The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s seven natural wonders.
Australia’s northeast coast is home to the Great Barrier Reef, a place of extraordinary beauty and variety. Located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is visible from outer space.
- Over 400 different types of coral
- 1,500 other fish species,
- There are four thousand different kinds of molluscs.
- 240 species of birds
- 6 of the World’s seven sea turtles
Great Barrier Reef Gateways |
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Airlie Beach | Bundaberg | Cairns |
Cape Tribulation | Cape York | Cardwell |
Cooktown | Mission Beach | Port Douglas |
Townsville | Whitsundays | Yeppoon |
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is of significant scientific significance since it protects endangered animals like the dugong and green sea turtles.
Teeming with brightly coloured fish and coral, it is a must-see destination. It is best seen with a mask and fins snorkelling and scuba diving.
The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s most extensive coral reef ecosystem, is a globally significant and exceptional entity.
This World Heritage Site includes the entire ecosystem, covering an area of 348,000 square kilometres that stretches from Fraser Island in the south to the tip of Cape York.
This wide range has many depths, from shallow coastal areas to oceanic waters over 2,000 metres deep.
Great Barrier Reef Islands
There are over 900 islands within the Great Barrier Reef, from small sandy cays to mountainous continental islands.
Book an island tour today.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 2,500 distinct reefs of varied sizes and shapes.
Many billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps, make up the reef. The reefs support a staggering array of marine life and flora. This coral reef is the largest single structure created by living organisms.
In 1981, it was designated a World Heritage Site and listed among the world’s seven natural wonders. The Queensland National Trust has made it an official icon of the state.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) protects most of the Great Barrier Reef. GBRMPA monitors its preservation and protection from the ongoing impact of human use, including fishing and tourism.
The Great Barrier Reef has been part of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ culture for thousands of years. It is integral to their culture, belief systems, and spirituality.
The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see location from Lady Elliot and Bundaberg in central Queensland through the Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Cairns, and Cape York.
It generates billions of dollars of economic activity and sustains many small and large towns, including Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach.
Great Barrier Reef FAQ’s
Q. What is the Great Barrier Reef?
Q. Where is the Great Barrier Reef ?
Q. How big is the Great Barrier Reef?
Q. What is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?
Q. How many types of coral are there?
Q. What kind of marine life can be found in the Great Barrier Reef?
Q. Is the Great Barrier Reef in danger?
Q. Is the Great Barrier Reef visible from space?
Q. Can you snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef?
Q. What is coral bleaching?
Q. Can tourists visit the Great Barrier Reef islands?
Q. Are there restrictions on visiting the Great Barrier Reef?
Every Visitor helps
Visiting the reef is not only an unforgettable experience but also one of the most effective ways you can contribute to preserving the Great Barrier Reef. Every visitor to the reef plays a vital role in its conservation efforts by paying an environmental management charge. This fee not only supports the daily maintenance of the marine park but also elevates the Great Barrier Reef’s reputation as the world’s best-managed reef.
- Recycle trash
- Use a reusable cup
- Reusable water bottle
- Plant a tree
- Use only organic fertilisers.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Say no to single-use plastics.
Help Save the Great Barrier Reef
Molly Steer, an 11-year-old local Cairns girl, started StrawNoMore to help stop plastic straws.
Reef Restoration Foundation, James Cook University, and local tourism operators are establishing a coral nursery on the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef Check Australia uses citizen science to connect people to take positive action to protect coral reefs.
Attend a Reef talk and learn about the GBR.
Next, book one of our fantastic Great Barrier Reef Tours.
Then, take a scenic flight and see the GBR from above.
For the Ultimate way to experience, spend at least one night onboard Reef Encounter.
Now, explore the Great Barrier Reef gateways.