The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world,
roughly parallel to the coast of Queensland, Australia, for almost 2,000km. Australia has almost 1/5th of the world's reef area
and most is located in the GBR.
Washed by the warm waters of
the South-West Pacific Ocean the perfect environment is
created for the world's largest system of coral reefs.
The Great Barrier Reef is of such pristine condition that it
was listed by the World Heritage Trust as a protected site
and is therefore managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Authority to ensure that its beauty is maintained for many
generations to come.
Visitors in their thousands come to
marvel at the spectacular sight seeing opportunities that is
unique to our area. The Wet Tropics World Heritage listed
Rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the
other. No other place in the world offers such diversity so
close to each other.
Off the
coastline are
outer edge ribbon reefs which may be up to 25 kilometres long.
This is the outer limits of the continental shoreline of
prehistoric times. The ribbon reefs can be seen by taking one
of the daily
outer
reef cruises
offered by local operators. One of the best ways to
view the reef is to take a low flying scenic
flight over it, especially at low tide where you'll
see the breadth and diversity of this great living wonder.
The waters of the Great
Barrier Reef provide the world's busiest and most varied
marine habitats. Marine life is in abundance. From the many
species of coral to the sought after Black Marlin and all
sizes and species of fish in-between. The varied colours of
the reef's fish and other marine life will astound the visitor
with colour combinations that artists haven't even dreamed of.
It is the largest of the world’s 552 World Heritage Areas,
covering 347,000 km There are more than 2800 catalogued reefs
in the area.
Although stretching more than 2000 kilometres offshore from
Queensland, it is only at Cape Tribulation, just north of Port
Douglas that the reefs come right to the shore and meets the
tropical rainforests of the Wet Tropics. With over 1000
islands which are easily accessible from North Queensland and
coastal cities like Cairns and Port Douglas. The coral islands
are very popular tourist attractions. Some even have varied
vegetation including rainforest and are encircled by the coral
reefs. Accommodation
on the islands that are inhabited ranges from camping grounds
to bungalows and luxurious resorts.
Barrier
Reef Intro | Where
Reefs Occur | Did
You Know? | Dangers
on the Reef
Blue
Ring Octopus - Cone
Shells - Box
Jelly Fish - Lion
Fish - Sting
Rays - Stone
fish
