It’s so massive, astronauts can see it quite clearly from space, however the Great Barrier Reef is much more impressive down low and up close. The largest reef system on earth is so huge (bigger than Italy!), you could dive, snorkel and sail around it for a lifetime without seeing everything. And you’d never lose your sense of wonder, as vast displays of coral, colourful fish, various shell shapes and designs fill three dimensions of ever-changing beauty.
Extending 2000 km and covering an area of 35 million hectares, 2800 living reefs combine to make The Great Barrier Reef, which today remains the largest-ever World Heritage Area. These reefs form an extensive eco-system teaming with around 1500 species of fish, 4000 species of molluscs, 400 varieties of sponge and countless other wonders, such as dugongs (sea cows) and large green turtles. With around 350 different types of coral, the brilliant colours and textures are nothing short of breathtaking. Every Australian should add the Great Barrier Reef to their list of things to experience in this lifetime.
Diving and snorkelling
If you are a SCUBA diver, be sure to borrow or buy an underwater camera to capture the magic. There are many shipwrecks to dive, each with a unique and interesting story. Bright coral gardens are home to colourful schools of fish (including Nemo, of course) and you might even bump into Crush, the giant sea turtle. Full equipment and organized dives are available in every town close to The Great Barrier Reef.
If you aren’t a diver, there are expert diving courses being offered all along the coast of Queensland. Consider trying an “introductory dive” (just about every diving school and resort offer them) and if you are hooked, sign up and earn your qualifications in what are arguably the most impressive diving locations on earth. (Note: flying and SCUBA don’t mix. Arrange all scenic flights to occur before diving, and return flights at least two days after diving.)
If you suffer from ear or sinus problems, avoid diving and try snorkelling instead. In addition to the best SCUBA, the Reef also offers the best snorkelling locations in the world. Coral in shallow water sparkles in the sun and provides endless enjoyment. Wear a life jacket and simply float motionless in your chosen area, while fish playfully swim around you.
Glass-bottomed boats, glass observations areas and submarines
Not everybody likes to get wet, but everyone will enjoy seeing this member of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Check the tourism offices in the towns along the coast for their dry viewing options.
When to go
Without question, the best time to visit is during the winter months. Summer brings daily rain, typhoons, cyclones and deadly box jellyfish to the north coasts. In contrast, winter is the dry season, beaches are free of the box jellyfish, and the region offers a warm escape from the cool winters down south.
How to get there
Getting to the Great Barrier Reef itself will require some sort of watercraft, whether it’s a private yacht or charter vessel. Thankfully, there are plenty around, as well as countless tours ranging from live-aboard diving cruises to brisk afternoon sails. Many people fly to Cairns as their starting point because this major international airport offers easy access for flights arriving from any city. Alternatively, there are flights into many other towns along the coast, including Townsville, Port Douglas and Mackay. Major roads lead to most of the mainland towns along the coast, and the drive up Queensland is well worth taking. If you have a 4WD, you might consider staying in Cape Tribulation or Cooktown.
Accommodation
Here is a chance to try something extraordinary; spend days snorkelling or diving, while returning to a yacht or schooner for an evening’s kip. Be sure to check out TakeABreak’s fantastic Far North Queensland yacht accommodation.
For those who like to keep their beds firmly planted on the ground, TakeABreak offers literally hundreds of options near the Reef. Whether you’re after luxurious suites and apartments or prefer quaint boutique hotels and B&Bs, you’ll find them in our Far North Queensland selection. (Hint: refine your listing by clicking the “All localities” drop down menu. You can pick which towns you’d like to stay in during your trip to the Reef.)
Ideal length of visit
Snorkellers and divers will never want to leave the Great Barrier Reef, therefore it will come down to how much time you can afford to be away. Landlubbers may prefer relaxing on beaches, exploring nearby rainforests, boutiques and galleries – but stretch your comfort zone to allow at least a two-hour glass-bottom boat trip to the Reef. Extreme sports and adventure enthusiasts will need plenty of time to fit in all the diving, white-water rafting, sailing, and skydiving which are popular in this region. So suffice to say, you should plan to stay as long as possible!
Further information
If you are interested in learning more about The Great Barrier Reef, check out the Department of Environment and Water Resources. For useful travel articles describing the various towns in Queensland where you might stay during a visit to the Reef, be sure to visit Holiday Inspirations. Check back often, as new articles are frequently being added to provide you with the most up-to-date information.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide, Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a frequent rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would
enjoy.”
Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
Kylie Jane Degeling wrote this article
