Great Barrier Reef and its Magnificence

The Great Barrier Reef stretches its magnificence for 2300km in length and up to 24km in width, along the East coast of Queensland. It is the world’s largest coral reef system, with over 900 islands and about 2,900 individual reefs, it really is simply magical. There’s so much that you can explore on the Reef, ranging from islands that are home to pristine tropical beaches to beautiful underwater worlds that are waiting for you to dive in and be a part of this spectacular ecosystem. I can go on and on about the Reef, but to summarise, it genuinely is one of the most photogenic sceneries in the world.

From sightseeing trips to several days liveaboard, there are so many options out there for you to choose from. You can see the reef from many locations between Bundaberg and the Northern tip of Queensland. Here are some of the best ways of seeing the Great Barrier Reef. 

1. Day Trips from Cairns

Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef as many reef trips depart from here. There are countless tours with variety of options for you to choose from, suiting all budgets. The most popular options are day trips. All these trips will provide you with snorkelling equipments, food, amazing crews, and an awesome time. You will be able to see the reef and its spectacular ecosystem through snorkelling, or scuba diving at an additional cost. Be sure to take your GoPro with you to snap some amazing pics. Best of all, you will be sure to have an awesome time! Browse some of our best trips over on our Reef page.

2. Sail the Whitsundays

One of the best ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef! Spend a few days cruising around the Whitsundays and enjoy the true beauty of nature! Plenty of options to choose from for your trip, depending on your budget and needs. Don’t worry, you'll certainly find the right trip, but be sure to book in advance during the high season as they can sell out weeks in advance. Why not start planning a journey that is like no other, and be a part of this rich ecosystem by spending your night(s) on the Reef?

See our Whitsundays page for more information.

3. Liveaboard Trips

For those of you who are scuba diving enthusiasts, chances are that you have been on one or have heard of a liveaboard before. But for those of you who are not familiar with the concept of a it, it's basically when you stay on board a boat (often with private rooms) overnight, and conduct a few scuba dives throughout the day.

The benefit of a liveaboard trip is that you do not have to go back on land each night, giving you the opportunity to maximise the amount of dives you can do per day. Additionally, by going on this type of trip, you will be able to explore parts of the reef that day-trips would not usually be able to take you to because of time restraints.

If you are a non scuba diver, you can always start your diving journey on a liveaboard or just join as a snorkeller. If you are planning on doing your basic dive certifications (see point 4), you can do so in-part on a  liveaboard. Also, with many advanced courses available on overnight trips such as the Nitrox course, you can always progress your scuba skills. 

4. Learn to Scuba Dive

What better place to start your scuba diving journey than on the world famous Great Barrier Reef? As a dive professional myself, I know that the first ever time you submerge yourself into the deep blue is the most memorable time as a diver. Hence why it is important that you start your journey with one of the best diving spots in the world. Come see what the fuss around scuba diving is all about, and open yourself up to a new realm of adventure.

Where? Cairns of course! With many amazing dive schools situated here, you will be sure to find your right dive centre that will cater to your needs. However, please note that courses are popular and can be booked out weeks in advance.

5. Island Visits

As mentioned earlier, there are around 900 islands situated on the Great Barrier Reef. Some of them are easier than others to access, but regardless of this - island visits are a must when you visit the Reef. Whether you are planning on visiting one of the islands (or several) on a day trip, or even overnight, you will be in for an epic time. The islands are all unique and offer different charms. So here are my recommendations on which islands to visit if you do not know where to start.

1. Magnetic Island, Townsville  
2. Green Island, Cairns. 
3. Fitzroy Island, Cairns
4. Whitsundays, Airlie Beach
5. Lady Elliott, Bundaberg
6. Heron Island, Gladstone (was revisited by Sir David Attenborough in 2014) 

6. Scenic Flights Over the Reef

If you want to see the reef from a different point of view, why not check out a scenic flight? Viewing the reef from a bird’s eye view will let you take in the sheer size of it and will really enhance your Great Barrier Reef experience. You might even be able to spot some majestic marine creatures like Minke whales from above.

The two options that I would recommend are:

• Helicopter flight from Cairns
• Scenic flight on a propeller plane from Airlie Beach

Either or, these two trips will provide you with nothing, but an awesome time! Be sure to book early as seats are limited.

7. Underwater Stay 

Have you ever dreamt about having a bedroom with an underwater view surrounded by coral gardens and marine animals? Look no further. You can sleep on a pontoon in the middle of the ocean! It is Australia’s first ever underwater accommodation. Don’t worry, the pontoon was designed to co-exist with the ecosystem, rather than disturbing it. Alternatively, if you are looking for something more affordable, but just as awesome, why not sleep under the stars in a swag (portable sleeping unit) on the deck of the pontoon. 

Whichever way you decide to see it, the Great Barrier Reef really deserves it's spot as one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders. Don't miss it while you are visiting Australia.