Traveling to the Great Barrier Reef: What You Need to Know
One of the best places to visit in the world is without a doubt, the Great Barrier Reef, located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
It is the largest living structure on Earth and is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs.
The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination for tourists, and there are many ways to experience it. You can go swimming, diving, or snorkeling in the reef’s clear waters, or take a boat tour to see it from a distance.
Why Go?
There are many reasons why the Great Barrier Reef should be on your bucket list.
Here are just a few:
1. It’s the largest living structure on Earth!
2. It’s home to thousands of species of marine life.
3. It has over 2,900 individual reefs!
4. You can swim, scuba dive, or snorkel in the waters of the reef itself. Some companies even offer glass-bottom boat tours that will allow you to see everything happening underneath the surface.
5. The Great Barrier Reef is still thriving despite all of the challenges it faces (such as rising ocean temperatures and water pollution). This is because…
6. Tourism combined with strong conservation efforts are helping to preserve this natural wonder for future generations.
How to Get There
The closest major city to the Great Barrier Reef is Cairns, which is located in Queensland, Australia. From there, you can take a bus, train, or plane to one of the many coastal towns that are located near the reef itself.
If you’re coming from outside of Australia, your best bet is to fly into Brisbane (the capital of Queensland) and then take a connecting flight to one of the regional airports near the reef. You can also drive if you have your own car.
What to Do
There’s plenty to do on the reef, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. You can also take a walk on the beach or go for a walk on one of the nature trails.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can go white-water rafting or kayaking.
You can also visit one of the coral gardens or go on a cruise to see the reef from above.
Where to Stay
There are a number of places to stay in Cairns, Port Douglas, and Townsville, including hotels, resorts, and camping sites.
If you’re looking for luxury, you can stay in a five-star resort or take your vacation in an exclusive private villa. There are also plenty of affordable accommodations to choose from including holiday homes, cottages, apartments, and hostels.
How much does the Great Barrier Reef cost?
It’s difficult to put an exact price on visiting the Great Barrier Reef because it depends on what type of tour operator you go with, where you stay in Cairns, Port Douglas, or Townsville, and how long you spend enjoying it.
On average though, expect to pay anywhere between $150-$250 per person when booking a day trip. If you want an overnight tour, prices range from about $450-$650 per person.
If you’re traveling from overseas, keep in mind that you’ll also need to purchase a visa.
Things to do around the Great Barrier Reef
After spending time on the reef, there are a number of other things to do in the area.
In Cairns, you can visit the rainforest, go white-water rafting, or take a trip to the Outback.
In Port Douglas, you can visit the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, go for a walk on Four Mile Beach, or take a cruise on the Daintree River.
Places to Dine
There are a number of places to eat in Cairns, Port Douglas, and Townsville, including cafes, restaurants, and bars.
If you’re looking for something special, you can enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach or take a culinary tour.
What to Pack
When visiting the Great Barrier Reef, it’s important to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, sunglasses, and plenty of drinking water.
You’ll also need to bring your swimsuit and any snorkeling or diving equipment you might need.
It’s also a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater as the weather can get cold at night.
World Heritage Site
In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that it’s been recognized as being of “outstanding universal value” and is therefore protected by international law.
Reef Facts
- The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living organism on Earth. It’s made up of billions of coral polyps and can be seen from space.
- The reef stretches for 2,300 km (1,429 miles) and covers an area of 344,400 sq km (133,000 sq mi).
- It’s home to 400 different species of coral, 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 species of mollusk, and 26 different species of marine turtle.
- The reef generates an estimated A$5.7 billion ($4.3 billion) per year from tourism, fishing, and other activities.
- The Great Barrier Reef was formed about 25 million years ago.
Final Thoughts
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. It’s an amazing place to see and there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, or somewhere to relax and recharge your batteries, the Great Barrier Reef has something for you.…