Exploring the Great Barrier Reef

	An Aerial View of the Reef 1

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and rightly so. With an expansive ecosystem of about 3,000 individual reefs and hundreds of coral species, it is an underwater world brimming with life and color. In a constant state of evolution for more than 25 million years, this ecological marvel is home to a wide array of sea creatures ranging from microorganisms to dolphins and whales. The temperate ocean waters surrounding Australia's northeastern coast are an ideal breeding ground for this phenomenon as coral can only grow in waters that are warmer than 21ºC (70ºF).

The reef begins slightly north of the community of Bundaberg, Queensland and stretches up past to Australia's northern most reaches before continuing towards Papua New Guinea. Extending approximately 2,300 km (1,429 mi) along the coast, the reef is easily accessible by boat. Year after year, thousands of visitors travel to northeastern Australia to experience this UNESCO Heritage Site.

CLIMATE

The winter season in Australia occurs from June to August while summers stretch from November to February. The Queensland area experiences a humid tropical climate with temperatures often reading 24ºC (75ºF) or more, no matter what the season. This means that sunscreen is an essential at all times of the year. Average water temperature in the summer is about 27ºC (81ºF), while the average temperature in the winter is about 22ºC (72ºF).

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

There are numerous ways for visitors to explore the Great Barrier Reef, and an aptitude for swimming is not required. From diving into the deep and snorkelling on the surface, to enjoying getting a bird's eye view while flying above, Queensland's many tour operators offers a variety of unique and fascinating ways to discover the reef. Keep in mind that a reef tax is charged for each adventurer on a tour as a way to help keep tourism on the threatened reef ecologically sustainable.

Diving

	A Clownfish Peeking Through 2

A scuba diver's paradise, the Great Barrier Reef provides some of the greatest warm salt-water diving in the world. Teeming with life, these often calm and extremely clear waters allow divers to come up close to the reef's many living organisms. Sea turtles, starfish, colorful and diverse tropcial fish, giant clams and even dolphins, are common sights. In an area so vast, there is much to see in just one small part of the reef.

Scuba diving tours depart from numerous areas along the coast, with some of the more popular locations being Townsville, Cairns and Port Douglas. Divers need to be certified to participate but there are many levels of diving certification, and in most instances, a recreational scuba diver certificate will suffice. Many operators who offer dive tours to the reef also provide diver training courses that conclude with sea dives or offer introductory dives as part of the package. Operators also provide all the necessary equipment, or have some available for rent.

Snorkelling
An alternative to diving, snorkelling does not require the use of oxygen tanks or any type of certification. Using a mask and snorkel, swimmers stay near the surface while observing the world below. With just a few simple tips and techniques taught to first-timers, visitors are able to observe the underwater reef world within minutes. Because of the crystal clear waters, snorkellers are able to see the diverse marine life, including the wide range of fish species, sea mammals and elaborate coral formations.

Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are able to participate in snorkelling. Some tour operators also provide float aid devices such as float coats and noodles. As with scuba diving, locations such as Port Douglas, Cairns and Townsville are ideal for finding snorkelling tours. The majority of companies also include the use of all necessary equipment in the price.

Sea Walking
Sea walking is a completely unique experience, ideally suited for those who don't know how to swim but who still long to explore the reef. Using an astronaut-like helmet, participants are able to walk underwater among the coral, fish and other marine life. The protective helmet distributes oxygen, allowing its wearer to breathe normally, while the rest of the body is exposed to the warm waters. These guided underwater walking tours usually take visitors through a designated area, and include a brief tutorial.

	A Helicopter Taking Flight in Cairns 3

Boat Tours
Land-lovers can cruise on the water and still get a close-up view of the reef. The majority of Queensland's reef tour operators offer sightseeing boat excursions aboard vessels that come equipped with semi-submersed bottoms or glass floors. This alternative allows passengers to comfortably observe the ocean around or beneath them without getting wet. Offering a feeling akin to being in an underwater aquarium, visitors are still able to clearly see the coral and fish.

Helicopter Tours
The Great Barrier Reef is the only living organism that is visible from space. To get a small idea of what this looks like, visitors may opt to try the popular alternative of viewing the reef from a helicopter. With hundreds of individual reefs spread out below, these scenic flights put the reef's massive scale into perspective. Visitors will find a number of helicopter tours in Queensland, particularly in Port Douglas and Cairns.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

Townsville
This northern Queensland city is surrounded by tropical rainforest, scenic waterfalls and miles of sandy beaches. Originally a port city, Townsville was founded in 1864 after the discovery of gold nearby. Now a top destination, the community boasts numerous historic and natural attractions including Reef HQ Aquarium, one of the world's largest coral reef aquariums. The nearby Great Barrier Reef also draws visitors to Townsville, and with many accommodation options in town, this makes the city an ideal place to set up base. Townsville is filled with tour companies offering a wide range of unique ways to see the reef including cruise tours, and snorkeling and diving excursions. Apart from diving the reef, Townsville is also known for the S.S. Yongala wreck, a well-preserved steamship that sank just off Bowling Green Bay more than 100 years ago.

Cairns
One of Australia's most popular tourist cities, Cairns is often the destination of choice for those looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef due to the numerous accommodation options found in the area. Set in the northern part of Queensland on the eastern coast, this paradise city is situated amongst tropical rainforest, picturesque beaches and clear water lagoons. The area was discovered in 1770 by Captain James Cook, and the city itself features a mix of contemporary and traditional architecture. Home to a range of other activities and attractions, including the impressive Esplanade recreation area, Cairns is a diverse city able to offer something for every visitor. This gateway to the reef is a home base for countless tour operators who offer sightseeing options to the Great Barrier Reef, including all of those fun activities mentioned previously.

	A Port Douglas Beach 4

Port Douglas
About an hour's drive north of Cairns is the more relaxed but equally impressive Port Douglas. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere, this seaside village is set on a peninsula, nestled among palm trees and lush coastal plants. It is a place to unwind and enjoy village shops, beaches and the nearby rainforest. Dotted with luxurious resorts, as well as first class hotels and motels in addition to backpacker's hostels, Port Douglas is a place that offers easy access to the reef. Visitors will find an array of reef tours including snorkelling adventures above colorful coral, diving into some of the Great Barrier Reef's most ideal spots, soaring above on a helicopter tour and cruising along the sea, admiring the reef below.