.
Stunning location with beach huts, beautiful scenery, and easy snorkeling access.
Exceptional vegetarian options, good breakfast, and delicious food at the restaurant.
Planning to take your family to Fitzroy Island for a vacation? Book a family bungalow or suite at Fitzroy Island Resort for a splendid stay. Found a short walk from Welcome Bay Beach, the resort comes with a kids’ pool and an outdoor pool for all ages. There’s an indoor play area for your kids and a game room where the entire family can have fun. There are also board games and a library to keep you busy indoors.
Active guests can indulge in water sports for an additional charge. When feeling peckish, head to the on-site restaurant that serves delicious seafood, local cuisine, and kids’ meals for an additional cost.
Fitzroy Island Resort
Address: Fitzroy Island
468.42 km (291.1 mi) from Ocean Rafting
7. Green Island Resort, Cairns (from USD 328)
Green Island Resort is an eco-friendly resort in Cairns that offers family-friendly facilities. It comes with an outdoor saltwater pool, where you can splash around with your kids. Those who love water activities can head to the beach and indulge in snorkeling, diving, canoeing, and windsurfing.
The younger guests get to enjoy free meals during their stay. You can take advantage of the concierge services to plan family tours. There’s a well-equipped gym and stylish family rooms on the property.
Green Island Resort
Address: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
485.02 km (301.4 mi) from Ocean Rafting
8. Reef Resort Villas Port Douglas (from USD 215)
Great value for families, but some amenities may be outdated.
Spacious self-contained villas, beautiful pool areas, and helpful staff.
Convenient location close to town and beaches with easy access to local attractions.
Lovely poolside service, but limited dining options and early restaurant closures.
You can have a fantastic stay at Reef Resort Villas Port Douglas when visiting Port Douglas with your family. The property is just a six-minute walk away from the beach and a two-minute drive away from the city center. Here, guests will have access to a barbecue area, a state-of-the-art gym, a kids’ playground, and two swimming pools.
You can request food for your kids and babysitting services for an additional fee. Kids will be offered a kid-friendly buffet and outdoor play equipment. There’s also a game room and a kids’ club on the property to keep the little ones occupied.
Reef Resort Villas Port Douglas
Address: 121 Port Douglas Road
539.94 km (335.5 mi) from Ocean Rafting
9. Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat, Airlie Beach (from USD 84)
Great value for money, with clean and comfortable rooms at a reasonable cost. Some units are newly renovated, offering modern fixtures and fittings.
Spacious camp kitchen, peaceful surroundings, and friendly staff. However, some areas may need renovations and improvements.
Convenient location within walking distance to Airlie Beach, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. Set in a quiet and natural environment.
The on-site camp kitchen is well-equipped, but some guests noted a need for additional cutlery and bowls. Nearby pub offers reasonably priced meals and live music.
Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat can be a great choice for families who wish to spend quality time in Airlie Beach. The resort has an outdoor pool with a deck for you to enjoy a suntan after a refreshing swim. The property comes with lovely family rooms and three outdoor kitchen areas where you can prepare your favorite family meals.
Adventurous families can indulge in snorkeling and scuba diving at the beach. You can also play table tennis on site during your free time. Guests will have access to free Wi-Fi and parking.
Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat
Address: 2614 Shute Harbour Road, Jubilee Pocket
3.2 km (2.0 mi) from Ocean Rafting
10. Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort, Airlie Beach (from USD 402)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped apartments with stunning views.
Immaculate pools, gym, spacious private balconies, and fully equipped kitchens.
Conveniently located within walking distance to Airlie Beach, with cheap taxi fares available.
Well-equipped kitchens for self-catering, with some minor items missing.
Bring your family to Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort for an unforgettable summer by the beach. The resort has lovely family rooms with air conditioning and coffee-making facilities. It also has two outdoor pools, one for all ages and the other for younger guests.
Fun activities such as fishing, canoeing, snorkeling, and diving are offered off-site, but for an additional charge. If you fancy a little alone time for a massage session or romantic beach dinner, you can hire a babysitter for an additional charge.
Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort
Address: 26-34 Raintree Place
1.2 km (0.8 mi) from Ocean Rafting
Memorable family retreat near the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is ideal for vacationers yearning for a memorable experience as this place has a plethora of pristine beaches and beautiful natural attractions. There are delicious cuisines and wonderful weather to experience. Book any of the above family resorts for a nice vacation.
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