Great Barrier Reef

Overview

Overview

Encompassing roughly 3,000 individual reefs and dotted with almost 900 islands and coral cays (small sandy isles), Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most unforgettable natural treasures. Snorkelers and certified divers flock here to see the unparalleled array of marine life.

The Basics
With experts expecting much of the reef’s diversity to dwindle in the next decade, there’s never been a better time to plan a visit to this natural wonder. Seeing the entire Great Barrier Reef could take weeks. The most important scuba diving and snorkeling spots include the Saxon, Hastings, and Norman reefs in the outer Great Barrier Reef. Join one of the area’s many snorkeling and scuba diving-focused cruises or day trips. You can also turn your trip into an educational opportunity by getting your PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate. 

You can also explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site from above with a cruise in a catamaran or a glass-bottom boat. Scenic helicopter flights offer an overview and will give you a sense of the immensity of this remarkable ecosystem.

Things to Know Before You Go
  • Keep in mind that strenuous water activities are not recommended for people with medical conditions affecting the heart or lungs.
  • If you experience motion sickness, take preventative medication at least 30 minutes prior to boarding the boat. 
  • A stinger suit to protect you from jellyfish is recommended if you will be swimming in the waters off Green and Fitzroy Islands or the Frankland Islands.

How to Get There
The Great Barrier Reef runs 1,426 miles (2,300 kilometers) from Bundaberg to Australia’s northernmost tip, coming closest to the continent right around Queensland. Scuba diving excursions, snorkeling trips, and reef cruises depart from Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, and Townsville. The boat ride from Cairns can take 45–90 minutes, depending on which island you’re headed to.

When to Get There
The water is at its clearest from April to October, but the reef can be enjoyed all year round. From December to March (summertime in the Southern Hemisphere), the water temperature is around 86℉ (30℃). From May to August whales migrate to the reef, and in the spring the coral spawns.

Reefworld
A popular way to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Reefworld consists of two giant pontoons floating over Hardy Reef, one of the site’s smaller reefs. Here, you can snorkel, scuba dive, explore in semi-submersibles, or stay dry in an underwater viewing chamber. Tours to Reefworld depart from Port of Airlie, near Airlie Beach.
Info

Address

Pier Marina, Pier Point Road
Cairns & the Tropical North, Queensland

Categories

Well-known Landmarks

Business Hours

Speciality

Reefs

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