The Great Barrier Reef ( Australia) - Travel Guide And Tourism Information

The Great Barrier Reef - Australia

The Great Barrier Reef on the north-east coast of Australia is the worlds largest coral reef system stretching for 2,000 km and covering an area of about 350,000 sq km. Altogether it covers an area bigger than Great Britain, forming the largest living feature on Earth and the only one visible from space. It is of exceptional natural beauty comprising of almost 3,000 individual reefs, 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 types of mollusc and 900 islands and is the largest UNESCO World Heritage site.

The waters of the Great Barrier Reef provide the world's busiest and most varied marine habitats. The varied colors of the reef's fish and other marine life will astound the visitor with co lour combinations that artists haven't even dreamed of. It has been recognized as being a unique area of outstanding value to humankind and a jewel in the crown of the world's natural wonders. It is a true wonder of the world and is an amazing place to visit. You really can't imagine its beauty until you actually see it for yourself, therefore a trip to Australia is incomplete without seeing the wonder of this beautiful reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is a famed diving destination. With warm temperature all year long, anytime of the year is a good time to come here and enjoy diving. However, local divers say that the best time is October, November and December, with water temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius and visibility between 20 and 30 (up to 50) meters most days. Along with diving there are many more activities like, snorkeling, white water rafting, golf, water skiing on the lake, Parasailing, bungee jumping, viewing coral and Marin life, sky diving, tourism and much more.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is where you can enjoy the immense beauty, co lour and richness of a truly natural underwater wonder. More than two million people visit the reef each year generating more than $AU2 billion in tourism dollars, making tourism a major earner for the north-eastern Australian economy.
However, today, the whole reef is under threat of global warming, with increasing damage to the coral itself, but it is of great importance to the world since it contains a third of the planet's soft coral species, the largest existing green turtle breeding site, 30 different species of mammals, 1,500 types of reef fish and 200 species of birds. It also contains fascinating Aboriginal archeological sites and is the most spectacular Marin wilderness on earth.

Not to be missed Tourism attractions:
Visit Lady Elliot and lady Musgrave islands, the loggerhead turtle nesting site near Bundaberg.