What Is The Best Part Of The Great Barrier Reef?

The best part of the Great Barrier Reef depends on what each individual wishes to experience.

Visitors are often amazed by the stunning clear blue water! Whether you want to see the marine life, get in the water to explore, or simply witness the reef’s beauty firsthand, there’s something for everyone.

The marine life

The Great Barrier Reef boasts incredible marine biodiversity, with around 9,000 known species residing here. You’ll encounter a variety of small, colourful fish such as clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. There are also larger species like reef sharks, rays, and even whales!

The colourful coral

The reef is home to the largest collection of coral reefs in the world, with over 400 different types of coral, including both hard and soft varieties. Coral is crucial to the reef’s ecosystem, providing habitat for many marine species and helping to protect coastal areas. Soft coral is the vibrant, colourful type you’ll see during various reef activities, while hard coral provides shelter for small fish.

Great Barrier Reef activities

The reef offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. If you’re keen to get in the water, you can try snorkelling, helmet diving, or scuba diving to see the vibrant coral and an abundance of fish and other marine life. If you prefer to stay dry, a glass bottom boat tour is an excellent option, especially for families with young children. The glass bottom boat allows you to view the marine life swimming below.

The Great Barrier Reef also features pontoons, a large boat that remains anchored near specific reefs and offers various activities. You can spend the day on a pontoon, enjoying different water activities, a glass bottom boat tour, or simply taking in the views and delicious food.

Islands to visit 

The Great Barrier Reef comprises over 1000 islands, including mangrove islands, coral cays, and continental islands. Some of the most popular islands to visit are Green Island and Fitzroy Island.
Green Island, one of the 300 coral cays in the reef, is unique for its rainforest. You can spend a day on Green Island swimming, exploring the rainforest, or simply relaxing.
Fitzroy Island is another beautiful destination, known for its pristine beaches and excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Join a tour where you can spend the day exploring how you’d like!

With so many remarkable aspects of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s best experienced in person. Join one of the tours and discover just how breathtaking this part of Australia truly is.

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.