The World Heritage-Listed Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's great natural marvels, boasting stunning underwater beauty as the
world’s largest coral reef and being one of the seven natural wonders of the
world. It is also home to an abundance of marine life and over 100 islands,
each with their golden sandy beaches, azure waters and lush tropical greenery completing
this real-life picture of paradise. Find out how best to explore this
incredible beauty.
Location and how to get there
Stretching more than 2,300 kilometres along Australia’s north east Queensland coastline in the Coral Sea, from Cape York to Bundaberg, lies the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Easily accessible by road, bus, rail, sea and air which is serviced mainly by Cairns, Townsville, Hamilton Island and Proserpine Airports.
Where to stay
Due to the sheer size of this natural phenomenon there are a number of options when considering where to base yourself. Cairns is considered the gateway with Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Hamilton Island, Lizard Island, Mossman and Heron Island also among the most popular locations all depending on what type of holiday you are looking for.
Best time to go
Generally considered to be between May and October due to the lower humidity and increased visibility.
Did you know?
It is currently the only living thing on Earth that is
visible from space. And a beautiful one at that!
Ways to explore
Snorkelling is one of the most popular ways to explore the
reef, from first timers to experienced. In fact it’s a great way to start learning
with many operators offering a beginners option plus the water is warm and the
underwater scenery, spectacular.
Glass bottomed boat tours are also favoured by many as a
great way to view the reef while being able to stay completely dry with some
also offering an optional snorkel or scuba dive excursion. These vessels are
designed to accommodate most passenger types and offered from several locations
including Cairns, Port Douglas, Mission Beach and Green Island.
Like snorkelling, the Great Barrier Reef is the epitome of
scuba diving and also another option for beginners to advanced divers. For the
first timers, the sites around the islands offer calm and protected spots that
are relatively shallow and the more experienced divers’ deeper sites on the
outer reefs. Either way you will experience some of the most superb diving in
the world.
To gain a widened perspective and grasp of the sheer
magnitude and vastness of the Great Barrier Reef, you can take to the skies via
a helicopter flight or light aircraft to view this stunning natural wonder from
above.
Other reef experiences include fishing charters, skydiving,
bare boats (self-sail), the absolutely unique Seawalker Helmet Diving
experience, submarine tours, water sports, swimming with dolphins and whale
watching.
Whitehaven Beach Lizard Island
Other must sees
Whitehaven Beach is considered one of the most beautiful
beaches in the world and is a definite must see. Located on the stunning
Whitsunday Island, it has been voted as Queensland’s cleanest and most eco-friendly
beach. Reached via water vessels on a day trip, the island offers excellent
snorkelling conditions, some great walking trails plus a fantastic short hike
to Hill Inlet Lookout for views over the impossibly white sand and clear
turquoise waters. Paradise.
Green Island is a beautiful 6,000-year-old coral cay located
within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the only island in the region
that boasts its own rainforest. Located about 45 minutes via catamaran from
Cairns, it is home to an abundant and rich marine, flora and bird life made discoverable
via the Interpretive Boardwalk, Marineland Crocodile Park and beautiful
underwater conditions for snorkelling, diving and more.
Home to 24 secluded beaches, yes 24 of them, and a turquoise
lagoon, Lizard Island is luxury. Aptly named after the island’s monitor
lizards, it also home to a variety of birdlife, wildlife and beautiful coral
reefs just offshore. Here you can stay at the exclusive five-star Lizard Island
Resort and wine and dine yourself through happiness and relaxation with this
all-inclusive retreat which offers a gourmet modern Australian menu, sunset
drinks at the bar and a picnic hamper for a private beach sojourn.
Reefsuite
For a special experience we recommend:
Reefsuites
Experience the Great Barrier Reef in the most unique way, in
a once in a lifetime unforgettable experience. Reefsuites offer an overnight
sleep in their underwater accommodation with a full overnight window view into
the magical marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, moored offshore at Hardy
Reef, 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach. Cruise through the stunning
Whitsunday Islands to your vessel where lunch awaits, followed by a snorkel,
dive, swim or scenic helicopter flight to see famous Heart Reef (additional
cost). The evening involves sunset drinks and a long-table dinner on the upper
deck followed by a leisurely morning breakfast and exclusive morning on the
reef before you unfortunately must leave this blissfully memorable encounter.
Click here for our Tropical North Queensland Holidays or contact one of our friendly team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au to tailor a holiday to suit you.
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland, Unsplash, Journey Beyond
