“From all my travels, the first time I put on scuba gear and dived on the coral reef is the moment I remember most vividly. Suddenly, this amazing world is revealed right in front of you.” – Sir David Attenborough
Words can’t do the Great Barrier Reef justice and the amazing feeling of swimming in one of the seven natural wonders of the world is something you’ll have to experience to believe. Dive into the big blue, home to minke whales and manta rays, sea turtles and seahorses, giant clams and tiny clownfish, not to mention vividly coloured coral gardens. Swim. Snorkel. Marvel. Repeat.
The reef’s waters are teeming with life of all sizes. Millions of tiny animals have found their niche within this vast and varied underwater world. Brightly coloured fish zip between the corals, sea squirts cling to the side of rocks, translucent shrimp drift with the current, and starfish and sea cucumbers sprawl on the sandy floor. Taking the time to look for these tiny residents is well worth the effort.
Sheer beauty – as well as astonishing biodiversity – helped earn the reef its World Heritage status. The ecosystem contains the largest collection of coral reefs (some 2500) on the planet. It’s also home to 400 types of coral, 900-plus islands, 1500 species of fish and 4000 types of mollusc. Six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles and 40 per cent of the anemone species also call the reef home. Great indeed.
This sprawling constellation of reef systems is alive, colourful and bustling with varied marine life. While the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef will still take your breath away, threats to its future are real and immediate. Climate change is a global challenge that impacts the Great Barrier Reef through rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification and extreme weather events. The marine park encircling the reef makes it one of the worlds most protected natural assets. Subject to strict environmental use regulations to guide the region’s operators, ensuring access to the reef and its astonishing creatures continues for the enjoyment of future generations.
Learn how to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef by taking a deeper dive into this world-class wonder.
Looking for an eco-certified river, reef and rainforest adventure in Tropical North Queensland? Think Frankland Islands.
Have you ever dreamed of scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef? Just imagine sinking down into the warm waters, exploring coral gardens and seeing this wondrous world through the eyes of a fish. Learning to scuba dive is easy and is your passport to a brave new world. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about learning to Scuba Dive.
The Great Barrier Reef is the only place in the world that you can swim with dwarf minke whales: an experience so exclusive it only happens for two months of the year and only in Tropical North Queensland.
There’s a sense of responsibility that comes when you’re visiting one of the world’s seven wonders; a calling to nurture nature. If leaving only footprints (or fin waves in this case) is high on your priority list, here are some ways you can help the Great Barrier Reef during your next holiday.
If you want proof not all Great Barrier Reef islands are born equal, pay a visit to the supermodel of the island world, Fitzroy Island.
As you’d expect from one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is home to some weird, wonderful and just plain loveable creatures. Here’s 25 fun Great Barrier Reef facts about a marine world larger than Italy.
The Great Barrier Reef is a thriving, living marine environment. It inspires all who visit, even those who see it every day, like marine biologist and owner of Marine Discoveries, Gareth Phillips.
Only 12 residents? There’s probably a gazillion of them, but let’s start things slowly shall we. It’s not easy to keep track of every single one of the Great Barrier Reef’s inhabitants but here are some of the most famous ones in Tropical North Queensland.
We’ve all seen those gorgeous wisps of whiteness poking out from an azure sea on Great Barrier Reef. But what are they? More importantly, where are they? And how can we get a piece of sand cay action? We’re here to reveal all.
Check out this handy guide to find your reef style – from donning a mask and snorkel or taking your very first dive, to unique diving experiences reserved for certified divers.
Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters that will make you question whether you’re in a dream, discover the true meaning of tropical oasis at the exclusive and ultra-luxurious, Lizard Island.
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