Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast off Townsville. Comprising nearly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Australia's most significant natural attractions. Accessible from Townsville by boat, helicopter and liveaboard tours, it is renowned for its diverse marine life, coral formations and clear waters.

Visitors departing from Townsville can expect a marine environment accessed by day boats, liveaboard vessels, helicopters and pontoon platforms. The setting is open ocean with coral reefs, cays and islands. Visitors can see coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, and clear turquoise water. Activities are water-based and guided, including snorkelling and diving from moored pontoons and boats, glass-bottom boat viewing, and scenic flights. Facilities are provided on tour vessels and pontoons rather than on the reef itself.

The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 for its outstanding natural significance. It has been protected as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park since 1975, managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and is the largest marine protected area in Australia.

The reef holds long-standing cultural significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with Traditional Owners maintaining connections to sea country. It is a major natural icon for Australia and a focal point for marine education and conservation.