Why Should You Visit the Great Barrier Reef, Australia?
Looking for a destination that’s perfect for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers? Look no further than the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
It has everything: beautiful coral reefs, water so clear you can see right through it, and more species of marine life than anywhere else in the world.
It is one of seven natural wonders according to UNESCO – an organization that gives special status to places that are important or interesting. And trust us, once you’ve been there, you’ll understand why it made the list.
You can do lots of things at the Great Barrier Reef besides marveling at its beauty. Think snorkeling with Technicolor fish or chilling out on idyllic islands surrounded by picturesque views.
In short, this Australian site is seriously special – keep reading to discover why it deserves a place on your travel wish list!
About the Location
Just off Australia’s northeast coast lies the Great Barrier Reef. It is bigger than any other coral reef system in the world. It is so big it can be seen from space – and stretches along 1,400 miles (2,300 kilometers) of Queensland coastline. More than 2,900 individual reefs make up the system, as well as about 900 islands.
The warm waters of the Coral Sea are ideal for a huge variety of marine life: there are more species here than anywhere else in the world. As well as beautiful corals, you find tropical fish by the thousand, plus turtles, sharks, manta rays, and much more!
The reef is often divided into three sections: Northern (the most pristine area), Central (including tourist hotspots such as Cairns and Whitsunday Islands), and Southern (cooler water with different species).
Each section has its own type of habitat. Together, these environments create an incredible place that supports a wide array of plants and animals: many thousands of types, in fact!
8 Things to Do in the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a world of natural beauty and awe-inspiring sights just waiting for you to discover. Don’t miss these eight unforgettable experiences and attractions when you travel to this incredible place:
1. Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
Embark on an adventure to the Great Barrier Reef and discover the magic beneath the waves. Whether you’re snorkeling or scuba diving, you’ll be met with a stunning sight: vivid marine life as far as the eye can see.
Look closer – there are tropical fish darting through coral gardens, hawksbill turtles gliding gracefully by, hard corals in every hue imaginable. This is nature at its most mind-bogglingly colorful!
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a snorkel before or if you’ve dived hundreds of times. Swimming here feels different from anywhere else in the world. Immerse yourself and experience something truly special in this UNESCO-listed area off Queensland’s coast.
2. Visiting Heart Reef
Join us for a romantic air journey to see the famous Heart Reef—a natural wonder that epitomizes both love and beauty with its perfect heart shape.
Take in this romantic icon from a bird’s-eye perspective as you glide above it on a sightseeing flight or helicopter ride: There’s nothing else like seeing the reef’s individual form contrasted against the endless blue sky and ocean.
Beyond being an interesting bit of geology, we think the Heart Reef holds appeal because it reminds us how enchanting and incredible the Great Barrier Reef can be at any age or size. Prepare to be moved!
3. Taking a Trip to Whitsunday Islands
Escape to the Whitsunday Islands for an unforgettable tropical vacation. Experience pure bliss as you sink your toes into sugary white sand and gaze at the water so clear that boats appear to float in the air.
While cruising through the heavenly blue sea around these 74 divine landmasses, take time out for beach lazing or snorkeling amid corals and clownfish.
Adventure or chill-out opportunities abound in this Great Barrier Reef gateway: it’s your own piece of paradise with a side order of world heritage-listed nature.
4. Visiting Green Island
Have an unforgettable time at Green Island, a one-of-a-kind tropical destination. This coral cay – just off Cairns – has striking beaches and vibrant marine wildlife, everything required for an amazing break.
With waters so clear, snorkeling on Green Island is unmissable. Get hold of a mask and flippers, then prepare to be wowed by the spectrum of corals below (among other oceanic wonders).
If you’d rather stay dry while exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s edge, take a trip on one of the glass-bottomed boats. Alternatively, do nothing more energetic than lie back on emerald forest-fringed white sands: paradise doesn’t get any more chilled than this!
5. Having an Adventure at Lady Elliot Island
Come and experience the magic of Lady Elliot Island! This little-known paradise is perfect if you love snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Swim in water so clear it hardly seems real, with tropical fish of every conceivable color darting through coral gardens just meters from where you enter. Float with graceful sea turtles as they ride the ocean currents. Marvel at huge manta rays somersaulting through their balletic feeding rituals.
And yes – there’s a good chance you’ll get up close and personal with some reef sharks, too! This place is pristine beyond belief, an encounter with nature that will leave you enchanted but desperate for more.
6. Visiting Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Discover the incredible range of conservation projects and green schemes that help make the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park so special.
By visiting one of several visitor centers spread throughout this enormous marine protected area, you can learn more about important efforts to keep this natural wonder alive and kicking.
Find out about sustainable practices, initiatives to restore habitats, and projects saving endangered species. And learn how you can play a part in keeping this precious ecosystem going strong for years to come.
7. Exploring Ribbon Reefs
Dive into the mesmerizing world of the Ribbon Reefs, a series of remote and pristine reefs located in the far north section of the Great Barrier Reef.
These reefs are famous for their dramatic walls that drop away steeply, providing exciting possibilities for divers and snorkelers to explore them while coming face-to-face with marine creatures.
Expect stunning underwater landscapes festooned with corals of every hue, as well as tropical fish by the school-load and graceful sea turtles.
8. Visiting Underwater Observatory
Experience the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef at underwater observatories like those found on Lady Musgrave Island. You can admire amazing coral gardens up close, bursting with life – no need to even put on a snorkel!
Through viewing windows, watch fish schools drifting by, spot inquisitive creatures darting around colorful corals, and marvel at this subaqueous realm’s exquisite complexity.
These centers provide a glimpse into an aquatic domain. Here, you’ll learn engrossing facts about how reefs work. Definitely visit if natural world activities appeal or when sea lovers have time off.
Bottom Line
Come and see the Great Barrier Reef for yourself! You won’t believe how beautiful it is – or how many different kinds of life live there.
There are so many things to do: admire coral reefs shaped like giant brains, swim alongside huge gropers (friendly ones), and simply float around in blue space surrounded by colorful wonders.
And every trip brings new surprises. Maybe you’ll find Nemo’s cousin hiding among anemones (he likes pink ones best). It’s also a chance to ponder plants and animals living altogether carefully balanced as if they knew what we don’t about fragile worlds.
Don’t miss out on visiting this amazing place. These memories promise never-ending awe-inspiring moments back home.
