Holiday Information for Australia's Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is located of the north east coast of Australia and runs parallel to the Queensland coast. It is the largest single structure built by living organisms, in the world and can be seen from space. The reef consists of around 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching over a length of 2600 kilometers. Most of the Great Barrier Reef is protected by the great Barrier Reef marine park and the marine park authority which monitors and controls its usage. The northern extremity of the reef is in the Torres Strait near Bramble Cay and it extends south to Lady Elliot Island which is located just north of Fraser Island.

For the Australian tourism industry, the Great Barrier Reef has enormous implications. Visitors flock from around the world to marvel at its beauty. Tour operators take millions of visitors each year to dive and snorkel among its sensational coral gardens and beautiful resorts and hotels, along the length of the reef, cater for the hordes of tourists whose number one aim on an Australian holiday is to visit this majestic natural wonder. There are dozens of mainland cities from which the reef can be viewed. The most important of these are In Far North Queensland and the Whitsundays region. The southern or Capricorn section of the reef is also really popular. Cairns and Port Douglas in the north of Queensland are the most popular jumping off points and both cities have dozens of tour operators just waiting to take you on the trip of a lifetime. The reef is closer to the coast in these northern areas which makes them more attractive due to shorter travelling times.

There are many island resorts to choose from. Some of these are actually located on coral atolls riding right on top of the reef. Places like Green Island in the north and Heron and Lady Elliot Islands in the south are right on the reef and it is possible to walk in right off the beach and start snorkeling. These islands are also ideal locations for a learn to dive course as they all have dive instructors on staff. Live aboard boat trips are very popular from all major cities along the reef. There are many to choose from and all offer a comprehensive dive program. There are also many day trips on offer so if you just want to go out and experience the reef and then move on to something else this is a great choice.

If you are considering a holiday in Australia, the first thing to put on your travel itinerary is a visit to the Great Barrier Reef.