The Great Barrier Reef is located not far off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Tourists #Country: Australia

1. State: Queensland
2. Governor: Penelope Wensley The Courier-Mail: Queensland Governor Bryce Says Goodbye To Brisbane (July 29, 2008)
3. Language spoken: English
4. Currency: Australian dollar
5. Country code: 61
6. Time zone: AEST
7. Climate: Tropical climate, with average temperatures of 24 to 33 degrees Celsius in summer and 14 to 26 degrees in winter. Travelmate.com.au: The Great Barrier Reef
8. The Great Barrier Reef is the only living organic collective visible from Earth's orbit Australian Government: Great Barrier Reef
9. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem Australian Government: Great Barrier Reef

Unfortunately, most hotels and resorts near the Reef are high-priced because of their secluded locations and available amenities. One of the most popular and critically acclaimed resorts is the Voyages Resort on Lizard Island. They are listed on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List for 2008, and it's well deserved. Lizard Island is as close to the reef as one can get on land.

There are 40 large, villa-type accommodations for guests, and all are private and offer views of either the ocean or beach. There is an on-site spa for guests, as well as free internet service, a library and a fitness center. The resort only allows children over the age of 12, so remember to plan accordingly.

When planning your trip to the Great Barrier Reef, please see the pages on a Great Barrier Reef Vacation, Great Barrier Reef Restaurants, and How to Go Scuba Diving at the Great Barrier Reef; as well as a Cairns Vacation, Cairns Hotels, Cheap Hotels Cairns and Cairns Restaurants.

• {{MfHotel

|hotel_name=Voyages Lizard Island |url=http://www.lizardisland.com.au/ |address= |city=Lizard Island |state=QLD |postal_code=4871 |country=Australia |phone=61-2-8296-8010 |fax=61-2-9299-2103 |map_url= }}

• • Concierge.com Recommendation  : "Eucalyptus trees surround accommodations outfitted with pine furnishings, blue and white accents, and daybeds that overlook the Coral Sea..."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "Luxury lodges, huge potato cod so tame divers can pet them, snorkeling off the beach, and isolation -- that's what lures the well-heeled to this small, exclusive resort."

• • Fodor's Choice  : "One of Australia's premier resorts, this property has beachside suites and sumptuous villas with sail-shaded decks and views of the turquoise bay."

• • TripAdvisor 4.5 Rating (Note: Community Rating; May change)

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|hotel_name=Paradise Bay, South Long Island Nature Lodge |url=http://www.paradisebay.com.au/ |address= |city=Long Island |state=QLD |postal_code=4802 |country=Australia |phone=61-7-4946-9777 |fax= |map_url= }}

• • Concierge.com Recommendation  : "Just a dozen people at a time can stay at this rustic, comfy little eco-lodge, which offers the same seclusion as others in the Whitsunday Islands--minus the showiness."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "This environmentally sensitive lodge was designed to show off the Whitsundays' natural beauty with minimal impact on it."

• • Fodor's Review  : "Each of the private cabins has both a king-sized and a single bed, and a private veranda with a double hammock -- perfect for watching romantic sunsets."

• • TripAdvisor 5.0 Rating (Note: Community Rating; May change)

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|hotel_name=Voyages Bedarra Island |url=http://www.bedarraisland.com/ |address= |city=Bedarra Island |state=QLD |postal_code=4870 |country=Australia |phone=61-2-8296-8010 |fax=61-2-9299-2103 |map_url= }}

• • Concierge.com Recommendation  : "The 16 villas--all clean-lined and spacious, with polished timber and giant windows--are tucked among the trees for maximum privacy."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "Bedarra is one of those rare and fabulous places that throws not just meals but vintage French champagne, fine cognac and wine, and other potable treats into the price..."

• • Fodor's Choice  : "Polished wood floors, ceiling fans, and exposed beams make for sophisticated accommodations that bear little resemblance to standard hotel rooms."

