The Great Barrier Reef is known for its clear waters, striking marine life, and vibrant coral. Wet Season . Most students prefer to do a two day pool and classroom course, followed by a two or three day liveaboard visiting the reef to the east of Cairns. Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting. With so many destinations to choose from, it is possible to experience this natural wonder on a backpacker’s budget. Staff are required to keep guard on boats monitoring the safety of ALL passengers. Some people may find it helpful to sit up straight, outside in fresh air and look out to the horizon. Before you visit, it’s important to be familiar with the area you’re going to and the Marine Park rules that apply. There are generally two options for snorkeling and diving: day trips or overnights. That is the home of our friend Nemo. You will have to get on a boat to travel to the Outer Barrier Reef and/or the tropical islands surrounding the reef. It’s no surprise that one of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef is to jump in the water! When she’s not dreaming about the next destination, chasing golden hour, or dancing West Coast Swing, she’s most likely to be found documenting her travels and time spent living abroad in Australia on her blog, My Walk in the World. Fly from the east coast inland: Equally breathtaking sights await in the red-desert Outback. There are many places to depart from to get to the reef. You will need to use your own judgement and swim at a depth that is comfortable for you. sugar Despite significant Government and industry investment and effort over a decade, poor water quality continues to threaten the Reef. The Great Barrier reef runs along the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. All commercial cruise operators must have permits to access and transport visitors to the Great Barrier Reef. Short Reads; Georgina Wilson-Powell. They are not always able to get in the water with you and hold your hand as you go out snorkelling or swimming. We flew to Hamilton Island and stayed overnight during our recent visit to the Whitsundays. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world; just under the ocean’s surface, the Great Barrier Reef is full of life. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most popular activities around the Great Barrier Reef. The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October, Australia’s winter and spring. Experienced certified divers should be aware that you are required to carry dive certification documents and medical certificates as you will be taken on more difficult and deeper dives. Popular activities centered around experiencing this beautiful aquatic environment include diving with wildlife, cruising sailboats, and enjoying white-sand beaches (whether on the ground or from up above!). Most include transportation, equipment use, access to several sites, and a hearty lunch. Australian holidays and tours will provide you with the unique experience of visiting the reef. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. If you haven’t snorkelled in a while then it may be worthwhile for you to sit in on the safety demonstrations that they provide on the boat before you head out into the water. If you have more time to explore, consider booking the hop-on hop-off bus between Sydney and Cairns. See also. Whether you choose a strictly snorkeling tour, a scuba diving tour, or a combination of the two, these are full day (8 to 10 hour) tours. Listed below are the major hazards divers and snorkelers encounter on the Great Barrier Reef. Stinger Season on the Great Barrier Reef runs from November to May when the warmer waters attract Irukandji and Box Jellyfish. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef with kids made it that much more special as we saw the awe and amazement in their eyes. The Great Barrier Reef is a two-hour non-stop flight from Sydney, and a three-hour non-stop flight from Melbourne. Staff on board day cruises are really good at assisting passengers with seasickness. Your crew onboard the Great Barrier Reef cruises or staff at the island resorts is the experts. With the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, one of the best ways to see Tropical North Queensland is by boat. You will be asked a series of questions about whether you have any existing health conditions including but not limited to: respiratory issues, heart conditions and ear health. This is legal document so that instructors can determine your suitability for an activity such as diving and is done with your health and safety in mind. The Great Barrier Reef is normally accessed from Cairns, a vibrant tourist city on the far north tip of Queensland. If you are not a comfortable swimmer let the staff on board day cruises know so that they can provide you with floatation devices and advise you on which areas to swim and snorkel in close to the boat. Your boat should not collide with any plant, animal or habitat. Since over 2 million people visit the Great Barrier Reef annually, whenever you’re going, make sure to book activities several months in advance. Commercial operators also have very strict guidelines and environmental rules that they must abide by as dictated to them by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Photo Credit: Michael Smith ITWP / Shutterstock. Despite its timeless appeal, the pleasures of these landscapes changed significantly during the twentieth century. Explore the Great Barrier Reef with Google, Dolphins and Whales of the Great Barrier Reef. The cosmic scale, verdant islands, blue lagoons and brilliantly coloured underwater life of the Great Barrier Reef have attracted and intrigued visitors from the very earliest European navigators to the two million tourists who visit the region each year. Travel. The two activities