Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in north-east Australia. It stretches over 2000 kilometres in length and can be seen from space.

The Great Barrier Reef is a large system of about 900 islands and over 3000 coral reefs, which mostly lie some distance from the mainland coastline. Due to its vast biodiversity, warm clear waters and its accessibility from the floating guest facilities called 'live aboards', the reef is a very popular destination for tourists, especially scuba divers. Many cities along the Queensland coast offer boat trips to the reef on a daily basis. Several continental islands have been turned into resorts.

The Great Barrier Reef is sometimes referred to as the single largest organism in the world. In reality it is made up of many millions of tiny organisms, as are all coral formations. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest system of coral reefs. It is of such pristine condition that it was listed by the World Heritage Trust as a protected site and is now managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority to ensure that its immacculate beauty is protected and maintained in the future.

This spectacular sight seeing opportunity is admired by thousands of visitors, who continue to marvel at this wonder of nature. On one hand you have the Great Barrier Reef, which is then directly beside beautiful rainforest. No other place on Earth provides such diversity within such a close range.

The waters of the Great Barrier Reef provide the world's busiest and most varied marine habitats. Marine life is in abundance. From the many species of coral to the colourful varieties of tropical fish, the scenery is truly spectacular. The varied colours of the reef's marine life will astound you with colour combinations you may never have dreamed of.

People wishing to experience the Great Barrier Reef for themselves can do so by embarking on one of the many reef and island tours conducted through out the Whitsundays and North Queensland.