7 of 7 Items
7 of 7 Items
The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest coral reef habitat, stretching over 2300km in the Coral Sea off the east coast of Australia. Made up of over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands it is the only living thing on earth that is visible from space. The reef is 15-150km off shore and 65km wide in places so all sorts of activities are possible. Sailing, snorkelling, diving, island stays and helicopter flights.
If you are a qualified diver, or want to learn how to dive then there is no better place to learn how to do so in such a diverse place. There are more than 400 different types of coral and over 1500 varieties of tropical fish, plus all of the other marine life that inhabits the reef; turtles, rays, molluscs, dolphins and more.
GREAT BARRIER REEF NEED TO KNOW
THINGS TO DO?
Depends on time and budget, a big highlight is a live-aboard dive trip (you can just snorkel if you want to) either for one or two nights. The advantage of staying on the boat is you can go much further than it is possible just on a day trip so you get to see more of the less visited reefs.
Day trips are fantastic to get the highlights, if you have less time available and consist of plenty of snorkelling to keep you busy. You can even take a trip out to a nearby island and snorkel off the beach as you please or just chill on the beach!
Other highlights include scenic helicopter rides over the reef. You really can take in the vastness of the reef from above.
GETTING THERE?
Access to the reef is mainly by boat, helicopter and sea plane are the other options but cost a lot more! The main access points from the mainland to the best parts of the reef are Cairns and Port Douglas in the north, but further down you can go from Townsville (Magnetic Island), Airlie Beach for The Whitsundays and as far down as Rockhampton further south.
ACCOMMODATION?
You can either stay on board a boat or at one of the resorts on an island if you want to stay on the reef. However most people will stay in Cairns or Port Douglas before heading out to he reef. There are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets from hostels to hotels and resorts.
OUR TOP TIPS?
Even if you have never tried diving before then do so here, there really is no better place to do so and it is a completely different world under the water. If possible head out to the quieter areas of the outer reef to where there are less people and more marine life.
ANYTHING ELSE?
Respect the reef, it is a living organism and one of the wonders of the world. Don't try to take a coral home with you and don't mistreat any of the underwater life in chase of a photo. Conversation is massive here so anything you can do to keep the reef healthy and alive is much appreciated.
BEST SELLING ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
EVERYTHING ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF