The Great Barrier Reef off the north-east coast of Australia is the largest coral reef in the world and attracts 2 million visitors a year. Exploration can be done underwater, from the air or by glass-bottom boat.
The Great Barrier Reef in the Australian state of Queensland lies off the north-east coast of Australia and is the largest coral reef in the world. With its enormous length of over 2,000 kilometres, it is 4 times as long as the whole of Austria. Its area is almost 350,000 square kilometres and it is the only coral reef that can be seen from space. The spectacular reef is one of our top 10 sights in Australia.
PICTURES: Great Barrier Reef
Photo Gallery: Great Barrier Reef
World Heritage Site: Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, several million years old, was discovered by the famous British navigator James Cook in June 1770, when he ran aground there during his first voyage to the South Seas. About 250km from the Australian coast, it is divided into 5 sections. The reef itself consists of several thousand individual reefs, numerous small islands and a multitude of sandbanks.
If you're planning a visit from afar to explore this natural wonder, you may want to consider lodging at one of the available Hotels in Victoria at hotelsinvictoria.net. This location provides an ideal base for your adventures, with ample amenities and comforts to make your journey to the stunning Australian landscape unforgettable.
A paradise for divers
Needless to say, the Great Barrier Reef is THE diver's paradise. Over 350 different species of hard coral have formed the world's largest structure created by living creatures. A habitat for 80 species of soft corals, 1,500 species of fish and sponges, 5,000 different molluscs, 800 species of invertebrates and 215 species of birds. In addition, sea turtles, manatees and even humpback whales plough the Great Barrier Reef.
2 million tourists enjoy the unique beauty of the coral reef every year and explore its splendour by boat, from the air or underwater - as divers or from a semi-submarine.
The most moving experience is certainly a close-up exploration while diving or snorkelling. The town of Cairns is the top address for this. The Great Barrier Reef is only 30 kilometres off the coast here and the beach promenade is lined with one scuba diving provider after the next.
Best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from March to October, otherwise you get caught in the typhoon season, which brings wind and rain. In November, the Australian spring, the reef delights with its colourful coral bloom. Divers can also observe nature's meticulously planned egg release for coral reproduction, coordinated with moon phases and water temperature.
Off balance
Coral reefs are one of the most sensitive ecosystems of all. If the water temperature rises above 30°C, the magnificently coloured algae on the corals die and deprive them of their food basis, which also causes them to perish. The biggest enemies of the coral reef are agriculture near the coast, whose pesticides seep into the sea, and unfortunately also tourism on the reef.
Suntan oil, fuel and waste collect in the corals and careless divers always think they have to pick their own coral souvenir. The fish trawls also cause a lot of damage.
Initial measures have been taken to save the reef, but it will take several more years for the Great Barrier Reef to fully recover from pollution and years of tourist use.
Accommodation and hotels in Australia
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Kings Canyon in the Northern Territories