Top 14 Airbnb Vacation Rentals Near The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

airbnb Great-Barrier-Reef Australia
Demos
Demos 
Updated
| 6 min read

If you’re planning on visiting the Great Barrier Reef, then there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be staying in Cairns since it acts as a gateway to the reef. But this isn’t the only reason many tourists stay in Cairns, as the city has many of its own attractions such as the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Daintree National Park, and the Cairns Esplanade has plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Even your accommodation can be an experience! Choose from a range of options such as luxurious hotels to floating apartments at the Great Barrier Reef. Or, you could stay in an island resort! Read more about the amazing Airbnb vacation rentals near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 12, 2024.

1. The Point

This luxury accommodation near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway! Swim laps in your very own 10-meter (32.81 foot) infinity pool anytime you want, or have a relaxing soak in the hot tub under the beautiful night sky. Both the hot tub and the pool overlooks the Shute Harbour and provides views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne and will have the choice of cooking on your own or ordering gourmet meals!

Stayed at this property?
Shute Harbour, Queensland, Australia
491.33 km (305.3 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
350 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view and private pool/spa
perfect spot with a great view and private infinity pool
this is a beautiful and private studio with incredible views and a gorgeous pool
the views are spectacular and it is so nice to relax in the pool
the apartment and pool is beyond special and the view is spectacular
Cleanliness:
very clean place too
as mentioned before everything is clean tidy and exactly what we expected
beautiful clean apartment with spectacular views
spectacular view very clean and great pool and spa
would highly recommend inform yourself on the progress of growth and clean up from the cyclone
Host:
the apartment is private and the hosts are very easy to communicate with
from booking through checkout they were helpful accommodating and always friendly
cathy and ron were wonderful hosts who were attentive quick communicators and kept very quiet upstairs
our stay was fantastic and communication from the hosts made it all the better
cathy and ron are great hosts - so helpful- can highly recommend
Location:
100% recommend this location for a romantic getaway
we will be lucky to ever find such a great place again
just an amazing place to stay and visit
loads of thoughtful finishing touches around the place
what a beautiful place to stay the house had everything we needed and more
Read more reviews

2. Hamptons on the Hill (from USD 241)

Enjoy panoramic views of Whitsundays Islands, Marinas, and Airlie Beach in this holiday rental near the Great Barrier Reef. The house boasts plenty of natural light through huge windows and glass doors. The living room features plenty of plus sofas, with sliding glass doors leading to the private balcony. The balcony is the perfect spot to enjoy the water view while sipping on your favorite beverage. The back patio features a gorgeous private pool and a grilling area for fun cookouts on good nights.

Stayed at this property?
Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
484.47 km (301.1 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
187 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the balcony and pool were amazing
the views were amazing the bed and couch were so comfortable and the whole house was well decorated
the bed was super comfortable as was the couch
stylish place with a beautiful pool and amazing views
also the two beautiful doggies made our day coming down each day when we were in the pool
Cleanliness:
it was perfectly clean and beautifully decorated
absolutely stunning accomodation which was spotless and had everything you would require
homely inviting clean responsive
the house was beautiful and clean and had everything you needed
Host:
carole and greg were great hosts
carol is an amazing host
carole was a lovely and attentive host and made sure we were well looked after
you certainly are super hosts thank you for everything :)
the hosts were wonderful and very accomodating
Location:
great location beautiful home and friendly people
best location and best host was the most amazing place we’ve ever stayed at
on of the best places we’ve stayed
Read more reviews

3. Hibiscus Resort (from USD 57)

Do you enjoy staying at award-winning resorts? We hope so, as we’ve found this majestic Balinese-styled accommodation that will awe you with its giant pools and tropical gardens. You’ll want to bring the kids along to enjoy these and its various entertainment options such as cable TV and DVDs. Enjoy wondrous views of the resort and Port Douglas from the private balcony, and prepare delicious meals in the well-equipped kitchenette. The accommodation is in the heart of Port Douglas, allowing easy access to the nearby supermarket, the Macrossan St. Shops, the marina, and the beach.

