Oceania | AU | Queensland | Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling [The Great Barrier Reef, Australia] (Paul Arps) | CC BY 2.0 Box Jellyfish [Great Barrier Reef, Australia] Shutterstock Stony Coral Colony and Soldier Fish [Great Barrier Reef, Australia] Shutterstock Whitsunday Great Walk [Whitsunday Islands, Australia] Shutterstock The Great Barrier Reef [Australia] Shutterstock Great Barrier Reef [Queensland, Australia] Shutterstock The Coral Sea [Great Barrier Reef, Australia] (Petteri Sulonen) | CC BY 2.0 Green Island [Great Barrier Reef, Australia] (Blowing Puffer Fish) | CC BY 2.0 Airlie Beach [Great Barrier Reef, Australia] (eGuide Travel) | CC BY 2.0 Great Barrier Reef at a Glance The Great Barrier Reef stretches for two thousand kilometers along Australia's eastern coast. A variety of reefs and islands make up this UNESCO recognized site and divers, boaters and explorers have several options for where to base themselves on land. The Great Barrier Reef has arguably the best scuba diving in the world and certainly some of the most varied terrain. Sink down to view over 2000 individual reefs, hundreds of different types of fish and the occasional shipwreck that occured when some poor crew ran aground on the reef. For a diverse diving experience, spend the week diving and a few days driving up and down to the coast to different access points. For non-divers, in some places the reefs are exposed at low tide and you can actually walk along them and explore the plants and animals you see. Hiring a naturalist, or finding a low-tide tour is a great option here so that you can learn about the diverse reef ecosystem. Advertisement What to Expect High Season June - November Low Season December - May Things To Do (Petteri Sulonen)CC BY 2.0 Coral Sea The Coral Sea is right off the coast from Cairns where many expeditions into the Great Barrier Reef have their start. SPONSORED (eGuide Travel)CC BY 2.0 Airlie Beach The town Airlie Beach is famous for its sailing and the access it provides to a smattering of small islands just off the coast. SPONSORED (Blowing Puffer Fish)CC BY 2.0 Green Island Fly over Green Island and get a look at the jungle as well as the surrounding reefs. SPONSORED Robert LinsdellCC BY 2.0 Frankland Islands The Frankland Islands are ringed with gorgeous corals and are a fun place to explore by boat or with a scuba group. SPONSORED Related Articles From the Ocean to the Outback: Australia’s Best Natural Attractions Where can you find Technicolor coral reefs, gigantic sandstone pillars jutting from the ocean and pouched animals hanging high in trees? If you guessed Australia – you’re right! Most people have heard... Where You’ll Find the World’s Most Dangerous Creatures As humans encroach further and further onto forests and other ecosystems, close encounters with dangerous wildlife are often the result. However, with the right travel smarts and common sense, you can... The World’s Most Disturbingly Beautiful Destinations, From A to Z It’s a great big world out there, one that is full of majestic mountains, ancient cities that were once lost, rising and shining urban metropolises and Mother Nature’s most fantastic creations. See wh... The best way to start planning a trip to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef There are plenty of impressive facts and figures about the Great Barrier Reef – it covers more than 1,600 miles, includes nearly 3,000 individual reefs and is home to more than 1,500 species of fish. ... Travel Basics Current Time Difference from Unknown Location Update Your Location Exchange Rate United States Dollar $ Euro € Conversion rate supplied by European Central Bank Language: English × Update Your Location Traveler photos Submit your travel photos of Great Barrier Reef Upload Your Travel Photos Top Forum Questions about Great Barrier Reef Have a question about Great Barrier Reef? Ask our travel forum. More Ask a Question Where to Eat Where to Stay Getting There Major Airports Brisbane Airport Passport / Visa Requirements All tourists need a visa to visit Australia with the exception of New Zealand nationals. Contact the Australian Consulate for more information. The U.S State Department website has information to help guide American citizens. Need to Know Severe Weather Australia can be very hot and dry and wildfires occur. Southern portions can have cold winters. Since Australia is such a large country its important to research the climate of the portion you are visiting so that you are prepared. Safety Concerns As in any city, it is important to stay alert while in Sydney. Pickpocket, theft, car break-ins and other crimes occur. Don't accept drinks from strangers and don't set yours down anywhere.Health Concerns: Ticks, snakes and mosquitoes spread diseases and infections. When spending time outdoors, protect yourself by wearing sturdy shoes and covering your skin. Check for ticks a few times a day if you are hiking. Get immediate medical attention if you receive a snake bite. Whenever you are outdoors in a hot climate take steps to prevent heat-related problems by staying cool and well hydrated. Watch out for sharks in the ocean waters and pay attention to signs and updates about beach safety. × Update Your Location