Itineraries · Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

The outer reef with Quicksilver: Agincourt Reef

Day trip · Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. 1 day: boat from Port Douglas, 3.5 hours at the reef, 3 stops.

Whole route in Google Maps ↗Open on the interactive map
The outer reef with Quicksilver: Agincourt Reef
Duration
1 day: boat from Port Douglas, 3.5 hours at the reef (≈ 8 h: moving and stop time only)
Who it suits
Everyone
Transport
ferry
Start
Port Douglas Marina
Finish
Hemingway's Brewery Port Douglas
Pace
moderate pace
Best time
June to October: calmer winds and no stingers
Budget per adult
A$338 + A$10 fuel surcharge, coach from Cairns A$45Prices as of: October 2026

Getting there

Port Douglas is an hour north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway. Without a car, the simplest option is the Quicksilver coach from Cairns and the Northern Beaches: A$45 return for an adult.

Stops in order

The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.

  1. 1. Port Douglas Marina~30 min at the stop

    The Quicksilver boat leaves at 10am, board 15 minutes before. A$338 per adult and A$179 per child aged 4 to 14, with the A$8.50 Marine Park charge already included.

    Tip: Since 1 April 2026 there is a fuel surcharge of A$10 per adult and A$5 per child. Take seasickness tablets before you sail.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ ferry · 1 h 30 min · 65 km

  2. 2. Agincourt Reef~3 h 30 min at the stop

    A ribbon reef on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. From the pontoon: snorkelling, an underwater observatory and a semi-submersible for non-swimmers.

    Tip: From November to May snorkel only in a Lycra stinger suit, available on the pontoon. The buffet lunch and gear are included.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ ferry · 1 h 30 min · 65 km

  3. 3. Hemingway's Brewery Port Douglas~1 h at the stop

    The brewpub in the same marina, 44 Wharf Street. The boat is back around 4:30pm.

    Tip: The Quicksilver coach to Cairns waits at the marina, so the beer works best if you are staying in Port Douglas.

    Open on the map ↗

Before you go

  • Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
  • Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
  • On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.