Destination Guide

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Natural Wonders of the World for a reason. This remarkable underwater world is visible from space and is the largest structure in the world to be made of living organisms. How incredible is that? It's nothing short of a miracle that this amazing coral network even exists.

Just how big is the Great Barrier Reef? The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 2900 coral reefs and 900 islands and expands over 344,000 square kilometres. This vast structure is home to countless marine plants and animals and draws millions of travellers from around the world every year. The Great Barrier Reef is bigger than most people can even imagine.

Where is the Great Barrier Reef located? The Great Barrier is in the beautiful Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Depending on what part of the reef you'd like to explore, boat trips to the reef from the Australia coast can take hours. But once you get there, it is well worth the trip.

How was the Great Barrier Reef formed? The Coral Sea Basin was formed due to seismic activity millions of years ago. Coral reefs began to grow in the Basin, but waters off the coast of Queensland were still too cold for coral to grow in. But due to changes in water temperature and water levels (both factors that determine coral reef growth and size) the Great Barrier Reef was allowed to grow to the impressive size it is today.

A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is bound to be one of the greatest experiences of any traveller's life. This remarkable and beautiful natural wonder can only exceed your expectations.

Getting in and around Great Barrier Reef

Cairns Airport

As one of the most famous tourist attractions in Australia, getting to the Great Barrier Reef is relatively easy. Many cities on the coast of Queensland have tourism industries largely based on reef tours. Cairns is just one city that offers snorkelling, diving, and other access to the reef.

If you are flying - either domestically or internationally - to the Reef, you will likely fly into Cairns International Airport. Cairns is a major airport in the region and sees regular domestic flights from cities throughout Australia as well as international connections. If Cairns is not your final destination, other tourist cities with Reef access are within driving distance of Cairns.

Great Barrier Reef Transport

If you wish to explore the Reef via the Whitsundays or Southern Reef Islands, the airports at Hamilton Island or Proserpine are also viable options. From there, you would take a boat or bus to your hotel, depending on its location.

^ Back to top

Great Barrier Reef accommdation

Hotels, hostels and budget accommodation are available throughout northern Queensland's premier tourist cities. Travellers on any budget can find quality accommodation throughout the region to ensure their trip to the Reef is comfortable and enjoyable.

Luxury
  • Sofitel Reef Hotel With a casino, nearby attractions, and delicious restaurants, there's something for everyone at the luxurious Sofitel Reef Hotel and Casino.
  • Hayman Island on the Whitsunday Island lets you experience Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef in style; this luxurious resort excels in service and beauty.
Mid-range
Budget
  • The Floriana Guesthouse offers affordable, convenient accommodation in a cosy and charming art deco structure.
  • The Bellview is just steps away from the water for easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.
Backpackers
^ Back to top

Things to do in the Great Barrier Reef

As you might imagine, most activities around the Great Barrier Reef involve getting wet. And if you've travelled to this remarkable destination, why wouldn't you want to see it up close and personal? But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous than that, or something a little less damp, there's plenty of ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling. The Great Barrier Reef is home to some of the worlds most beautiful exotic fish and marine life. Snorkelling is a great way to view these remarkable species and tours are available at almost any tourist spot in and around the reef.
  • Great Barrier Reef Sailing. Sailing is one of the most popular pastimes around the Great Barrier Reef. Sailing excursions are available at Whitsunday Sailing on Whitsunday Island among many other providers.
    • ^ Back to top

    Day trips in and around the Great Barrier Reef

  • Skydiving. Skydiving is just one way to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air. Skydiving services are available for all experience levels around the region.
  • Whitehaven Beach. Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with stark white sand and warm clear blue waters. It's quite a sight to behold.
  • Take a liveaboard trip. For travellers that want to experience the Great Barrier Reef for more than just a day, liveaboard cruises are available at many ports. Travellers can live aboard a ship and enjoy meals, snorkelling, and diving.
    • ^ Back to top