Decide what time of year you would like to visit the reef. April, May and September through November are peak months for visiting the reef due to the warm waters and low humidity. These months correspond with the Australian spring and fall seasons. During the Australian winter months of June, July and August, the ocean water is several degrees cooler than in the summer. These months are best avoided if you are interested in underwater activities like scuba diving. You could also consider scheduling your trip around a local festival, such as the Cairns Ukelele Festival or Gold Coast Marathon.
Learn about Queensland, the province of Australia whose coast is home to the Great Barrier Reef. Visit the Queensland tourism webpage to explore different attractions and destinations worth visiting during your Australian vacation.
Create a budget for your trip. If you plan on traveling to Australia during the peak vacation months of April, May, September, October and November, expect airfare to be high. Round trip airfare can cost as much as $2,000 per person. Research flights on various airlines that provide service from the United States to Australia.
End the routine of staying in resorts during your vacation. Instead, check out the numerous bungalows, farms, campsites and hostels that are available to add a little adventure to your stay.
Schedule a helicopter ride with companies like GBR Helicopter Group to get a view of the ocean and the Queensland scenery from the air.
Book most of your trip online before you go, especially your hotel and any multi-day excursions to the reefs you plan to take. These could be far more expensive if you wait until the last minute to book. Companies such as Great Adventures can also help you book day trips.
