Vast Queensland reef system of coral, islands, and marine life stretching more than 2,300 kilometres.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on earth, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast from Cape York in the north to Bundaberg in the south. It consists of some 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, and is visible from space. The whole system has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
The reef is accessed from a string of Queensland coastal towns, each offering a slightly different experience. Cairns is the main hub, with dozens of dive and snorkel operators running day trips to the outer reef. Port Douglas, about an hour north, reaches quieter sections. The Whitsundays, further south, are the classic sailing ground — 74 islands in a sheltered passage with long white beaches and reliable winds. Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is frequently cited among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The reef faces serious pressure from climate change — mass bleaching events have damaged large sections, particularly in the northern reaches. The parts of the reef most accessible from Cairns and Port Douglas remain in reasonable condition, but the long-term picture is uncertain. Snorkelling and diving here is still spectacular; the diversity of coral, fish, and marine life is unlike anything most people have seen. Come now rather than later.
Australia and Pacific > Australia > Queensland > Great Barrier Reef
Guide
Beaches in Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef stretches from the northern most tip of
Queensland, Cape York, down 3000 kilometres to Bundaberg. The reef
consists of 2,900 individual reefs and over 900 islands. This
magnificent part of the world also has some of the most spectacular
beaches seen anywhere. Protected by the outer reef, most of the beaches
north of Frazer Island in Queensland have little to no waves, which
mean perfect swimming and snorkelling conditions year round. The warm
turquoise waters of the Coral Sea rarely drop below 22 degrees Celsius
and sun tanning can be enjoyed 365 days a year. The only problem
with the beaches in North Queensland is the various seasonal stingers.
These can be extremely dangerous and in many cases even fatal. Many
people choose to swim with stinger suits to be on the safe side;
however this is much less of a problem if you are on the outer islands
of the reef.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is located on an island in a group of islands
called the Whitsunday’s. The Whitsunday’s has 74 islands of which a few
have world-class resorts. The town on the mainland, which is renowned
among international backpackers is called Airlie Beach and is just over
an hour’s flight from Queensland’s capital, Brisbane. This beach has
some of the most beautiful sand and blue water in the world. Getting to
Whitehaven will consist of either a privately chartered boat or group
tour, which can be done from many of the islands and the mainland. This is a
must see for the whole family.
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is the only place in the world where two World
Heritage Sites meet. The greenery of the Daintree Rainforest hits the
beautiful waters of the Greet Barrier Reef. Cape Tribulation can be
reached from a day trip out of Cairns and will certainly be worth it
once you get here. Here you can snorkel the shallow reefs or waste the
day away reading on the on the white sandy beach.
Four-Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach is located in North Queensland’s resort town of Port
Douglas. This four-mile stretch of sandy beach is laced with tall palms
and crystal clear water. It also enjoys no development pressure and
gives a feeling of isolation. Not many amenities on this beach although
it is a very romantic way to spend a day with that special someone.
