The Reef from Cairns or Port Douglas, and Uluru at the right hour

Day boats to the Great Barrier Reef leave Cairns and Port Douglas; the outer reef pontoons are best for snorkeling, and the smaller boats to fewer sites are better for divers. Uluru's base walk (about 10 kilometers, flat) is best at dawn before the heat and the flies, and the sunset viewing area fills early. Climbing Uluru has been prohibited since 2019; the Anangu ask visitors not to photograph certain sacred sections, which are signed.