Most people may have possibly seen the Great Barrier Reef on TV and over the internet than up close and personal. It is a very popular destination in Australia attracting millions of tourists annually. While many people may have an idea of how the Great Barrier Reef looks, they will never experience the fun and wonders it has to offer. It is renowned all over the world as one of the best sites for diving.
Location
Located off the coast of Queensland northeast Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is made up of 2900 individual reefs, which makes it the largest coral reef system in the world. Stretching over 2575 km, this incredible attractions covers an area of 133,000 sq. miles. The magnificent, massive reef can be seen from space.
It is also considered one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Australia and a perfect destination for a family vacation. Due to its natural beauty, the iconic Great Barrier Reef welcomes visitors from different parts of the world to experience its wonders first hand. Asides the extensive number of reef systems, there are also beautiful beaches, coral cays and lovely tropical islands.
Check out these facts about the Great Barrier Reef
- This vast composite reef is made up of over 3,000 individual reef formations, stretching between 1 hectare to an unbelievable 100,000 hectares in size
- Home to over 1,500 species of fish, 360 different species of hard corals, 4000 species of molluscs and 400 different types of sponges, the Great Barrier Reef is considered the world’s most densely populated ecosystem.
- Here you’ll find several endangered species such as green turtles and loggerhead. It is also the breeding ground of the spectacular humpback whale that visits annually
- It is one of the most impressive sites in the world for diving
- The Great Barrier Reef attracts millions of visitors every year who come for a first-hand experience of the Reef, whether they choose to swim, snorkel or dive.
- The Great Barrier Reef is greater in size than a combination of both Tasmania and Victoria as well as a combination of Holland, Switzerland and United Kingdom
When is the best time to go to the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is a beautiful place and can be visited all year round. From the month of November to May which is known as the stinger season, visitors are advised to either wear a stinger suit or swim inside the stinger enclosures at one of the many beaches.