don’t mix and you will find that alcohol will not be sold on any cruise until after these activities have finished for the day. Less elusive than whales and rays, clownfish can be found year round almost anywhere on the Great Barrier Reef. These colorful mollusks can weigh up to 550 pounds. Here are five ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef without damaging it. Visit the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Flying over the reef truly shows the scale of the Great Barrier Reef -- something that can’t be appreciated from the shore, or even under the waves. If you are swimming from a beach that is staffed by lifeguards then swim between the red and yellow flags and don’t venture out too far as you need to be able to swim back. But, what I highly recommend is packing a bright, colorful one versus a black one. The total World Heritage area off the coast of Queensland measures over 344,000 square kilometres, which is almost as large as Germany. If you’re craving more time on the water, an overnight trip might be right for you. They know the dive sites, what hazards are found on each of them, and how to best reduce the risks. Again be honest about your medical situation and you will be advised whether it is safe for you to take part. There have been fatalities from both locals and tourists who have ignored the warnings in the past. Strap these down so that they are closer to your body, but still accessible. The Great Barrier Reef’s enchanting Heart Island has just opened for tourists. It goes without saying that a bathing suit is a must-pack item when visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Just because you can’t see crocodiles, doesn’t mean they aren’t lurking beneath the surface. Gain an edge on your competitors – by aligning your business offering with your National Landscapes global point-of-difference. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019 will come into effect on 1 April 2019 — but will not result in any substantive change to the rules that apply in the Marine Park. The eastern Australian coast is known as the humpback highway. Cairns and Airlie Beach are the most developed places for tourism. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a vast number of plants, animals and organisms. Reef Protection Regulations in the Great Barrier Reef regions Commonly asked questions The Great Barrier Reef is Queensland’s most valuable natural asset. Thick sting-proof wetsuits also help with buoyancy. From sponges, sea cucumbers, starfish and molluscs to fish, turtles, seabirds, dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales. Numbers nor photos can fathom the sheer scale and importance of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s most remarkable natural treasure and the most significant reef system on the planet. Unlike summer, which is a wet season for the Great Barrier Reef, less rain falls during these months, providing better underwater visibility. Given its unmatched biodiversity, visiting the Great Barrier Reef is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hot temperatures and potential run-ins with venomous box jellyfish result in fewer visitors in the fall and summer. The Australian Alps entice skiers looking for a snowy experience. If you decide to forego snorkeling or scuba diving, glass bottom boats offer great views of the reef and give everyone on board an opportunity to spot the Great Eight. You can dive and snorkel the reef among the turtles and colourful fish, lie on the deck and soak up the sun or enjoy a glass-bottomed boat tour. Listen to their advice and ask questions if you are uncertain about any hazard or precaution. Located on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays -- a one-hour ferry ride off mainland Airlie Beach -- this airport is convenient for those planning to stay on the luxurious island. From Brisbane, a Greyhound Bus takes 22 hours to reach Airlie Beach. You can protect yourself by wearing ‘stinger suits’ – full lycra swim suits that cover you from head to toe over your swim wear when you venture into the waters. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is critically deteriorating according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN. The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October , Australia’s winter and spring. If you have taken part in more than one dive then a 24 hour recovery period is advised. Taking a helicopter or seaplane is a great way to see the expansiveness of the Great Barrier Reef. For those who don’t know, Australia’s most picturesque region, the beloved Whitsunday Islands, were partially wiped out in 2017 after cyclone Debbie severely devastated the region. Far from the mainland, the crystalline waters of the Outer Reef reveal the stunning colors of coral and other forms of ocean life. In some cases, it can take up to 2 hours to reach the Outer Great Barrier Reef from mainland locations. Of the seven species of sea turtle, six can be found around these coral reefs. Crocodile warning signs will look similar to the image below. Most commonly, day trips on catamarans or sailboats take visitors to the best reef spots. According to the WWF, tourism of the area contributes $5.4 billion a year to the Australian economy, and employs approximately 69,000 people. Remember that when you head out on a day cruise you will be swimming in the ocean and unable to touch the bottom for support. If you’re planning to see as much as possible in your own time, car hire is the way to go. It is possible to access the main Great Barrier Reef hubs by car. This refers to the most iconic marine life in the Great Barrier Reef: whales, manta rays, clownfish, turtles, potato cod, giant clams, Maori wrasse, and sharks. The Department of Environment Protection requests that all crocodile sightings be reported to the authorities. We don’t want to scare you. When Is The Best Time To Visit The Great Barrier Reef? