Australia is a land filled with unique natural wonders and the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most famous. As the world’s largest coral reef system (2600 kms) and the only living structure visible from outer space, it is assuredly one of the most stunning 300,000 square kilometres on earth.

Sitting in the aptly named Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland (beginning at the tip of Cape York Peninsula in the north and extending down to Bundaberg in the south) the Barrier Reef is host to an unusual array of plant, bird and marine life. Nestled amongst its almost 3000 individual reefs, built from 360 species of hard corals, and 880 islands, are a variety of dolphins, dugong, 6 different types of turtles, over 175 bird species, approximately 2,200 native plant variations, approximately 2,000 fish species and is a safe breeding ground for Humpback and other whales.

The area is a major tourist destination with over 2 million visitors a year. Swimming with the fish and admiring the colours of the coral is a must on any holiday to the Great Barrier Reef as is outer reef scuba diving and island day trips which are some of the more common pastimes on the reef along with scenic flights and rainforest tours to Kuranda and the Daintree Rainforest.

Great Barrier Reef Weather & Climate

The Reef’s weather varies considerably due to its long length as the majority of the reef is in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The northern sector sits in a tropical climate with hot wet summers and loads of rain and humidity. The southern end the Great Barrier Reef is sub-tropical with milder summers and far less humidity.

Getting to and from Great Barrier Reef

By boat

There are day trips available departing from numerous places up along the Queensland coast. In general the further up the north you depart from the shorter the trip as it approaches Cape Tribulation.

You can also book further day trips to the hundreds of little islands that encompass the reefs perimeter.

By Air

Hot Air Ballooning

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef by air is an absolute must and by hot air balloon is spectacular. Departing daily from Cairns to Port Douglas (the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere), you can float over the reef in total tranquillity taking in the magnitude of the beauty below.

Flying

There are a number of flights around the Great Barrier Reef and prices vary depending on who you fly with and where you depart from. Try securing a flight with a small local company as they have great service and insight into the local history of the region.

If you need a free car or camper to get to a particular departure point for the Barrier Reef try one of Transfercar’s standby cars!

 

Source of the image: http://www.touristmaker.com/australia/queensland/great-barrier-reef/