Stayed at this property?
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
58.64 km (36.5 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
477 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 3 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the pools are amazing and heated in winter
the wifi was great
loved balcony and pools and being able to prepare simple meals
the two pools were a nice feature and i found myself sitting there for hours
lovely pools and spa tastefully furnished with relaxed feel
Cleanliness:
very clean well decorated and comfortable apartment
it is clean and comfortable even provide beach towels for your swimming needs
the room was clean and stylish very comfortable
the unit was very quiet comfortable and clean
it was clean and peter was very responsive with me
Host:
great host and proactive communications
peter is a great host too
peter was an amazing host
peter was a fantastic host
the resort staff was very helpful and assisted us in researching and booking our rainforest and reef tours
Location:
perfect location close to everything
great location and totally ideal for any couple
the location of the apartment is excellent
the location is amazing within walking distance to everything in town and to the beach
the place was great super close to the marina downtown
Read more reviews

4. Luxurious apartment with ocean views

If you’re still wondering where to stay near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, spoil yourself a little, by booking into a swanky apartment with amazing views of the ocean. Business and holiday travelers will love this 4.5-star-rated apartment for its huge modern rooms, and close proximity to all the cool places around Cairns. The apartment’s kitchen features all the cutlery and crockery you’ll ever need, and the outdoor BBQ will ignite a passion for Aussie delicacies, while the neon-lit pool will be the center of attraction during the evenings. Cairn’s city center is only a 5-minute walk away, and there’s a casino, restaurants, coffee shops, and clubs nearby.

Stayed at this property?
Cairns North, Queensland, Australia
882 meters (0.6 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
576 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE CONDO 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
apartment is open and light filled with a great balcony for watching sunsets
lovely views and spacious apartment
apartment was spacious and had a nice balcony with a view of the bay
the apartment is lovely and the views are beautiful
super clean and modern with nice furnishings and a balcony and pool
Cleanliness:
communication was fast and easy and the unit was very clean and stylish
apartment very clean and comfortable with a big bath
apartment was clean and had all we needed
it was very clean and i’m picky on this
the apartment was very clean spacious and exactly as described
Host:
andrea is a very welcoming host
andrea is a superb host
andrea was a great host
andrea is a fantastic host who went above and beyond
finally andrea was a fantastic host
Location:
nice location close to everything
the location is perfect
great apartment close to the city
great sized condo within walking distance to everything
easy walk to everything
Read more reviews

5. The Hacienda at Port Douglas

The Hacienda is just as it sounds, a gorgeous and spacious tropical home, which has a guest room for visitors lucky enough to stay here. Guests can expect plenty of privacy, a private pool to splash around in, and the attentive hospitality of the host and his dog. Some of the amenities include an air conditioner to stay cool during the summer months, parking on the premises for that added convenience, and a continental breakfast to start the day. There is a fish‘n'chips shop, a pizzeria, a restaurant, and a bus stop within a 50-meter (164-feet) distance, and the beach is only 150-meters (492-feet) away.

Stayed at this property?
Port Douglas, Qld, Australia
55.18 km (34.3 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
508 reviews  
Private room in house 1 Bed 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room was comfortable with a nice view of the courtyard and the pool
only stayed one night but the bed was comfy and ac was great
excellent coffee provided in the room as well as cereal and milk
beautiful home with a separate room with it's own sliding glass door entrance
the room and bathroom were as expected and a good affordable nights stay
Cleanliness:
very clean and neat
a nice clean and relaxing place to stay in
the room is very clean and very quiet
clean spacious friendly and relaxing
the place is thoughtfully done up and clean and he is very accommodating
Host:
great hosts in jon &
jon and batdog were fantastic hosts
jon and batdog were amazing hosts
jon and batdog were great hosts
jon and batdog are excellent hosts
Location:
great location very close to the beach
great location close to beach and short bus ride to the main part of town
huge bath quiet location near 4 mile beach
good value and quiet location
jons place was in a great location a short walk from the beautiful 4 mile beach
Read more reviews

