Few corners of the modern world retain their natural beauty today, free from the interference of man. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is such a place, a true natural wonder, and that’s why visitors from around the globe flock to this ocean wonderland. Getting to the reef is not difficult and once there enjoy myriad activities during what’s sure to be a memorable holiday. Any Australia travel plans must include several days around the reef.

Australia’s incredible reef is the planet’s largest World Heritage Site and biggest coral reef eco-system. In fact, it spans more than 2,600 kilometers and is made up of around 900 islands and more than 3,000 magnificent, living coral reefs off the coast of Queensland.

The Reef is home to an abundance of birds and marine species. These include whales, dolphins, porpoises, dugongs, sea turtles, sea snakes, and around 1,500 types of fish. Approximately 400 different soft and hard coral species, 15 varieties of seagrass, and 500 types of marine algae and seaweed also live there.

It always feels like summer in far north Queensland, Australia. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 25 degrees Celcius. Local divers say October, November, and December are the best months to visit The Reef. In these spring and summer months, the ocean is a warm 29 degrees Celcius and the water is clear [Source: BarrierReefAustralia.com]. Visitors heading to The Reef between January to March should be prepared for a wet vacation. This is monsoon season, and rain is typical in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Tourism is the largest industry in The Great Barrier Reef region, generating more than one billion dollars per annum. Around 1.6 million tourists visit the area each year, making it one of the most popular Australia activities for vacationers and visitors from afar.
Many of the Great Barrier Reef’s islands house resorts, which are the perfect accommodation option for tourists looking to take a closer look at this beautiful area. Most of these resorts, and many of the cities along the Queensland north coast, offer boat trips for tourists and divers.

The decision of where to stay on the Great Barrier Reef will depend on your lifestyle and leisure plans. Different islands in the area cater for honeymooners, families, scuba divers, fishermen, budget travelers, tourists looking for luxury, and everyone in between.

Visitors seeking luxury accommodation should look no further than Hayman Island Resort, Green Island Resort, Orpheus Island Resort, Voyages at Bedarra Island, Peppers Retreat at Palm Bay and Voyages at Lizard Island. South Molle Island Resort, Voyages at Dunk Island, Hamilton Island’s Reef View Hotel, and Daydream Island Resort and Spa offer family-friendly accommodation, with plenty of activities to suit even the littlest travelers. Divers and fisherman will be happiest at Heron Island Resort, Voyages at Wilson Island, Voyages at Lizard Island or Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.

For travelers preferring to stay on the mainland, Port Douglas and Cairns offer convenient accommodation choices. Picturesque Port Douglas sits close to the edge of The Reef. The Boathouse, Plantation Resort, and Sheraton Mirage are popular choices with travelers staying in The Port. Cairns is an hour south of Port Douglas. It offers accommodation for all budgets, from the luxurious Trinity Beach Palace to the affordable Serpent Hostel and Bar.

Fantasea Cruises offer tourists an opportunity to ditch the traditional accommodation options and stay on their stunning catamaran in Hardy’s Reef. Their two-day Reefsleep cruise gives up to six passengers the change to spend time amongst schools of reef fish and coral. These tours showcase the peace and tranquility of this natural haven. Once all the day-trippers have gone, cruise guests can relax alone with a glass of wine, the fish and the stars. Fantasea Cruise’s rates include all meals, snorkeling equipment, and dives.

The Great Barrier Reef’s marine life is its biggest attraction, and the best way to see it is to get in the water. The Reef offers plenty of snorkeling and scuba tours which cater for novices and experienced divers. All equipment is provided and trained instructors are always there to lend a hand.

For visitors who’d rather stay dry, a trip on a glass-bottom boat may be just the thing. Fitzroy and Green Islands offer glass-bottom boat tours, allowing you to observe The Great Barrier Reef’s sea life from the comfort of the deck.

Scenic flights in planes and helicopters offer a bird’s eye view of The Reef. These flights are best taken at low tide, when passengers can easily see the breadth and diversity of the region. Aviation Adventures offers a range of flights, from 10 minutes to half-day picnic tours, depending on your budget.

Reef fishing is also a popular pastime in The Great Barrier Reef. Also known as “Bottom Bouncing”, this technique uses heavy hand lines to catch massive fish including coral trout, red emperor, sweetlip, and nannygai. Fishing the Tropics and Game Fish Charters lead day excursions, while Coral Sea Adventures and MV Boomerang II lead extended fishing trips.

The island resorts also offer a variety of activities, both on and out of the water. These typically include golf, tennis, water-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, horse riding, and hiking in the rainforests. No matter what activities you choose to pursue, do your homework in advance in an effort to find the best Australia travel deals and discounts possible.

The nearest airport to The Great Barrier Reef is Proserpine. Both Qantas and Virgin Blue offer flights to Proserpine from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, Australia. The price of the flights will depend on the time of year and time of day guests are flying.

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