The Ultimate Guide to the Great Barrier Reef
Information, facts, news, tours and more. Begin ExploringThe reef at a glance:
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and the largest living organism on earth visible from space. The collection of islands and coral reefs form a barrier along Queensland’s East Coast, hence the name The Great Barrier Reef. The complex eco system made up of hard and soft coral is spread over 344,000 square kilometres in total; equivalent to the size of countries like Japan or Italy. The Great Barrier Reef also serves as a habitat and food source for millions of unique and threatened marine species.
Scientists estimate that only 10% of the reef is ever visited by tourists while 90% remain untouched and undisturbed.
Image courtesy of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Geography of the Great Barrier Reef:
The Great Barrier Reef can be found in the Coral Sea on Australia’s East Coast. The reef is not a single entity or location but thousands of islands and reefs that begin from the tip of Queensland at Cape York to Bundaberg in the south. Certain stretches come as close to 15km offshore while other areas are hundreds of kilometres from the mainland. There are several towns and cities that can be used as entry points to access the Great Barrier Reef and we hope this guide is helpful to you in planning your next holiday to the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
10 Things to do on Great Keppel Island
The Great Keppel Islands are a quiet, understated island on the Capricorn Coast . The island is a great place to escape from the daily grind and get off grid amongst natural surroundings and the beautiful coral reef.
Whitsundays Bucket List
The Whitsundays are one of the most beautiful parts of the Queensland coastline surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. If you are short on time then here are 5 things you MUST see and do when you visit The Whitsundays.
3 Days on Green Island
Green Island is a popular island near Cairns perfect for a day trip or island getaway. The island is the only coral cay in the reef to have a rainforest and beautiful fringing reefs.
Best Dive Sites in the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is an aquatic playground for divers seeking close encounters with the unique and friendly marine life. We have compiled a list of the best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef.
Southern Great Barrier Reef Dive Trail
The Southern Great Barrier Reef has some amazing little known dive sites where there are an abundance of marine life guaranteed to leave you in awe of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Eight of the Great Barrier Reef
Great Eight are the famous and iconic creatures of the Great Barrier Reef that you will likely encounter when you head out snorkelling or diving. A close encounter with any of these marine species is an amazing experience that you will never forget.
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