To reach the Great Barrier Reef, you will need to take a boat or a plane. There are several companies that offer day trips to the reef from Cairns or Port Douglas. You can also take a liveaboard trip, which allows you to spend several days exploring the reef. If you are flying, the closest airport to the Great Barrier Reef is Cairns International Airport. From there, you can take a connecting flight to one of the islands or resorts in the reef.