<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by FlyLots:
Reef: If you want show-stopping resort hotel, there is nothing better than the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas. Another choice is the Silky Oaks Lodge which is located in the rainforest and a real "luxury-adventure" type of place. But it is radically different in that it is not near the beach and doesn't have the same tropical resort feel as the Sheraton.</font>
to clarify, both properties are not on the reef. In order to be on the reef, one has to be on one of the actual reef islands.
If you are staying in Port Douglas, there is an operation that runs quicksilvers out to Agincourt Reef, but the roundtrip takes 3 hours by boat and you are left not much time to experience the reef.
Do yourself a favor and stay ON the reef to enjoy. Resorts such as Hayman, Lizard Island or Orpheus will be a not to forget experience.