Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Plan Your Trip
Your Reef Trip
The Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 2000km from just south of the Tropic of
Capricorn (near Gladstone) to just south of Papua New Guinea, is the most ex-
tensive reef system in the world, and made entirely by living organisms. There
are numerous ways to see the magnificent spectacle of the Reef. Diving and
snorkelling are the best methods of getting up close and personal with the mena-
gerie of marine life and dazzling corals. You can also surround yourself with fab-
ulous tropical fish without getting wet on a semi-submersible or glass-bottomed
boat, which provide windows to the underwater world below.
Best Wildlife Experiences
Sea turtles hatching on Lady Elliot Island or Heron Island; looking out for reef sharks, turtles and rays while
kayaking off Green Island; spotting koalas on Magnetic Island; and Fraser Island wildlife.
Best Snorkelling Experiences
Head to Knuckle, Hardy and Fitzroy Reefs, Magnetic Island or the Whitsunday Islands.
Best Views from Above
Scenic chopper or plane ride from Cairns, Hamilton and the Whitsunday Islands. Skydiving over Airlie Beach.
Best Sailing Experiences
Sailing from Airlie Beach through the Whitsunday Islands; exploring Agincourt Reef from Port Douglas.
Useful Websites
Dive Queensland
(
www.divequeensland.com.au
)
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
(
www.gbrmpa.gov.au
)
Queensland Department of National Parks
(
www.nprsr.qld.gov.au
)
