An introduction to the Great Barrier Reef

Home to over two thousand types of coral, fish, bird, reptile and mammal, you can see why Australia's Great Barrier Reef is named one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 

Larger than the combined area of the UK and Ireland and comprising almost a thousand islands, The Great Barrier Reef is an immense part of the world – so where do you start? Here, we share why it’s one of the most unmissable and important areas of the planet.

What is The Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef isn’t actually one reef, but a collection of almost 3,000 smaller reefs – a giant underwater jigsaw created over thousands of years by tiny coral polyps.When the tectonic plates underneath northern Australia shifted into warmer tropical waters over 24 million years ago, the fertile climate and volcanic activity kickstarted a coral explosion. Although fragments of this ancient reef still exist, the living reef as we know it today is estimated to be around 8,000 years young.

Where is the Great Barrier Reef?

Stretching for over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is so massive it can be seen from space. It hugs the northeast coast of Australia from Cape York in the north to Bundaberg in the south, with famous launch spots like Cairns, Port Douglas, and the laid-back Whitsunday Islands offering easy access to reef adventures.

Quick tip: the northern reef tends to be more untouched and biodiverse, while the southern stretches are known for picture-perfect islands and family-friendly snorkelling spots.

How to experience the Great Barrier Reef

There’s more than one way to dive into the magic of the reef:

○ Snorkelling safaris: float above rainbow gardens of coral just metres from the surface – perfect for first timers and families.

○ Stay overnight on Reefsleep; a floating pontoon marooned on the edge of Hardy Reef, 39 nautical miles offshore. Read more about this experience here.

○ Spend an unforgettable night in a Reefsuite, one of just two ultra-exclusive cocoons submerged four metres below the surface of the world’s largest living reef.

○ Scuba diving expeditions: certified divers can head out on multi-day liveaboard trips to remote outer reef sites where the marine life is mind-blowingly abundant.

○ Sailing trips: glide through the Whitsundays aboard a catamaran and discover secluded snorkelling spots far from the crowds.

○ Helicopter and seaplane tours: for a totally different perspective (and a serious ‘wow’ moment), take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the swirling reef formations.

○ Island hopping: stay on one of the reef’s islands like Lizard Island and Daydream Island Resort for a true castaway vibe with reef access right on your doorstep.

Pro tip: If you love diving, look out for a chance to explore the Ribbon Reefs or the legendary Cod Hole – both top bucket list sites for their giant potato cod, sharks, and pristine coral walls.

When is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

You can visit year-round, but for the clearest waters and calmest seas, aim for the dry season between May and October. This is Australia’s winter, but the Far North Queensland climate stays warm and sunny – ideal for diving, snorkelling, and lazy beach days.

Summer (November to March) brings hotter, wetter weather and is the time when you might encounter marine stingers, so protective stinger suits are essential if swimming or snorkelling during these months.

Protecting paradise: responsible reef travel

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fragile ecosystem that needs our help. When visiting:

○ Choose eco-certified tours that actively help protect the reef.

○ Avoid touching coral or disturbing marine life.

○ Use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent chemical damage.

○ Follow the guidance of your dive or snorkel leader to minimise your impact.

○ Even small actions help ensure this incredible natural wonder thrives for generations to come.