6. Bamboo Garden Studio

This airy, large, and modern home will impress you with its ample natural light and the generous amount of amenities, priced in at an affordable rate. Spend some quiet time on the patio, enjoy the tranquility of the salt-water pool, or watch a show of your choosing on Netflix, Apple TV, or DVDs on the HD TV. It comes with an air conditioner to counter those sweltering days, a laptop workspace that’s ideal for remote workers, and a washer to do the laundry for a fee. Cairn’s city center is only 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away, while a grocer, bottle store, and several cafes are within close walking distance.

Stayed at this property?

4.85 km (3.1 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
264 reviews  
Entire guesthouse 2 Beds 3 Guests

7. Loft one street off Ingham Road

This airy, modern, and tidy loft is spacious enough for two guests to relax comfortably and enjoy some privacy. It comes with plenty of niceties, such as a coffee machine for those particular about their coffee, a laptop workspace for digital nomads, and air conditioning to deal with the hot Australian climate. The loft is in the West End suburb of Queensland, which is around a 20-minute walk to the city center. Shops, hotels, and a muscle car display are within close proximity.

Stayed at this property?

282.65 km (175.7 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
200 reviews  
Entire apartment 1 Bed 2 Guests

8. Private room in apartment 3 blocks away from city center

Enjoy Cairns in fine style, by staying at this roomy and fully featured apartment. It also helps that it is part of a modern complex, which has a shared swimming pool and ample parking space. The apartment’s interiors are clean, tidy and airy with Wi-Fi for those that can’t go without internet connection, several interesting books on the bookshelves for readers, and a kitchenette for preparing delicious snacks. The apartment is near Cairn’s city center, with plenty of pubs, restaurants, and public transit points in close proximity. Cairns Botanic Gardens is 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) away, while Parramatta Park is within a kilometer (0.62 miles) distance.

Stayed at this property?

1.15 km (0.8 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
364 reviews  
Private room 1 Bed 3 Guests

9. Tropical oasis in Bungalow

We’ve discovered plenty of charming private accommodations, but this bungalow is truly mesmerizing. It’s immaculately laid out with clever use of space within and outside the bungalow, allowing guests easy access to the pool deck and the remaining outdoor area. The bungalow comes with a kitchenette to prepare meals, a laptop workspace to get work done, and a washing machine to do your laundry. The central business district is approximately a 5-minute drive away, a 40-minute drive to Palm Grove, and a 50-minute drive to Kuranda. Bungalow’s neighborhood has several good coffee shops and restaurants that are worth checking out.

Stayed at this property?
Bungalow, Queensland, Australia
2.45 km (1.6 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
350 reviews  
Entire guesthouse 2 Beds 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bath was a treat and the bed deliciously comfortable
it was nice and cozy with stylish decor and furnishings also easy to get around the cairns city
kitchen is fully equipped as well
the loft bed would be perfect for kids
it was really nice to have breakfast available
Cleanliness:
beautiful space clean welcoming great styling
very clean indoor spaces and with lovely personal touches
the bungalows were clean information helpful and joe who welcomed us was very friendly
Host:
the hosts are superb too
the landlord is very friendly
priscilla was a very friendly host - she responded quickly to any questions that we had
priscilla is an amazing host and the bungalow is so adorable
we didn't meet the host but they were easy to communicate with
Location:
outstanding location and a great getaway spot
good location fast communication
such a great location and styled room
priscilla's place is really nice interesting and quirky hidden away in a residential area close to the city
this place is an unexpected little paradise in a quiet street
Read more reviews

10. Beachfront, self-contained studio

Slick, modern, and laid back is how we would describe this particular studio. It’s fully featured kitchen will unleash your inner-chef, and that queen size bed will make you want to sleep in when you should be exploring Cairns, McEwens Beach, and the Great Barrier Reef. The outdoor area is equally impressive as there’s a BBQ grill, and a cozy seating area to enjoy meals with good company. This studio is right next to McEwens Beach and the Bakers Creek Conservation Park, so natural lovers are going to have a blast!

