Things to do at the Great Barrier Reef

“The Great Barrier Reef is not simply a destination — it is an invitation to step into the living world and wonder.”

A World of Wonder Waiting to Be Explored

The Great Barrier Reef stretches along more than 2,300 kilometres of the Queensland coastline, and what it offers to visitors is as vast as it is varied. Whether you are slipping beneath the surface for the first time, gliding above on a scenic flight, or simply sitting at the water’s edge and watching the sun set gold over the Coral Sea, there is something here that will change the way you see the natural world.

Snorkelling the Living Reef

Snorkelling is one of the most accessible ways to meet the reef up close. Guided reef pontoon tours depart daily from Cairns, Port Douglas, the Whitsundays, and other gateway towns, carrying snorkellers to sheltered outer reef sites where coral gardens shimmer in clear turquoise water. Fish weave through staghorn formations, sea turtles drift past without concern, and reef sharks move calmly through the blue. You do not need experience — only curiosity and a spirit of adventure.

Plan Your TripA friendly guide to planning your reef getaway.Read more →Reef Safety HubStinger season, safe swimming, reef-safe sunscreen and gear checks in one place.Read more →Reef Safe SunscreenWhy your sunscreen choice matters for the coral, and what to look for.Read more →

Scuba Diving — Discover a World Below the World

For those ready to go deeper, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the great diving destinations on the planet. Certified divers can explore advanced sites like the Cod Hole, Pixie Pinnacle, and the Ribbon Reefs on liveaboard expeditions. Those who have never dived before can try an Introductory Scuba experience on a day tour — fully guided, fully supported, and absolutely unforgettable. Learn to Dive courses are available in Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays.

Scenic Flights and Helicopter Tours

Some perspectives can only be gained from the sky. Scenic flights over the reef reveal patterns and shapes invisible from the water — swirling coral formations, vivid blue channels, and the extraordinary heart-shaped coral of Heart Reef in the Whitsundays. Helicopter and fixed-wing flights depart from multiple gateway cities and offer one of the most striking views on earth.

Green IslandA coral cay near Cairns with snorkelling, beaches and rainforest walks.Read more →Fitzroy IslandA rainforest island near Cairns with snorkelling, beaches and walks.Read more →Hamilton IslandBeaches, snorkelling, reef tours and sailing in the Whitsundays.Read more →Lady Elliot IslandA coral cay at the southern tip of the reef, known for manta rays.Read more →

Wildlife Encounters — Turtles, Dolphins, and More

The reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of sea turtle, pods of spinner dolphins, dugongs, humpback whales, whale sharks, and over 1,600 species of fish. Wildlife encounters are a central part of any reef experience. Reef pontoon tours frequently attract sea turtles and reef fish. Dedicated whale watching cruises operate during migration season, and snorkellers may find themselves swimming alongside gentle reef sharks in calm, clear water.

Island Stays and Remote Retreats

Some of Queensland’s most extraordinary experiences involve staying on a reef island. Green Island, Heron Island, Lizard Island, Lady Elliot Island, and the Whitsunday Islands all offer accommodation ranging from eco-lodges to luxury resorts — with the reef at your doorstep from the moment you wake. Island stays allow for early morning snorkels, sunset beach walks, and a stillness that is difficult to find anywhere else.

Great Barrier Reef Sea TurtlesGreen, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, and where to see them.Read more →Great Barrier Reef SharksReef sharks, hammerheads and whale sharks, and where to see them.Read more →Manta RayManta rays: how they feed and where you can see them.Read more →DolphinsDolphins of the reef and where you might see them.Read more →Great Barrier Reef FishThe colourful tropical fish of the reef, and where to see them.Read more →

Glass Bottom Boats and Semi-Submarines

Not everyone chooses to get wet — and that is perfectly fine. Glass bottom boat tours and semi-submarine experiences allow guests to observe the reef through clear panels below the waterline, watching coral and fish move just centimetres away. These experiences are ideal for families with young children, non-swimmers, and travellers who prefer to stay dry while still connecting with the underwater world.

Reef Education and Cultural Connections

The reef is a living classroom. Many tour operators offer reef education programs for school groups and visitors interested in marine science and conservation. Just as important is the reef’s cultural significance — for the First Nations peoples of the Queensland coast, these waters have been home, larder, and sacred landscape for more than 60,000 years. Some operators offer guided experiences that share this deeper story of connection to sea country.

Marine Life of the Great Barrier ReefThe animals of the reef, from turtles and sharks to tiny reef fish.Read more →Coral ReefHow a coral reef forms, and the life it supports.Read more →Great Barrier Reef IslandsGreen Island, Fitzroy Island, the Whitsundays and more, compared.Read more →Reef LocationsThe gateway towns to the reef, from Cairns to the southern reef.Read more →

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Frequently Asked Questions