Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Cruise Port

Great Barrier Reef

Coral reef system in Queensland, Australia.

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Overview

Great Barrier Reef is a cruise port in Australia. It lies on the coast at approximately -16.4, 145.8.

About Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 mi2). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is separated from the coast by a channel 160 kilometres (100 mi) wide in places and over 61 metres (200 ft) deep. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN labelled it one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in 1997. Australian World Heritage places included it in its list in 2007. The Queensland National Trust named it a state icon of Queensland in 2006.

Overview text adapted from Wikipedia, available under the CC BY-SA license.

Planning a cruise visit

A detailed cruise guide for Great Barrier Reef — how to reach the centre from the cruise terminal, what to see on a port day, shopping and local tips — is being added. In the meantime, use the quick facts and map link above to start planning, and always confirm terminal and transport details with your cruise line and the local port authority before you travel.

Around Great Barrier Reef

ISS-45 StoryOfWater, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
ISS-45 StoryOfWater, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Part of Great Barrier Reef from Helicopter
Part of Great Barrier Reef from Helicopter
Heron Island
Heron Island
Arlington-Reef-2018-aerial-view-Luka-Peternel
Arlington-Reef-2018-aerial-view-Luka-Peternel

Weather & best time to visit

Typically warmest around 29°C in Jan and coolest around 24°C in Jul (average daytime highs).

Jan
29°
27°
Feb
29°
27°
Mar
29°
27°
Apr
28°
26°
May
26°
24°
Jun
25°
23°
Jul
24°
22°
Aug
24°
22°
Sep
25°
24°
Oct
27°
25°
Nov
28°
26°
Dec
29°
27°

Average daily high / low in °C. Source: Open-Meteo.

Where to stay

Staying near Great Barrier Reef the night before or after your cruise makes embarkation easier. Browse hotels near the port →

Cruise season & schedules

Which ships call at Great Barrier Reef, and when, changes by season. Check the latest arrivals and departures before you plan. See current cruise schedules →