The world famous Great Barrier Reef is a vast, under sea paradise of fish and other marine life that live amongst the sweeping coral reefs of incredible color and vibrance where you can snorkel or even go diving for the more adventurous among us!
The Great Barrier Reef is located off the East Coast of Australia, stretching far across the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. The huge Reef touches more than 900 islands, and has nearly 3,000 vast separate coral beds. The Great Barrier Reef is home to innumerable species of life that bustle around the dream like ocean floor.
The Reef is nearly 2,500 km long from tip to tip and is the largest coral reef on the entire planet! It’s a very young coral reef though, by comparison to some of the ancient Arctic corals, being only about 7,500 years old, which is still a long time! Coral as a life form however, has existed on Earth for nearly half a billion years! During this time coral has evolved into the most amazing forms, with kaleidoscopic patterns and color.
There’s nowhere in the World like the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list! A trip to go exploring the oceans of the Pacific is perfect for singles, couples and families with children, who always enjoy it!

Getting to the Great Barrier Reef
Transport links to the Reef are well established and run very smoothly. If you are flying internationally you can land directly in the Cairns International Airport where you can easily catch buses to one of the many unique resorts where you can stay. You can even vacation on wonderful castaway islands where you’ll find 5 Star Resorts nestled in amongst the vivid marine life.
You can fly domestically into Proserpine Airport, from where you can catch a regular 20 minutes shuttle bus ride to the town of Airlie, which is the central hub town for people travelling to the Great Barrier Reef. You can stay on in the town, and make day trips from there, or else you can venture onwards, deeper into the reefs to stay on a small island resort.
There’s a very wide selection of hotels and accommodation in the area, so there’s something for every budget. Travel links are all very well run, and operated in a streamlined way. Shuttle buses wait outside the departure lounges as planes land in the airports, and it’s easy to find your way around with a lot of very helpful staff to answer your questions.
There’s also Car Hire facilities in the Airports, often with 24 hours offices, so if you want to pick up a map and some car keys to make your own way around you’ll have no problems finding a suitable vehicle.

What’s the Best Time to Visit the Great Barrier Reef?
The best months that you could pick to visit the region are between June and mid-October. During this time of year the temperatures don’t get too high, and there is very little chance of rainfall. The lack of rain means that the waters around the coral reef will be crystal clear so you’ll really get the best diving or snorkelling experience possible.
During these months, which are the Peak Season months, all the support business, buses, taxis, hotels and restaurants are open and ready to cater to your needs. It’s a wonderful experience visiting while the place is alive. It’s always a great friendly atmosphere with fun days out at the reef. This is right in the school summer holidays too so families can get away together and see the coral at its very best!

Things to do at the Great Barrier Reef.
There’s masses to do in Cairns and the surrounding areas, much of which is beautiful national parkland and world class beaches of white sand with deep blue waters and reefs.
Number one on your list when you’re visiting Cairns is to go snorkelling in the coral reefs. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget!
Visit Townsville, which is a vibrant spot for tourists and travellers. With great restaurants, bars and clubs, it also has the world’s largest fully thriving reef aquarium that is a huge attraction for people from all over the world.
Take a Tour by Air! If you want to get a totally different perspective on the Great Barrier Reef, how about seeing it from the skies! You can take a trip in a chartered helicopter and enjoy a spectacular day of sightseeing above the waters.

Visit the Crocodiles! Australia is famous for its saltwater ‘crocs’ that can grow to a massive 15 metres in length. If you want to see some of these amazing creatures up close you can take a day trip to the world famous Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures which is located just off the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas.
You can also do some great shopping in the towns and resorts of Cairns. As well as the incredible Aboriginal artwork that is available, there’s lovely jewelry, high street fashion outlets and local restaurants with world class cuisine on offer.
When you visit Cairns, and the Great Barrier Reef you’ll have the holiday of a lifetime, take in some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and wildlife while staying in unforgettable resorts and accommodation. A trip to the Great Barrier Reef will be one of the best holidays you’ll ever have and you’ll also be supporting the valuable conservation work that goes on in the region.




