The Great Barrier Reef is undeniably one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
With stunning coral reefs, vibrant wildlife and endless adventures, the reef should be on any nature lover’s get done now list.
Here’s why.
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It’s a diver’s paradise
Divers, swimmers and snorkelers revel in the opportunity to immerse themselves in the reef’s otherworldly seascape. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem and boasts more than 2,900 separate coral reefs, a network of deep water canyons, plateaux, slopes and channels, as well as roughly 6,000 square metres of seagrass beds.
All of this makes for the perfect recipe for unforgettable adventures. Whether going deep in full diving attire or keeping yourself close to the surface, swimming The Great Barrier Reef puts you in contact with some of the world’s most diverse life forms, which we will discuss below.
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Unbelievable natural diversity
Did you know that The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish? Or, for the more fearless swimmer, 134 different species of sharks? And don’t forget turtles or the docile dugong. Yes, The Great Barrier Reef has one of the world’s best reputations for its abundance of unique wildlife, with swimmers to deep sea divers all having the opportunity to experience the wonders this amazing reef has to offer.
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It simply has some of the world’s best beaches
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards just named Whitehaven Beach as the “best beach in the world”. Situated on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is only accessible by boat, helicopter or seaplane, and boasts some of the world’s whitest sand and gorgeous tropical waters. Beach lovers, sailors and snorkelers alike rejoice in the opportunity to visit this isolated, untouched location, where the true wonders of the world seem to fall in front of you at every turn.
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Luxury food & accommodation
With so many activities and so much to see, it’s only natural that The Great Barrier Reef should provide elegant accommodation with gourmet food. All along the reef is dotted with first class resorts serving up amazing food and drink. This being said, if you’re looking to do the reef on a budget, there are plenty of hostels and campsites on both mainland and islands to choose from.
Related article: Best Places to see the Great Barrier Reef