Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef is 1 of the seven natural wonders of the World

One of the World's outstanding natural treasures, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see. In 1981 UNESCO declared almost the entire Great Barrier Reef  World Heritage.  As the World's most extensive coral reef ecosystem. Coral cays and over 3000 separate reef systems make up the Great Barrier Reef.  This reef is home to some of the World's most magnificent sun-kissed beaches and a wealth of aquatic life. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the World's most popular tourist sites because of its natural splendour. Scuba diving, snorkelling, bareboat sailing, semi-submersibles and educational visits, cruise ship tours, whale watching and swimming with dolphins are just a few of the activities available to visitors visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

The wonder of the World

The  Great Barrier reef is the largest living thing on Earth and is visible from outer space. The GBR runs parallel to the North Queensland coast.  While the marine park extends from Bundaberg in the south to Cape York in the north, covering a distance of 3000 kilometres (1800 miles). It is between 15 and 150 kilometres off the Queensland coast.    This coral reef is a stunning collection of bright, vivid corals.  Here snorkelers and scuba divers can have the most breathtaking underwater experience.

LIfe

More than 1500 tropical fish species, over 200 bird species, around 20 reptile species, including sea turtles and 120-year-old giant clams, can be found in the Great Barrier Reef's impressive coral gardens. Life on the reef includes over 400 different types of corals,  sponges, molluscs, rays, and dolphins. Humpback whales, which migrate from Antarctica, breed on the reef, home to endangered species such as the Dugong (Sea Cow) and a giant Green Sea Turtle. The reef has become one of the most popular tourist sites globally due to its stunning natural features above and below the water's surface. In 2006, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park allowed roughly 820 operators and 1500 vessels and aircraft permits to showcase the reef.  Making it possible for anybody to experience the Great Barrier Reef and learn about its natural wonders and World Heritage values up close and personal.

Ports

Along the Queensland coast, you will find ports where tour operators are keen to show the GBR.

• Airlie Beach
• Cairns
• Mackay
• Port Douglas
• Rockhampton
• Townsville

Visitors can make their choice between day tours, liveaboards and tropical islands.