5 Facts You Didn’t Know About The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of awesome marine species.

Located off the coast of Queensland, the reef stretches over 2300 kilometres, making it the largest coral reef system (there’s an extra fact for you)! With that being said, let’s get into some fascinating facts about the stunning reef.

1. More than two million people visit the reef each year

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most visited destinations! There’s no question why people from all around the country and the world visit the reef due to its outstanding beauty.

2. The reef is still under threat

There are multiple reasons why the reef is under threat, the main one being climate change which contributes to coral bleaching. The Australian and Queensland governments have multiple plans in place to help protect the reef. Visitors can also contribute to help by wearing reef safe sunscreen, recycling properly, and booking with environmentally friendly tour operators.

3. Thousands of marine species call the reef home

There are over 9000 known species that live within the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the most loved species within the reef include dolphins, turtles, the huge range of colourful fish, sea snakes, and even whales! Not only do these marine species live here, but there are also prehistoric ones including the nautilus which is believed to have changed much in millions of years.

4. The reef is millions of years old

The Great Barrier Reef is extremely old, being 500 million years old! In saying this, the current reef we see today is about 8000 years old which developed

5. Even the coral is alive

The coral in the reef may look like colourful underwater plants, but they are animals! Corals are made of polyps which are tiny creatures that have sac like bodies with tentacles. From the polyps getting calcium and carbonate ions from the water, it helps create the rock like structure for the coral. The polyps survive from the algae that absorbs the sunlight and the algae gives the coral some colour!

Join the two million people who see the Great Barrier Reef each year and book a tour today! Choose from snorkelling or scuba diving and experience seeing the outstanding reef.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.