Hotels in Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef

Overnighting on the Reef

Spirit of Freedom (tel. 07/4047 9150; fax 07/4047 9110; www.spiritoffreedom.com.au) in Cairns offers a chance to "sleep on the Reef" aboard the 36m (120-ft.) Spirit of Freedom, a sleek, modern motor yacht with electronic stabilizers, a widescreen TV with DVD player, comfortable lounge areas, sun decks, and 11 luxury double or quad shared cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom. There are 3-, 4-, and 7-day cruises to choose from. You will visit the popular Cod Hole and Ribbon Reef and, on the 4- and 7-day trips, venture into the Coral Sea. A 3-day, 3-night trip will cost A$1,425 to A$2,200 depending on your choice of cabin and ends with a 193km (120-mile) one-way low-level flight from Lizard Island back to Cairns. The 4-day, 4-night cruise begins with the flight and then cruises from Lizard Island back to Cairns. It costs between A$1,750 and A$2,500 and includes up to 16 dives. A 7-day cruise, priced from A$2,925 to A$4,450 is a combination of both shorter trips. On a 3-day trip you will fit in up to 11 dives, and up to 27 on the 7-day trip. Prices include meals and pickup from your Cairns accommodations. Allow A$120 to A$245 extra for equipment rental.