Overview
The Great Barrier Reef extends for about 2,300 km off the coast of Queensland and is made up of thousands of individual reefs and hundreds of islands. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
It is home to corals, fish, turtles, rays and, in season, whales. Visitors explore it by boat from towns such as Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach, or from island resorts.
Best time to visit
June to October is drier and milder, with good visibility. November to May is hotter and wetter; marine stingers are present near the coast in roughly those months, so wear a stinger suit where advised.
Highlights
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1
Outer reef trips
Day boats from Cairns and Port Douglas to snorkel and dive.
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2
Whitsunday Islands
Island sailing, with nearby Whitehaven Beach.
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3
Lady Elliot and Heron islands
Coral cays in the southern reef with turtles in season.
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4
Scenic flights
Views of the reef patterns, including Heart Reef.
Getting there
Cairns, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) and Hamilton Island airports are the main gateways. Reef operators leave from marinas in Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach.
Practical tips
- Opening & tickets
- Opening times, ticket rules and any visitor limits change, so check the official information before you go.
- Time needed
- At least two or three days.
Official information: UNESCO: Great Barrier Reef. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
Map
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