Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAKING A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE REEF
The Great Barrier Reef is incredibly fragile and it's worth taking some time to educate yourself on responsible
practices while you're there.
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No matter where you visit, take all litter with you - even biodegradable material like apple cores - and dispose
of it back on the mainland.
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It is an offence to damage or remove coral in the marine park.
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If you touch or walk on coral you'll damage it and get some nasty cuts.
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Don't touch or harass marine animals.
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If you have a boat, be aware of the rules in relation to anchoring around the reef, including 'no anchoring areas'
to avoid coral damage.
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If you're diving, check that you are weighted correctly before entering the water and keep your buoyancy con-
trol well away from the reef. Ensure that equipment such as secondary regulators and gauges aren't dragging over
the reef.
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If you're snorkelling (and especially if you are a beginner) practice your technique away from coral until
you've mastered control in the water.
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Hire a wetsuit rather than slathering on sunscreen, which can damage the reef.
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Watch where your fins are - try not to stir up sediment or disturb coral.
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Do not enter the water near a dugong, including when swimming or diving.
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Note that there are limits on the amount and types of shells that you can collect.
Islands
Speckled throughout the Reef are a profusion of islands and cays that offer some of the
most stunning access to the Reef. Here is a list of some of the best islands, travelling from
south to north.
For more information on individual islands, take a look at areas around the Whitsunday
Coast, Capricorn Coast, Townsville to Mission Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas to Cook-
town.
Lady Elliot Island
has a coral cay that is awe-inspiring for birdwatchers, with some 57 species living on the island. Sea
turtles also nest here and it's possibly the best location on the Reef to see manta rays. It's also a famed diving spot.
There's a resort here, but you can also visit Lady Elliot on a day trip from Bundaberg.
Heron Island
is a tiny, tranquil coral cay sitting amid a huge spread of reef. It's a diving mecca, but the snorkelling is
also good and it's possible to do a reef walk from here. Heron is a nesting ground for green and loggerhead turtles and
home to some 30 species of birds. The sole resort on the island charges accordingly.
Hamilton Island
, the daddy of the Whitsundays, is a sprawling family-friendly resort laden with infrastructure. While
the atmosphere isn't exactly intimate, there is a wealth of tours going to the outer reef. It's also a good place to see
patches of the Reef that can't be explored from the mainland.