• • TripAdvisor 4.0 Rating (Note: Community Rating; May change)

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|hotel_name=Orpheus Island Resort |url=http://www.orpheus.com.au/ |address= |city=Orpheus Island |state=QLD |postal_code=4810 |country=Australia |phone=61-7-4777-7377 |fax=61-7-4777-7533 |map_url= }}

• • Concierge.com Recommendation  : "Rates include all activities and equipment (including catamarans, motorized dinghies, and fishing and snorkeling gear), and--best of all--meals."

• • Frommer's High;y Recommended: "If seclusion and tranquillity are what you are looking for, this is the place to find them."

• • Fodor's Choice  : "Both [accommodation] options are immaculate, comfortable, and decorated with tasteful sophistication, but suites are considerably larger, with private outdoor areas and lounge rooms."

• • TripAdvisor 4.0 Rating (Note: Community Rating; May change)

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|hotel_name=Hayman Resort |url=http://www.hayman.com.au/contacts.php?section=enquiries&sub_section=contacts |address= |city=Hayman Island |state=QLD |postal_code=4801 |country=Australia |phone=61-7-4940-1234 |fax=61-7-4940-1567 |map_url= }}

• • Concierge.com Recommendation  : "The grand dame of Whitsunday island resorts, Hayman has a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, and super-attentive service that sets it apart."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "This is the most luxurious, glitzy, and glamorous resort in Australia."

• • TripAdvisor 3.5 Rating (Note: Community Rating; May change)

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|hotel_name=Hamilton Island Beach Club |url=http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=3#160 |address= |city=Hamilton Island |state=QLD |postal_code=4803 |country=Australia |phone=61-2-9433-0444 |fax= |map_url= }}

• • Frommer's Very Highly Recommended: "[Hamilton] has the widest range of activities, accommodations styles, and restaurants of any Great Barrier Reef island resort."

• • Fodor's Review  : "Staying here also gets you a concierge service for booking activities and making restaurant reservations, a chauffeur service around the island, and free Internet access."

• • TripAdvisor 4.5 Rating (Note: Community Rating; May change)

• {{MfHotel

|hotel_name=Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort |url=http://www.ladyelliot.com.au/ |address= |city=Lady Elliot Island |state=QLD |postal_code= |country=Australia |phone=61-7-5536-3644 |fax=61-7-5599-5783 |map_url= }}

• • Frommer's Highly Recommended: "Because of the relatively low number of guests, you pretty much get the Reef to yourself."

• • Fodor's Choice  : "Here you're more like a marine biologist encamped at an island field camp than a tourist enjoying a luxury resort."

• • TripAdvisor 4.0 Rating (Note: Community rating; may change)

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|hotel_name=Whitsunday Holiday Apartments |url=http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=3#2351 |address= |city=Hamilton Island |state=QLD |postal_code=4803 |country=Australia |phone=61-2-9433-0444 |fax= |map_url= }}

• • Fodor's Review  : "[Accommodations are] self-contained one- and two-bedroom accommodations with pastel walls, comfortable wooden and cane furniture, large balconies, fully equipped kitchens, and dining and sitting areas."

• • TripAdvisor 3.5 Rating (Note: Community rating; may change)

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|hotel_name=Great Keppel Island Holiday Village |url=http://www.gkiholidayvillage.com.au/ |address= |city=Great Keppel Island |state=QLD |postal_code= |country=Australia |phone=61-7-4939 8655 |fax=61-7-4939-8755 |map_url= }}

• • Frommer's Recommended: "Great Keppel Island Holiday Village is located in a garden setting less than a minute's walk to two great swimming beaches."

• • Fodor's Review  : "Tucked in among the welcome shade of gum trees is this modest, quiet alternative for couples and older travelers looking to get back to basics without a party scene."

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|hotel_name=Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge |url=http://www.hinchinbrookresort.com.au/index1.html |address= |city=Hinchinbrook Island |state=QLD |postal_code= |country=Australia |phone=61-7-4066-8270 |fax=61-7-4066-8271 |map_url= }}

• • Concierge.com Recommendation  : "Guests can make use of the free canoes, and fishing and snorkeling gear, or take hikes to spot dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles, and tiger sharks from shore."