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The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretches 1,500 miles along the coast of Queensland in Australia – massive enough to be visible from space! It provides sanctuary to extraordinary underwater life, including colourful corals, a variety of molluscs and over 1,500 species of fish. The Reef is all about superlatives – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and the world’s most protected marine area. Whilst the thriving corals and buzzing marine life are technically the main highlight, this natural wonder is also composed of over 900 tropical islands fringed by golden beaches and azure waters! Embark on a Great Barrier Reef cruise and discover paradise…
A plethora of picturesque cities and towns provide access to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia’s East Coast. Here are some of the best gateway ports to the world’s largest reef system:
Cairns, a city in the tropical far north Queensland, provides an unmissable ticket to enjoying the Great Barrier Reef in its full glory as it's the closest town to the outer reef and has a range of tour options available. Whether you’re viewing that in a submarine, from a boat, or snorkelling in the deep blue, there’s plenty of ways to explore the Reef. Cairns Aquarium is an excellent alternative for seeing the Reef’s unique species up-close and personal without leaving the city. Since you’ve already made the long journey to the north, you should try the Kuranda Skyrail, which offers an amazing aerial view of one of the oldest rainforests in Australia, or cool off with a relaxing dip in the city’s sun-drenched beaches and sparkling lagoons.
Where two World Heritage Sites meet, Port Douglas is a slice of paradise full to the brim with star attractions – on top of a serene and laid-back atmosphere! This chic town on the Coral Sea is a major hub to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, making it a perfect place to disconnect from the bustle and reconnect with nature. The town is near the inner reef, offering better opportunities for snorkelling and beginner divers. It also headlines the Four Mile Beach, one of the most well-known beaches in the tropical far north of Queensland – boasting an extensive stretch of golden sands lined with swaying palm trees.
Airlie Beach is another famous port of call in Australia, popular among lovers of the tropical lifestyle and the doorstep to Australia’s internationally-acclaimed Whitsunday Islands. Like Cairns and Port Douglas, it’s also an ideal departure point for a tour of the coral reef – except Airlie Beach is relatively smaller and oozes a more relaxed vibe compared to the big-city feel of Cairns. Whilst Port Douglas is a premier base for snorkelling and diving, Airlie Beach is the best bet for surfing. Go on an idyllic island-hopping adventure in the calm, protected waters of Whitsunday Islands and check out the lovely seaside markets and galleries for handmade jewellery and colourful paintings!
Home to over 100 islands, from the exotic Whitsundays to the laid-back Northern islands, the Great Barrier Reef is truly a paradise perfected! Now, which island is best for you?
Touted as the unofficial capital of the Whitsundays, Hamilton is one of the most developed among the 74 islands. It’s the perfect base for exploring the UNESCO-protected Great Barrier Reef and the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach. Walking on the sandy shores under the shade of soaring palm trees, without any cars in sight, is a perfect way to slow down from the fast-paced city life. Most of the island is covered in bushland and the coast is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. Settle in luxury resorts and enjoy tee time in the a championship golf course, as the restaurants and bars keep you wined and dined with irresistible local flavours, all while soaking up the tranquil ambience. Get the best of both worlds!
Lady Elliot is a highly-protected ‘Green Zone’, which is home to over 1,200 species of sea creatures – with seasonal visits from exotic marine life like green turtles and humpback whales! It’s also a popular hub for meeting the eye-catching manta rays. This unspoilt coral cay is situated at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Embark on a boat tour to one of the 20 dive sites in the island to discover these underwater wonders.This exclusive eco-friendly island is an ideal escape from the rapid rhythms of the city and mundane daily routines – sit back and relax on the glittering white beaches while taking in the sights and sounds of nature!
Mountainous rainforests meet magnificent reefs in Fitzroy Island, offering endless opportunities for nature lovers and water sports adventurers alike! Almost the entire island is a national park, fringed by an abundance of coral reefs. The island is easily accessible by a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, so you can feel like a real castaway without being too not far from the city! It’s also the gateway to the award-winning Nudey Beach, a fantastic snorkelling spot where you can swim among the colourful marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re fond of turtles, take a tour of the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre – dedicated to treating sick and injured turtles.
The months of May to October are the high season for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, when the waters are warm and calm, offering the best opportunities for underwater activities like snorkelling and diving.
Many mainstream cruise lines offer sailings to the Great Barrier Reef – both for scenic cruising and up-close experiences where ships call by the ports near the Reef. Among these are Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, with some itineraries that include the three main gateways to the Reef: Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach.
The Great Barrier Reef offers plenty of activities and experiences, mostly related to water, such as snorkelling, diving and fishing, as well as swimming in the golden beaches. Besides exploring the thriving marine life and coral reefs beneath the waves, there’s so much to do on the land. Visit Cairns Aquarium and the Botanical Gardens, enjoy kite-surfing the blissful beach suburbs and ride the Kuranda Skyrail. You can also take a tour of the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest, or island-hop across the pristine Whitsundays!
The Great Barrier Reef is a protected area and the removal of all its underwater treasures, including dead shells and corals, is strictly prohibited. Admire and take photos but avoid touching and extracting anything from the Reef. A hefty penalty will be imposed if anyone is caught deliberately trying to harm and destroy the Reef.
The short answer is yes, it’s allowed to go diving without certification. Most dive centre operators will offer introductory scuba diving for beginner divers, where an expert and certified diver will look after your safety while you explore the underwater. Snorkelling and glass bottom tours also offer unmissable opportunities to see the Reef’s abundant marine life and corals.
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