Stayed at this property?
McEwens Beach, Queensland, Australia
601.2 km (373.6 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
255 reviews  
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it's full of linin cups and saucers a/c tv/dvd washing machine really nice
comfy bed great shower quiet air conditioning and a good kitchen area
great value way more comfortable and stylish with better aminaties than a motel
gavin and lorelle’s place was an amazing stay comfy bed amazing amenities and there hospitality
comfortable bed well equipped kitchen
Cleanliness:
very clean and organised
very clean and organised
very clean and plenty of parking
clean and has every thing you need
the unit was very clean which i was impressed with
Host:
the host gave us great directions
gavin and lorelle were great hosts
great spot lovely hosts right by the beach
gavin and lorelle are the perfect hosts who are extremely helpful
gavin in nice friendly and casual host
Location:
close to the beach great for long walks
nice quiet location next to the beach
a good quiet spot near the beach
secluded and quiet location which i loved
nice walk on beach next to house
Read more reviews

11. Magnetic Island villa retreat

If you’re looking for a retreat to relax in comfort and style, then we’ve found the right villa for you. This modern home has all the space and creature comforts you’ll ever need while being in close proximity to all those lovely koalas in Magnetic Island. You’ll love spending time in the villa’s inviting pool, or socialize with fellow guests in the massive lounge area. And spending time anywhere in Australia won’t be complete without a tasty BBQ, which you can also enjoy at this villa. The villa is approximately 200 meters (656 feet) from Picnic Park and around a kilometer (0.62 miles) distance from Magnetic Island Reef and the Magnetic Island National Park. There are also several ethnic restaurants just 150 meters (492 feet) from the villa.

Stayed at this property?
Picnic Bay, Queensland, Australia
275.04 km (170.9 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
463 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Private room in residential home 3 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the complimentary breakfast out on the deck was much appreciated
we also enjoyed our breakfast on the quiet peaceful outdoor balcony watching the abundant bird and wildlife
the pool and jacuzzi were our favorite spots and the nature around us made everything even better
the room was great too with much needed a/c after a long day in the sun
my son and i had a good sleep in a quiet pleasant room with our own bathroom
Cleanliness:
the house is clean tidy and comfortable
the space is very clean
the bedroom is spacious and comfortable to sleep bathroom clean and modern
the house was impeccably clean and on an amazing location
beautiful clean home with an amazing pool and deck
Host:
amazing hosts amazing hospitality amazing home
very nice hosts that provides great hospitality and local tips
their home is convenient and the hosts are friendly and helpful
hosts were lovely and house very welcoming
more than perfect hosts
Location:
great location in picnic bay
wonderful place in great location
great italian place 5 minutes away
simple room in a good location
the location is just metres from great walks and picnic bay
Read more reviews

12. Charming apartment at the heart of North Queensland

Welcome the beautiful beautiful suburb of Bungalow, Queensland, from this two-bedroom apartment. Boasting a charming and comfortable atmosphere, the apartment guarantees a restful stay throughout your vacation and can accommodate up to four people.

The parking area is complemented by the private outdoor patio that’s furnished with an alfresco dining setting and a BBQ grill. The lounge space comes with two mid-century, modern couches, a wooden coffee table, and a flat-screen smart TV for your entertainment and relaxation. The pristine kitchen is equipped with a white-tiled backsplash, an electric cooktop, oven, blender, and full-sized fridge as well as a bar top that can seat up to three people.

Located at the heart of Tropical North Queensland, the home is only 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from the central business district, a few blocks away from the Westcourt Shopping Center, and is close to many restaurants, shops, and attractions like Barlow Park.

