Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef is one of the most magnificent places in the world. It is the world's largest coral reef. So large that it can be seen even from the space... Great Barrier Reef has been formed as a combination of over 2800 individual reefs. It streches from the north of Fraser Island up to Torres Strait Islands. It has been World Heritage listed since 1981 and is definitely one of the must-see places in a lifetime.

The best way to see the maximum out of Great Barrier Reef is simply taking one of the various day tours. Hop on a glass-bottom boat and enjoy watching the true masterpiece of the nature while remaining dry. The underwater observatories also offer the same. Or put on your snorkel and observe the stunning organisms of the reef just 10-20cm below your nose. You will keep on wondering how many colors actually exist in the universe. Maybe you should first obtain an underwater camera before starting with this. Do you have a diving licence? If not, there can not be a better place in the world to get one. But if you are already a licenced diver, take the advantage of it and make unforgettable experiences. Great Barrier Reef is like a dreamworld. As soon as you are again above the sea level, you'll feel like the world is somehow pale.

How about getting a bird's eye view of this heritage area? Take a helicopter ride and try not to miss any details of this spellbinding vista. Alternatively, sea planes are also available.

Did you know that there are around 900 islands at Great Barrier Reef? Incredible but true... However, only some of them are widely being visited. Most popular ones are Whitsundays, Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Lizard Island, Dunk Island and Hamilton Island. Spare some time for adventure on the islands as well. Put on your walking shoes and go for hiking. If you don't feel like going back to the mainland after your discovery tours, remember that there are usually various accommodation options on the islands ranging from camping to luxury resorts. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to book them ahead.

There are a couple of gateways from the mainland to Great Barrier Reef. Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach and Mackay are just some of them. Hamilton Island has its own airport as well where even larger airplanes can land. Otherwise, all islands of common interest are accessible by boat from Shute Harbour or similar spots on the coastal line of Queensland.