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Australia/Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef Area, with baby

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (with baby)

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How Baby-Friendly is Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

70%Baby-Friendly
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What makes it 70% Baby-Friendly: Infants travel free; vessels provide pram ramps, baby-change tables and microwaves for bottles, yet no dedicated nursing rooms and sun or swell risk mean parents need extra shade, breaks and vigilance.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 3,526 reviews)
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Positives:

  • Free infant travel: Babies sail free on all standard ferries and outer-reef cruises.
  • Pram-friendly facilities: Ramps and wide decks on vessels and islands let you roll a stroller everywhere.

Challenges:

  • Limited shaded areas: Pontoon and boat decks have few shade spots; pack a sunshade or umbrella.
  • No snorkeling for babies: Infants cannot snorkel; use approved life vests and supervise at all times.
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🏖️ Explore Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

  • A protected marine park spanning over 344,400 square kilometers of coral reefs, islands and seagrass beds along Queensland’s northeast coast
  • A UNESCO World Heritage-listed ecosystem characterized by vast biodiversity, with more than 600 coral species, 1,500 fish species and diverse marine mammals
  • A multi-use conservation zone managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to balance ecological protection with sustainable research, fishing and shipping activities

What is so special about Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for with baby?

  1. Free infant travel on ferries and reef cruises
  2. Shallow kids’ pools and touch tanks on reef pontoons
  3. Pram-friendly ramps and wide decks on boats and islands
  4. Dry activities like glass-bottom boat and island walks
  5. Marine talks let baby enjoy reef life without getting wet

Recommended visit duration: 1 day

Why 1 day visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for a morning reef cruise and gentle island activities without rushing the baby.

(View Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on Map)

Baby-Friendly Activities in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Outer-reef day Reef Adventure cruise:

Full-day cruise to an outer-reef pontoon with a kids’ shallow pool, touch tanks, and underwater observatory.

Tip: Reserve infant-free fare, ask crew for stinger suits, and bring baby’s life vest and sunscreen.

Green Island glass-bottom boat:

1-hour ride over coral gardens to view fish and corals from a dry boat.

Tip: Board early for front seats and shade, then stroll on stroller-friendly island paths.

Green Island Reef Talk and island walk:

Free marine-life presentation and easy boardwalk led by a marine biologist.

Tip: Check session times at the info desk and let the baby watch safely from a stroller.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

  1. Choose the right cruise: Book Quicksilver VIII or Reef Magic III to access onboard baby-changing facilities.
  2. Pack essentials: Bring baby food, a lightweight stroller, and sun-protection gear to save time and money.
🏖️ Tour Great Barrier Reef Marine Park like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

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Colin Slatyer

Colin Slatyer

Feb 2025

Good place to keep busy lots of sights & places to explore

Mel Bell

Mel Bell

Aug 2024

The Great Barrier Reef is an exceptional place to see. We spent several days on a live board diving the outer reef during the day and night, and saw the largest corals we had ever seen, plus turtles and lots of fish. Snorkeling is also available for non divers

John Warmington

John Warmington

Mar 2023

This review refers specifically to Fitzroy Island. It is a beautiful place, sheltered waters suitable for snorkeling and coral reef close to shore. The resort is great although not perfect. Range of accommodation from camping to beach bungalows and our choice hotel style apartments. We were on the top ( 3rd ) floor. Views are good and there is a lift. Service is good, they have a lot of young, att...

Daniel Campbell

Daniel Campbell

May 2019

We had an incredible opportunity to stay on a private island - one of the few still able to be bought and sold in the park. Unbelievably beautiful experience, very restful. We walked the shoreline, collected the flotsam and jetsam, seem in the pool, got freaked out about the huge crocodile tracks in the mud, watched the moon rise on one side of the island, and the sun set on the other. Delightful....

Cheryl Camp

Cheryl Camp

Aug 2018

Fabulous..a must do! Stay overnight or for a few days on a boat to enjoy to the full. Snorkelling amazing..soo many fish. Seeing the coral standing out of the water when the tide was low ..fascinating. Watching the sunset. Too many wonderful things & hard to describe the experience..just do it! ♥

When is the best time to visit Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Great Barrier Reef Area, Australia)?

During November–May stinger season, stinger suits are provided on most cruises; always suit up baby and adults. In June–August, UV index stays high despite cooler temperatures, so pack strong sun protection.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Great Barrier Reef Area on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Outer-reef Reef Adventure cruise for 2 adultsAUD 910
Meals and snacks onboardAUD 50
Sun protection and baby gear hireAUD 20
Total EstimatedAUD 980

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Address: Great Barrier Reef, Townsville City QLD 4810, Australia

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About Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Opening Hours

Monday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 7 4750 0700

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