Stayed at this property?
Bungalow, Queensland, Australia
1.77 km (1.1 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
98 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment was loaded with amenities and easy to find
the air con worked great and if you like to cook the kitchen was loaded
good range of kitchen appliances and fast internet
comfy beds well equipped spacious kitchen and a huge balcony
great facilities and the beds were comfy
Cleanliness:
cleanliness was great too
very clean and the bed were comfortable
very clean & tidy with well equipped bathroom & kitchen
the place was clean quirky and a great place to stay in cairns
the place was great to stay at exactly how it was described clean stocked with lots of small essentials
Host:
the host was easy to communicate with and helpful with any questions etc
julie was very responsive and helpful in coordinating the stays
julie was very responsive and helpful in coordinating the stays
glen is an amazing host and super responsive
glen was so helpful with organising a cot hire ready for us when we arrived
Location:
close to central of town easy walking distance
perfect location great sized apartment
a great stylish place located 5 mins from downtown
gorgeous place and amazing location
the location was superb and quiet
Read more reviews

13. Resort room at Port Douglas Ramada

Couples or small families often require comfortable and feature-rich accommodations, and this resort offers this and so much more. Its lagoon styled pool is the perfect spot for lazy afternoons, and there’s also a gym and spa to stay in shape and rejuvenate yourself. There’s also a bar and restaurant in the resort grounds for refreshments and tasty meals. You’ll also love that this resort is less than 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the beach, while Wildlife Habitat and the Four Mile Beach Park are within a 1 kilometer (0.62miles) distance.

Stayed at this property?
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
55.92 km (34.8 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
356 reviews   Wifi Available
Room in resort 1 Bed 4 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
breakfast and chocolates were also a lovely touch
the unit also has a great view overlooking the pool
it’s a nice room and comfortable with the a/c and fan running
the breakfast supplies were an unexpected pleasure and the welcome chocolates on our beds a treat
room with a great view of the pool and outdoor area
Cleanliness:
very clean and nice room
very clean and comfortable room
great clean room within the resort
clean apartment in a beautiful resort
great room clean spacious and well maintained
Host:
wendy and roger were great hosts
roger and wendy were great hosts
lovely appartment and lovely hosts
roger and wendy were fantastic hosts
roger and wendy are great hosts
Location:
great location in the hotel
easy check in and great location to surrounding regions
a great location especially with a vahicle but there is also a minibus to town
it’s close to town and set in the fantastic ramada resort
the location was beautiful and we truly loved our stay here
Read more reviews

14. A modern house close to Palm Cove waterfront

Accommodation is best when it offers a strategic location and provides modern amenities and facilities, like this house. Situated adjacent to beaches, restaurants, and cafes, the house is equipped with four comfy beds and two bathrooms. There is an open-plan living area where you can relax and kill time. As a guest, you will also have access to wireless internet.

Stayed at this property?
Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia
22.29 km (13.9 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
210 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it has all the amenities you could need including excellent wifi
air con throughout and a lovely pool as well
the pool it's the perfect size for a family and being solar-heated was always inviting to be in
enjoyed swimming in the heated pool
fast wifi close to the beach and a nice quiet street
Cleanliness:
beautiful clean property modern and comfortable
it was sparkling clean and well stocked with basic essentials
it was so clean big and comfortable for the whole family
super clean stunning house and a lovely pool and outdoor area
very spacious and clean
Host:
host is very helpful and response promptly to all our requests
the host was so very helpful
the host is all the time ready to help and prompt for any inquiry
the hosts are very welcoming and accommodating
more than too kind
Location:
great location in palm cove
great location short walk to esplanade
a super location too
good location close to the palm cove restaurant strip
amazing house and amazing location
Read more reviews

Luxurious and modern accommodations in Cairns

Cairns has plenty of epic natural attractions, but it also boasts many amazing accommodations that are modern with enough luxurious features fit for a king and plenty of family resorts for everyone to enjoy. Many of the listed accommodations are close to the beach and the city center, which gives visitors plenty of attractions to visit and things to do. Which one of these awesome options are you going to choose?

Stayed at this property?

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb vacation rentals near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Demos, a freelance writer, boasts an entrepreneurial background that informs his diverse writing portfolio. His articles span across various topics, encompassing travel, business, technology,...Read more

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