Great Barrier Reef, Coral reef in Australia
Discover the Great Barrier Reef, which is more than 2,000 kilometres long and is part of the World Heritage list.
Take a picturesque flight over the reef, go scuba diving, or snorkel.
Explore the historic Daintree Rainforest on foot, sail the palm-fringed Whitsundays, or unwind on opulent tropical islands like Hayman and Lizard.
Visit several coastal resorts, including as Cairns, Hervey Bay, Missions Beach, or Port Douglas, or go island hopping.
Key Points
The Great Barrier Reef, which stretches for 2,300 kilometres, is the world’s biggest coral reef system.
Whether you visit the Reef in luxury or on a tight budget, it is a life-changing adventure because it is home to a variety of marine life with the brightest colours.
Scuba diving, snorkelling, glass-bottom boats, jet skis, sailboats, from the air, or even skydiving allow you to fully experience the Great Barrier Reef.
There are lots of things you can do there.
1. Go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef near Magnetic Island.
For a chance to explore the island’s vibrant reef, rent a mask and snorkel.
Townsville and Magnetic Island may be reached by ferry in only 25 minutes.
There are numerous locations from which you can visit the Reef, and an equal number of tourism businesses are willing to assist you in seeing this underwater wonder.
2. A seaplane circling Heart Reef
Flying above Heart Reef, a famous natural marvel, will make the ideal romantic surprise for a loved one.
The white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is also on the menu for this excursion, one of many that Air Whitsunday and GSL Aviation provide.
It’s a wonderful chance to take in the Great Barrier Reef’s breathtaking beauty.
3. Visit the Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville to see the turtles.
This informative, interactive coral reef aquarium lets you see the views without getting wet.
Reef HQ features a Turtle Hospital where sick and injured turtles are treated, making it ideal for small children and non-swimmers who want to appreciate the magnificence of the coral kingdom.
Additionally, it provides sleepovers where you can see how reef animals behave at night.
4. Visit Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef by boat
Embark on this 25-meter, high-performance catamaran to explore the Reef in style.
You may dive and snorkel the Reef among the turtles and vibrant fish while departing from Cairns every day, or you can simply relax on the deck and soak up the sun.
At Michaelmas Cay, you may even sign up for a glass-bottom boat excursion.
5. Fly over the Whitsunday Islands.
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from this astounding angle will give you something to boast about and provide you with lifelong memories.
Experience the best reef thrill by skydiving into the most gorgeous drop zone on earth.
The skilled tandem instructors will handle the parachute, leaving you free to take in the breathtaking scenery.
6. Cruise the Great Barrier Reef on a luxurious catamaran.
Take part in a sleepover on the reef while travelling on the magnificent Reef Encounter, a 35-meter catamaran headquartered in Cairns.
Gourmet meals will be served to you, and your accommodation will be roomy and air conditioned with a private bathroom.
Without needing to go back to land, spend two days diving, snorkelling, fishing, and taking glass-bottom boat tours.
Joining Reef Encounter via helicopter will heighten the excitement.
7. Treat Yourself to a Trip to the One and Only Hayman Island
In the centre of the Great Barrier Reef, on Hayman Island, you can explore, unwind, and enjoy.
Take advantage of a variety of services and activities, such as bushwalks, snorkelling, private dining, and wildlife encounters, after waking up to breathtaking natural scenery.
How about getting a massage while floating in the ocean if that isn’t enough?
8. Visit Daydream Island and Get Up Close to Stingrays
Hand-feed the debarbed stingrays by wading into the artificial Living Reef.
The life cycle of these magnificent species will be explained by knowledgeable marine scientists, who will also demonstrate how to touch starfish and sea cucumbers and show you the local coral.
More than 140 different marine fish species and 83 different coral types may be found in Daydream’s 2,650 square metre Living Reef.
