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What to Eat in Great Barrier Reef
Most visitors head to Cairns when they want to explore the reef, so it's hardly surprising that one of Queensland's most diverse dining scenes can be found here. Popular eateries include the French-inspired C'est Bon Restaurant Français, the Indonesian-focused Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant and Tha Fish Restaurant, where local seafood staples like fish and chips, seared tiger prawns and grilled Moreton Bay bugs (small lobsters) are on the menu. Travelers can also enjoy an array of local brews at Cairns' Barrier Reef Brewing Co.
For those who plan to linger farther south in Townsville, Australian restaurants like A Touch of Salt, JAM and IMC Steak House are available. Aussie dishes served throughout the city include grilled barramundi (a type of seabass native to Australia) and roasted lamb, and craft brews can be savored at Townsville Brewing Co. A few specialty restaurants, such as Chico Rio (a Brazilian dining venue) and GYO Japanese Tapas Bar Restaurant, are located in Townsville as well.
Travelers visiting the Whitsundays will find the bulk of the islands' eateries on Hamilton Island. Because of its proximity to the water, Hamilton Island offers a variety of seafood-focused restaurants, including Bommie (which is part of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club) and Mariners Restaurant (located within the Hamilton Island Marina complex). Australian pub grub and Asian and Italian fare are also available.
Find the Best Restaurants in Great Barrier Reef
- #1
Mi Piace Espresso Bar#1 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns
$ - $$ | Cafe, Australian119 Sheridan Street Opposite Munro Martin Park, Cairns, Queensland 4870 AustraliaRead More » - #2
Cruze Coffee#2 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #3
Snoogies#3 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #4
Cairns Burger Cafe#4 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #5
Trinity Beach Kebab House#5 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #6
Devine Gelato#6 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #7
Gelocchio#7 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #8
Waffle On Cairns#8 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #9
Dundee's at the Cairns Aquarium#9 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns
$ - $$ | Australian5 Florence St Cairns Aquarium, Cairns, Queensland 4870 AustraliaRead More » - #10
Piato#10 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #11
Tha Fish#11 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns 
Fusion Art, Bar & Tapas- #12
Vitalia's Italian Restaurant#12 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #13
Bang and Grind#13 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #14
Blackbird Laneway#14 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #15
Marinades Indian Cuisine Cairns#15 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #16
C'est Bon Restaurant Francais#16 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #17
Wawawa Izakaya#17 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns - #18
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse#18 of 593 Places to Eat in Cairns 
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