Great Barrier Reef

Spanning over 2,300 km of Queensland’s east coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most extensive coral reef system and largest World Heritage Listed area. Based on the outer edge of Australia’s continental shelf, the reef ranges from 40 kilometres to 370 kilometres in width. It has been developing for more than 10,000 years and is believed to be more than 500 metres thick in places.

As the world’s largest structure made by living organisms, it can be seen from outer space. Made up of more than 2,500 individual reefs and 600 islands, the reef offers plenty of fabulous activities.

You can visit the reef on a guided day cruise or stay on the reef overnight — either on a boat or on one of the islands. Choose from continental islands, which are peaks of sunken mountain ranges such as the Whitsunday Islands. Or visit a coral cay, true coral islands, such as Heron and Lady Elliot.

The reef offers some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. You will be introduced an underwater world of thousands of species of marine life — including around 1,500 types of brightly coloured fish, 4,000 types of molluscs, 400 types of coral, manta rays, marine turtles and much more.

A range of professional dive companies conduct learn-to-dive courses. If you prefer to stay dry, learn about the reef from a submersible craft or visit a land-based aquarium.

You can access the reef from many points along the coast, starting at the Fraser Coast in the south through to Cairns in the north.

To learn more about the Great Barrier Reef visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au or www.gbrmpa.gov.au.