The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world.
Comprising of thousands of individual reefs and hundreds of islands, the Great Barrier Reef is home to an incredible diversity of marine life and is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is a place that needs to be seen to be believed, not only for its natural beauty but also for its ecological significance.
If you’re planning a visit to the Tropical North Queensland region, you must ensure you make time to explore the Reef in some way. And if you happen to stay with us here at the Reef House, that’s something we can help you with. But before we get to planning your trip the Reef, let’s learn some more about this incredible natural wonder of the world.
Facts about the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is also the world’s largest coral reef system, spanning an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres. It is also the world’s largest living organism and is visible from space.
It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981.
The Great Barrier Reef is formed by thousands of individual reefs and hundreds of islands, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the north-eastern coast of Australia. The reef system is made up of coral polyps, tiny animals that secrete a hard, protective skeleton around themselves. These polyps, over time, form the massive structures that make up the reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is also home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and 4,000 species of mollusc. The Great Barrier Reef also plays the vital role of being the habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals and is a critical nursery ground for many species of fish and other marine life.
The reef plays many important roles in the lives of the people and animals of the Queensland region. As it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, with millions of people visiting each year to see its beauty and marine life, it is a significant contributor to the local economy. The reef also plays an important role in protecting the coast from storms and erosion, which makes the area significantly safer for people and animals.
Creatures that Live at the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef also boasts a wide variety of marine mammals such as the dugong, or “sea cow,” and various species of dolphins and whales. One of the most iconic creatures found on the reef is the sea turtle. Six of the seven species of sea turtles can be found on the reef, and it is a crucial nesting ground for many of them.
Along with marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is also home to various species of birds, including seabirds, shorebirds, and migratory birds. Some of the most notable bird species include the white-bellied sea eagle and the roseate tern.
Ways to Experience the Great Barrier Reef
There are many ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, whether you’re a seasoned diver or just looking to explore the reef from the surface. Snorkelling and diving are popular options for getting up close and personal with the reef, and there are many tour operators that offer guided snorkelling and diving trips. These trips can be short trips or last a number of days, whatever your interest, there will be an option available to you.
For those who want to explore the reef without getting wet, glass-bottom boat tours are a great option. These tours usually include a boat ride to a specific part of the reef where a glass-bottom section of the boat allows for a clear view of the coral and marine life below.
Live-aboard dive trips are another way to experience the Great Barrier Reef, these trips are longer and take place on a boat that stays on the reef for several days. These trips are ideal for experienced divers who want to explore more remote areas of the reef and dive deeper.
Aerial tours, such as helicopter or seaplane rides, provide a unique perspective of the reef and its vastness. These tours are a great way to get an overview of the reef and its size and also to view it from a different angle.
When visiting the Great Barrier Reef it is important to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the reef and to choose tour operators that follow responsible tourism practices. You can learn more about exploring the local region in an environmentally responsible way here.
Why you should stay at the Reef House when you visit the Great Barrier Reef
The Reef House in Palm Cove is an exquisite boutique hotel that offers its guests luxury away from the hustle and bustle. Palm Cove is a gorgeous seaside village that is tranquil and picturesque, but it’s only 25 minutes North of Cairns and 25 minutes South of Port Douglas. This means that you’re in the ideal position to take advantage of the numerous ways that you can discover the Great Barrier Reef.
The staff at the Reef House can also help you to plan your ideal Great Barrier Reef experience and ensure that your time in Palm Cove is everything you could ever want it to be. Plan your Great Barrier Reef trip today with the Reef House.
