Great Barrier Reef in Australia: description, photos, islands, entertainment, hotels

The Australian continent is famous for its sights and unique ocean landscapes. A huge number of truly unique natural artifacts, as if in the far corner of the room, are modestly located in the southern hemisphere of the globe.

Record number of reefs

Another place to which thousands of tourists flock like pilgrims is the Great Barrier Reef. It rightfully occupies the top line of the largest coral reef systems in terms of its scope and area. Many places on the planet can boast such an abundance of coral rocks in the middle of the ocean's water surface, as well as such a unique fauna.

According to official figures, the place has a record number of reefs – 2900, which, together with 900 islands, stretch over a huge 344,000 square kilometers. This miracle of nature is located off the northern coast of Australia in the waters of the Coral Sea. So that you can imagine the full scale of this natural phenomenon, we note that the Great Reef is visible even from space! And this splendor was created by insignificant living organisms, on which no one will pay attention when they meet. How to apply for a visa to Australia on your own read in our life hack.

Each ledge consists of a huge number of special organisms – coral polyps. Due to its uniqueness, the reef completes the list of wonders of the world. The attraction did not remain without the attention of the world community. In 1981, the reef became another World Heritage Site.

Despite its scale, the Great Reef is considered a rather fragile natural phenomenon. This is due to the fact that polyps are very sensitive to climate change. Even the slightest increase in the temperature of the water in the ocean inexorably leads to their death. In order to preserve the sights, the Australian government is doing everything possible. For example, there are a number of documents that set the rules for tourists and divers who visit the reef. In particular, it is forbidden to touch the polyps with your hands, and overnight accommodations can only be set up in clearly designated places.

Paradise for divers

If you are an avid diver and simply cannot imagine your life without scuba gear and the underwater world, you should definitely visit this place at least once in your life. Although, to be honest, to explore even a part of the local underwater reefs and get acquainted with the rarest representatives of the underwater world, you will need more than one month!

Especially popular among representatives of this extreme type of recreation are those reefs that are located to the south. It is this huge chain of rocky formations that breaks up into dozens of small groups, which are evenly distributed along the coast of the continent at a distance of up to 300 km.

This is such an attractive place for researchers of oceanic flora and fauna that divers, as it sometimes seems, run the risk of coming face to face with their colleagues. They scurry between reefs in search of something new, like octopuses surveying their possessions. At a minimum, everyone finds new impressions and vivid memories among the reefs.

Seclusion of Heron Island

As mentioned earlier, the reef consists of several hundred islands, each of which can be called unique. Let's take a look at the most famous of them. Heron Island is considered a place for paradise diving. It is located in the southern part of the Great Reef and has the status of a resort. This remote location is popular for its secluded atmosphere.

If you want to be alone with the ocean and nature, Heron Island will undoubtedly be the most interesting in this regard. It has everything that can be seen in colorful photographs on the Internet: white, like sugar sand, crystal clear emerald-colored water, which allows you to see the smallest details of the seabed, and incomparable coral sculptures.

Of course, the remoteness of the island creates some difficulties for tourists. After all, you will have to get there either by helicopter, which is extremely expensive, or by using the services of a boat that can be hired in Gladstone. But these minor inconveniences are more than compensated for on the very first day, when you, with bated breath, will absorb with delight all the beauty of the local landscapes with your eyes.

Amenities will be provided by a local hotel, where you can not only spend the night, but also appreciate all the delights of the local cuisine. It offers a first-class restaurant, a swimming pool, as well as all kinds of services for teaching the art of diving and even tennis, which is popular on the continent. If you wish, you can always sign up for a tour of the local “adventurous” places. If you want to appreciate the scale of the Great Reef yourself, you can use the services of a tourist helicopter, which will provide an excellent view from a bird's eye view. Well, gourmets will certainly enjoy the opportunity to take part in tasting wine and cheese from local producers.

Dunk Island

If you decide to go on a visit to the Great Barrier Reef with your family, then Dunk Island will be the best option for a measured but vibrant holiday. It is one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the entire globe. For tourists, there is always a huge range of ornithological and underwater excursions, the opportunity to learn horseback riding, as well as hour-long walks in the shade of tropical trees and shrubs, which are simply teeming with butterflies of unprecedented beauty and exotic birds.

On the island, every fishing enthusiast will get an incomparable experience from participating in competitions. You will have to remember all your skills and mobilize all the energy of the body and the skill of the fisherman in order to cope with the assertive representatives of the water world, who strive to get off your hook!

The advantages of the island do not end there. After all, it is considered one of the best places among the reef islands in terms of “price-quality”. For a very reasonable fee, each member of your family will be able to fully relax, and the days spent on Dunk Island will become one of the most vivid memories.

Lizard Island – an exclusive getaway for special guests

Those who can afford not to save on vacation will undoubtedly appreciate all the advantages of another island that is part of the Great Barrier Reef. This is Lizard Island. Just think about the next number! The coast of the island has 24 beaches at once! And it's not just sand and sun loungers, these are exclusive beaches with increased comfort. The resort is located in the northern part of the reef and is considered one of the most famous and expensive in the world. As you know, for special conditions you have to pay extra. But all guests can afford it.

For tourists, there is a special cuisine here, in the menu of which you can find the most exotic, expensive and rare dishes. Fishing enthusiasts will be able to appreciate the best conditions for the implementation of their hobby, and divers will not get out of the depths of the sea for days, still not “satiated” with underwater beauties.

Divers who have explored the most exotic places of the seas and oceans will say with confidence that one of the best places on the planet for diving is a local attraction – Code Hole. Cruises, tennis, ornithological and zoological excursions, trips to the research center, water skiing and boat trips along the reef – all this is just a small list of the exclusive comfort that all lucky owners of a tourist package to Lizard Island can appreciate.

Hyman Island

If you think that these three islands limit the interest of tourists to the Barrier Reef, you are fundamentally mistaken. There are still plenty of attractive places in all respects. Hayman Island is one of the most prestigious resorts. It is one of those islands that are owned by some of the richest people on the planet. That is why first-class conditions for tourists are created here. Great beaches, diving and 10 restaurants at once! Moreover, the island is very popular among newlyweds who are happy to spend their honeymoon here.

Hamilton Island

One of the few islands that have been preserved in almost original form is Hamilton. Here you can get in touch with wildlife, while spending your holidays with the highest comfort.

Bedarra Island

Well, for wealthy tourists who prefer a more secluded vacation, the island of Bedarra has spread its arms. It is also one of the most expensive resorts, but its visitors live in separate villas, each of which offers a great view of the ocean.

As you can see, Australia is happy to share its unique sights and rare natural artifacts with the whole world. One has only to want, and exotic birds and divine beauty, like painted butterflies of the tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef, will forever settle in your heart.

I also recommend reading an article about another interesting place in Australia – Port Campbell National Park.