One unique and outstanding feature of Australia is the Great Barrier Reef. Extending 2,200 kilometers along the Queensland coast in the Coral Sea, it’s the largest reef system in the world, and the largest living structure on the planet. The incredible variety of life on the reef, over 10,000 species including 400 coral and 2,000 fish species, is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. It is a must see for everyone who visits the country.
Some of the wonders you might encounter on a trip to Great Barrier Reef include giant clams, stingrays, reef sharks (harmless), turtles, octopus, migrating whales, dugongs and the magnificent display of coral.
The Barrier Reef can be accessed from many locations and in many ways. You can even stay in a hotel built on the reef. Sea planes and boats make the trip out to the reef allowing visitors to snorkel or dive on it. It’s a very popular place to take a diving course as well.
Good places to access the reef are Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville. Day trips are offered either to popular islands on the reef like Fitzroy and Green Islands or straight on out to the outer reef, where you’ll encounter fewer other tourists and far less development.