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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, covering 2,000km, 1,250 miles. It is actually made up of 3,000 individual reefs and around 2,000 islands. The Great Barrier Reef stretches from Cape York, near East Timor right down to Bundaberg. As it hugs the Australian coast, its distance from the mainland varies.
| Great Barrier Reef Hotels Cars Tour Specials | |
| Great Barrier Reef Marine Life | |
Marine life abounds. Dolphins, sea turtles, friendly manta rays - plus every colour of fish and coral you can imagine. More than 2000 species of tropical fish call the coral reef their home. See giant clams, clownfish, beaked coralfish, coral groupers, butterfly fish, sea slugs, angelfish and anemone to name a few. There are numerous hard and soft corals - including staghorn and brain corals.
While many excellent coral formations can be found on the islands, the best Great Barrier Reef experience is found on the Outer Reef - about 50km, 30 miles from the mainland. A day trip by sailing boat, speedboat or aircraft is most highly recommended. They are available from the mainland and some islands. You might even choose to take a live-aboard cruise around this aqua-playground.
| Diving or Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef | |
Perhaps scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, well-priced courses are available. If you dont have the time, it is easy for even the young and the elderly to master snorkelling on the reef. Its an amazing experience. The reefs colourful inhabitants are watching you as much as you watch them. Some fish are keen to interact with you.
| Viewing the Great Barrier Reef by a Glass Bottom Boat | |
The less adventurous can view excellent coral from a viewing pontoon or semi-submersible boat with a glass bottom.
| Sustainability of the Great Barrier Reef | |
Visitors must be careful not to break or damage corals, which can take hundreds of years to repair.
Central Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef QLD - Queensland
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Queensland - Map of Great Barrier Reef Australia
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