Great Barrier Reef

Introduction

Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. It's no surprise that it is also one of Australia's most popular natural attractions. It is located off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia and stretches for some 2,600 kilometres, comprising 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands.

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it's no wonder it is one of the great wonders of the world. Nothing compares to the natural hues of neon and pastel corals found beneath the clearest and bluest water imaginable.

A large section of the reef falls within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which was set up to protect it from the negative impacts of overfishing and tourism. Climate change forms a major threat to the reef with rising water temperatures causing mass coral bleaching.

Tours and Costs

The Great Barrier Reef is a haven for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Getting There

By Train

Trains travel between Brisbane and Cairns, with several stops on the way. There are quite a few places to start boat trips to the reef, though from Cairns and (north of Cairns) Port Douglas the distance is relatively short.