Great Barrier Reef Information

Great Barrier Reef Information

At over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 miles) from north to south, up to 65 kilometres (40 miles) wide and incorporating over 4,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is by far the world's largest reef system. Covered for the most part by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the reef is protected and managed to minimise the impact of human activity on what is a critical environment for literally millions of creatures, many of which are endangered. It none the less remains accessible with over 1,000 licensed operators taking tourists to view it's spectacular beauty first hand.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1500 fish species, around 30 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, 6 species of sea turtle, dugongs, 125 species of shark, stingray, skate or chimera, 5,000 species of mollusc and more. And that's just below the surface. Some 215 species of birds visit the reef to nest or roost on its islands.

The reef is a popular destination for tourists. Diving and snorkelling are big draw cards with day trips available to parts of the outer reef from many ports along the coast, especially Cairns. This is usually done from a pontoon moored directly on the reef and accessed by motor launch, allowing easy access to the amazing coral and marine life below. Charter boats also take divers to less frequented parts of the reef.

There are many resort islands within the Marine Park, from Lady Elliot Island in the South, through the popular Whitsundays Islands and the ultra luxurious Lizard Island and Bedarra Island further north. Sail-yourself yacht charters are also popular in the Whitsundays. The waters of the reef are warm year round but most visitors come during the Australian winter.