The most unforgettable dining experiences on the Great Barrier Reef

Nestled between Cairns and Port Douglas, travellers to the Great Barrier Reef often make a beeline to Palm Cove for its gold sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees. And you can enjoy much of its idyllic shoreline while dining at the iconic Nu Nu Restaurant. 

Over the past 20 years, the restaurant has gained national recognition for its creative menu showcasing regional produce and forgotten flavours of North Queensland. So committed to sourcing fresh ingredients, even the artisanal sourdough is house-made using a starter that was born in 2000.

Dishes of whole barramundi, line-caught reef fish and palm hearts from Innisfail offer a taste of the tropical north on a plate, all before waterfront Coral Sea views.

Orpheus Island Lodge, Townsville

A chopper ride from Townsville, Orpheus Island Lodge offers an all-inclusive private island getaway right in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Just 28 guests at a time have the privilege of waking up to the sounds of the reef and enjoying every main meal by the water, as it's dished up by the hatted restaurant. 

With only the freshest seasonal produce in their arsenal (harvested from the island’s own veggie garden as much as possible), the team offers an ever changing tapas-style lunch and a four-course dinner with matched wines every night. They’ll even prepare an indulgent picnic hamper to accompany adventures to nearby island beaches.

When it comes to protein, Orpheus sources fresh prawns, bugs, and lobsters from local fisherman, including their own guests. Given its seclusion, Orpheus is a popular destination for keen fishermen wanting to try their luck in the tides. If your efforts prove fruitful, the kitchen team will prepare your fresh catch for dinner that night.

Don't miss the opportunity for the Dining with the Tides experience, where a private dinner is served at sunset on the pier. 

Lizard Island Resort, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

The northernmost island resort on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is a dream escape for foodie couples as well as those who love adventure and diving (Cod Hole - one of the world's best dive sites - is close by).  Stay here and you'll have a comprehensive suite of dining experiences at your fingertips to round out days snorkelling off deserted beaches, from beachside picnics to drinks in a world class wine cellar to a degustation dinner.

Pride of the island is the Salt Water restaurant. We can’t tell you exactly what to order because the menu changes daily. We can say that Salt Water’s offerings are dictated by the produce sourced from the surrounding waters and northern hinterland.

Expect the freshest North Queensland seafood combined with flavours of Asian, Modern Australian and European cuisine, complemented by a premium drop from the island’s cellar. And with 180 degree views over Watsons Bay and Osprey Reef, it doesn’t matter where you sit.

Picnic on Vlasoff Cay, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Sitting 40km off the coast of Cairns, Vlasoff Cay is a floating stretch of sand stranded in the middle of the Reef. It can only be reached by watercraft or, for those feeling a little more opulent, by helicopter. But no matter how you get there, you’ll soon be floored by the cay’s aquamarine waters and near-white sand; the perfect spot for a picnic.

There are plenty of companies that will deliver you and a boozy brunch to this shard of paradise, Nautilus Aviation included. Expect heaped plates of fresh tropical fruit, local seafood, champagne, and the glorious reef before you. Just remember to bring shade and SPF.

qualia's signature dining experiences, Hamilton Island

While the Great Barrier Reef is home to some of the nation’s most opulent resorts, qualia is its most famed. Their focus on sustainability and ethical practices is felt in every aspect of the resort, particularly restaurant Pebble Beach where the waterfront views and menu will mesmirise. 

Executive chef Mark Jensen utilises ingredients with an ethical edge. Seasonal produce is sourced sustainably, and locally where possible, from like-minded producers all across the country. The resultant dishes give a snapshot of the diversity of Australia’s produce and cuisine. To get a full picture of what this looks like, opt for Pebble Beach’s six-course tasting menu, or book a private dinner on the beach.

Dining experiences don't end there: sign up for a Talk and Taste masterclass where you'll sample your way through pairings like sushi and sake, champagne and oysters, or wine and cheese. 

Reefsuites, The Whitsundays

A night at the Whitsundays’ ReefSuites is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the reef. This underwater hotel is the first of its kind, bringing you closer than ever to the thousands of fish, rays, and marine mammals swimming around the heritage-listed waters. Just one look through the floor-to-ceiling windows of your suite is all it takes.

All meals are served on the upper deck of Cruise Whitsundays' Hardy Reef pontoon. Whether you’re eating breakfast overlooking the water, or digging into dinner beneath the stars, it’s all but impossible to imagine anything more idyllic. 

Prefer sleeping underneath the stars rather than underneath the water? Book a Reefsleep swag on the top deck instead. 

Wilson Island, Gladstone

Deserted island experiences are plattered up differently in the Southern Great Barrier Reef - and when it comes to Gladstone's Wilson Island, it's wrapped in a gourmet, glamping package.

Home to just nine eco-tents by the shore, Wilson Island is your escape to tune out everyday life and tune into untouched nature. But the barefoot-style digs don't mean you'll dine like a castaway. This is an all-inclusive resort, with chefs preparing meals and snacks, from gourmet picnics to take to your favourite spot on the beach, to sunset drinks and canapes, to nightly dinners that showcase Aussie produce and flavours. 

Feast while sailing through the Whitsunday Islands

Sailing the pristine waters of The Whitsundays and dropping anchor at private coves teeming with marine life is among the best Great Barrier Reef adventures - especially if you captain your own yacht. 

You might just find that the highlight of each day comes after you exit the water: dry off on deck, crack a beer, and settle into a seafood platter or BBQ with your crew. Skip the supermarket lines before you set sail and enlist the expertise of Whitsundays Provisioning instead - they've been providing meals to holidaymakers here for over 25 years and can fully stock your adventure, down to midmorning snacks and happy hours. They'll even re-provision mid-holiday to ensure freshness. Cheers to that. 

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, The Whitsundays