Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns
Cairns, located in Tropical North Queensland, is famously known as the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef”. The Reef Fleet Terminal serves as the main access point for tour boat operators who depart from the Cairns Marlin Marina daily, visiting numerous reef sites. If you’re planning on visiting the wonders of the reef from Cairns, then the Reef Fleet Terminal is where you will likely depart from.
Here’s a brief guide with what to know about checking in for your Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Built in 2004, the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns was established to cater to the increasing number of visitors keen to see the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Constructed to streamline the passenger experience, the terminal was designed similar to that of an airport departure hall, with check-in desks for the various boat operators. The Blue Marlin Cafe is a popular spot to grab a last minute bite to eat, and underwater camera hire is available from Calypso for those wanting to capture their reef trip beneath the surface!
Here are some of the most popular Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cairns!
Where is the Reef Fleet Terminal located?
The Reef Fleet Terminal is in a prime location on the waterfront at 1 Spence Street, Cairns Marlin Marina, just opposite the Shangri-La Hotel and a short walk from the Esplanade Lagoon. This makes it easily accessible for travellers staying in the city centre.
How do I get to the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns?
There are various modes of transport you can take to reach the Marlin Marina in Cairns. Depending on the reef tour you’re joining, some of the operators provide return transfers as an additional service. Public bus, Uber, taxi, or simply walking from your accommodations nearby are other ways to get to the terminal. If you have hired a car or have your own vehicle, there are plenty of places to park near the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Which boats leave from the Reef Fleet Terminal?
A variety of boats depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal, offering different types of reef experiences from day tours to overnight liveaboards. High-speed cruise vessels, leisurely catamarans and even specialised dive boats are amongst the list, providing unique reef adventures for every type of traveller from the seasoned diver to the first time snorkeller.
Popular boat operators include Sunlover Reef Cruises who provide Reef and Fitzroy Island Ferry packages. Great Adventures and Big Cat offer family friendly Green Island excursions catering to those who want to do either a full day or half day trips. While most will have you check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal, others like Reef Experience, Divers Den and Seastar will see you check in directly on the vessel at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal Parking
While there is no free parking directly at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal itself, there are a number of reasonably priced paid parking solutions within a short walk to the Marina. Some of the closest parking options include those listed below which are operated by the Cairns Regional Council and private commercial vendors.
- The Pier / Shangri-La Underground Car Park
- Southern Esplanade (Lagoon) Car Park
- Trinity Wharf Parking (Cairns Cruise Ship Terminal)
- Hartley Street Car Park
- Reef Hotel Casino Car Park
Parking rates will vary, with secure car parks offering per hour and flat daily rates to suit your needs. The council and operator websites can provide up to date information on parking prices around Cairns City. Check out our article "Where To Park Near The Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal?" for a more comprehensive overview.
Local Tip: If you're travelling to the reef on a Sunday, look for a centre car park close by that displays a "3P FREE" sign to avoid paying any parking fees!
How do I pay for parking in Cairns?
Most of the council run paid car parks in Cairns use “Pay and Display Machines”. Machines accept Australian coins (except 5c coins) or Visa and Mastercard payments with a minimum balance of $1.00. But make a note that the "Pay and Display" machines do not provide change. You must display your parking ticket clearly on the dashboard of your car. Failure to display a valid parking ticket can result in a parking fine and the parking officers are always out and about checking the meters.
You can also use the EasyPark online app at the Hartley Street car park, Southern Esplanade (Lagoon) car park and many other off-street parking spots around the city.
