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Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef (Australia)

Practical information about Great Barrier Reef

  • Beach / Seaside Resort
  • Nature Reserve / Wildlife Observation / Safari
  • Island
  • Water Sports
  • Unesco World Heritage
  • Essential
5 / 5 - 3 reviews
How to get there
Off the coast of Queensland
When to go
From April to November
Minimum stay
2 to 3 days

Reviews of Great Barrier Reef

Timothée D. Travel writer
285 travel articles

An exceptional natural geological structure, the Great Barrier Reef extends for over 2,000 kilometres off the coast of the Australian state of Queensland. 

My suggestion:
One piece of advice: avoid the southern hemisphere's summer rainy season. The low visibility at that time of year makes diving impossible and the water becomes infested with jellyfish.
Summary:

I came here in September and I have to say that I was definitely impressed by the Great Barrier Reef, which was one of the highlights of my time in Australia. The absolutely wonderful natural structures of the corals play host to an exceptional range of biodiversity, creating a veritable paradise for divers. The water is clear and warm and there are countless islets, islands and atolls to be found in the area, providing ideal places for tourists to escape to.

The reef itself extends for over 2,000 kilometres and there are many places in the area you can stop at whilst visiting and enjoying what is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Cairns is normally thought of as the main centre for tourism in the region, though I also liked Townsville, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, where there are many boat tours and diving courses you can go on. 

Coral reef
Tony Mainguenaud Travel writer
10 travel articles

The Great Barrier Reef is situated off the coast of Queensland. It is the largest coral reef in the world. It is overflowing with beauty. 

My suggestion:
Jump in the sea to discover aquatic fauna and flora that will take your breath away.
Summary:

If you are looking for a dream destination, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful sites that I visited in Australia. It must be said that I have been passionate about scuba diving for many years, so I'm not particularly objective, but believe me: unless you are afraid of water, you must go for a dive on this reef.

To me, it seemed impossible not to be enthralled by so much beauty. The easiest and least expensive option is snorkelling: flippers, mask, snorkel, and you're ready to go!  

To access one of the many scuba diving sites, I chose a boat departing from Airlie Beach, even though most of the boats headed towards the Great Barrier Reef depart from Cairns. 

The Great Barrier Reef - view of the sky.
Sophie Liger Travel writer
53 travel articles

An Australian must see for all those who love the sea!

My suggestion:
The Great Barrier Reef is accessible from several cities on the east coast. You mustn't hesitate to go there several times, to different places, because the reef is not the same throughout!
Summary:

I went twice to the Great Barrier Reef. The first time was by going to the Whitsunday Islands, a group of islands off the coast of Airlie Beach. Here, the corals aren't very deep and are sometimes almost at the surface. You only need a snorkel and a mask to see them and admire all of the fish around them!

The second time, I went for a day leaving from Cairns. This time, you couldn't see the Barrier Reef on the surface, but with a snorkel and a mask you could still see it very well. Of course, to be able to admire the corals and the maritime species even closer, nothing is better than diving!

If you visit Australia, do not miss these moments on the coral reef to admire fish of every colour and every type, as well as coral which are...simply magnificent!

Around the Barrier Reef