This is a no brainer to me. The only island/resort thats directly on the reef is Lizard Island. Lizard Island is one of the highest rated places to stay in the world. The beaches are amazing not to mention if you go in the fall you can go black marling fishing. I forgot to mention that the diving is incredible too. The rooms are very close to the water. Its an 45 minute small plane ride northeast of Cairns. Whats great about Lizard is that its not built up and crowded like Haymen. Haymen is very over rated. Good Luck,Andy PS--Make sure you go Sept- mid December.