You know, Miranda Kerr’s not the only Aussie stunner living offshore. With colours, life and warmth, the Great Barrier Reef is our very own Natural Wonder of the World. Stretching over 2000 kilometres along the coast of northern Queensland, there are hundreds of postcard-pretty islands dotting the aquamarine water that teems with marine life. Best yet, close by this living gem  are cities and towns with resorts for every budgets – and experiences you’ll retell with a glint in your eye. Best time to go? Right now! Tourism operators say August to January is when the reef is at its most delectable.

Cairns – non-stop family fun
If you want to visit North Queensland with the kids, Cairns is hard to beat as a destination. Along with easy access to the Reef, a huge assortment of family restaurants, shopping and entertainment, plus a 4800 sq metre salt water swimming lagoon in the middle of town, there are all kinds of unique Aussie activities and sights near by.

At the Cairns Tropical Zoo you can have the envious privilege of cuddling a Koala as well as learning about them and other Australian wildlife at the shows and keeper talks held throughout the park.

Forget the  chewing-gum encrusted carriages of metro trams and trains,  the sparkling clean Kuranda Scenic Railway takes you on a ride past the snap-worthy Horseshoe Bend and Barron Falls and finishes up at a shopper’s haven Kuranda Markets, with its range of locally made arts and crafts.

You can then make your way back above the trees on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which gives you amazing views of the stunning Cairns coastline.

If you all like a bit of me-time on your family holiday, the Lakes Cairns Resort Spa, has 1,2, and 3 bedroom  apartments and 11 acres of lakes, landscaped gardens and lagoon pools—the kids can play in the games centre and playground while the ‘oldies’ relax at the day spa.

Or save some money—and satisfy fussy eaters— by doing your own cooking in a spacious studio at Reef Palms Apartments. Otherwise, put on a family BBQ down by the landscaped pool area, with its waterfall and children’s wading pool.

If you’re after a luxury experience, then the Shangri-La Hotel at The Marina in Cairns has stylish rooms with private balconies and a poolside bar for some lazy lounging about.

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Gorgeous Green Island
With more than 900 islands on the reef, which one to choose? We suggest a tour of Green Island (one of those dreamy types that you see on the covers of travel mags and brochures flaunting it’s white sandy beaches and lush green trees).  Get picked up at your Cairns hotel and enjoy the full reef experience, including snorkelling amongst the unique coral formations, giant clams, starfish, and those cool squishy sea anemones—or you can keep dry on a glass-bottomed boat!

Townsville – explore the reef on steady ground
If you want to get out on the Great Barrier Reef, dunes or dirt tracks of North Queensland, there are all kinds of day tours, cruises and adventure excursions from Townsville to choose from. But if you want the GBR experience without getting wet, sunburnt or seasick then Reef HQ, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, is your kind of place.

Roughly the size of 50 family swimming pools and home to 130 coral species, 120 fish species and hundreds of other underwater critters, it’s ideal for kids and older travellers. You can even take a night tour or visit the Turtle Hospital.

Seagulls Resort on the Seafront is set on three acres of tropical gardens, so you can wander about in privacy and then cool off on one of the stunning lagoon-style swimming pools with an all-important holiday treat: a poolside cocktail.

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Mackay fishing charters, turtle and whalewatching
With over 1500 species of fish swimming about in these waters, angler-philes will go weak at the knees on a reef fishing charter from Mackay in search of  sporty marlin and delicious coral trout. The expert crew can show you tricks for baiting, casting and reeling in your catch—and, of course, take you to the best spots for big nibbles! Depending on the time of year, there’s a good chance you’ll see majestic sea turtles and humpback whales along the way.

Stay at the waterfront Clarion Hotel Mackay Marina and relax on the terrace in a comfy couch as you enjoy some first-class cuisine from the restaurant.

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