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Great Barrier Reef. This was a great place to base ourselves for a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Several main airports are located within a short driving distance of the Great Barrier Reef. The potato cod can grow up to 200 pounds, while the Maori wrasse -- a fish known for its friendly temperament -- can span more than 6 feet! Boating tours departing from Cairns take approximately two hours to reach the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. A 25-minute shuttle ride from Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Coast Airport is the closest -- and usually cheapest -- option for accessing the Great Barrier Reef. If you are prone to sea sickness then you should take precautions and take your medication before hand as it normally take a few hours to work. All commercial cruise operators must have permits to access and transport visitors to the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns: The fifth largest city in Queensland, you’ll find there’s a lot to do. Between one and two flights a day land in Proserpine from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Proportionate to the size of the city, Cairns International Airport is the largest airport of the three mentioned. Overnight trips will be more expensive than day trips, but they include more time on the reef and exciting activities such as evening swims or night dives. Additionally, some scenic flights include a stop at Whitehaven Beach, ranked the world’s penultimate beach by Flight Network. Stops along this route include the beautiful coastal communities of Townsville, Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Byron Bay. Regardless of whether you visit the Great Barrier Reef in summer or winter, or somewhere in between, you are bound to make magnificent memories. Due to the enormous distances from Sydney and Melbourne, consider flying into Brisbane, renting a car, and beginning your journey there. These new Regulations repeal and replace the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983. Here are some: 1. The chances of being stung by these jellyfish out on the reef are rare as they tend to stick to coastal areas but your safety is important. Scenic Helicopter Tour with Hamilton Island Air. If you are concerned that a cruise operator is causing damage to the reef then you can report them to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Although it has less visibility than the Outer Reef, accessing it involves less travel time, meaning more underwater exploration. You can also hurt your feet should you stand on the hard coral. The Great Eight! Read on for the best ways to access the Great Barrier Reef -- no matter your starting point. You can play your part in keeping this natural wonder healthy by respecting the coral and marine life that live here so that visitors for years to come can enjoy this amazing place. 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You can play your part by taking simple steps such as disposing of trash appropriately and not touching or removing the coral from its natural environment… Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Marine Park rules help protect the Great Barrier Reef and ensure it’s enjoyed in an ecologically sustainable way. Most visitors make their way to the reef between June and September. Knowledge of swimming and treading water helps, however, if you’re not a strong swimmer, most tours provide flotation devices. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful parts of the world but visitors should be aware of signage appearing at beaches, islands, creeks and other waterways. Just as lovable as clownfish, sea turtles are commonly sighted in the Great Barrier Reef as well. As long as you respect the space of the shark, there’s no reason to worry about being in the water with these graceful beings. You will feel out of place not wearing one! Including how to get there, tours, the best dive spots and more to help plan your trip. If Cairns is your final destination, prepare for a 20-hour journey from Brisbane. Sailing tours are also a great alternative for non-swimmers to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Careful on swim-throughs - The less contact, the less wear and tear, to the coral and to you, take your time and take care. From Sydney to Cairns, it can take as long as two days. The reef is the biggest draw, but there’s so much else that makes this region worth visiting in its own rights. Generate more income by responding to growing international and local demand for experiential tourism – longer stay, higher yielding customers. Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s National Landscapes Program? For most people, the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October to avoid the wet season and the dangerous box jellyfish. However, a lot of beaches in the Great Barrier Reef are isolated and secluded and will not have life guards or flags. Unfortunately, it’s hard to visit both places at once given the 385 miles between the two ports. Commercial operators also have very strict guidelines and environmental rules that they must abide by as dictated to them by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Visit between June and October The Great Barrier Reef can be enjoyed year-round but the very best time to visit is during the dry season between June and October. These include Rockhampton, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Cairns, and Port Douglas. Although more than 50 types of sharks reside around the reef -- including hammerhead and tiger sharks -- the most sighted sharks are small whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. There are plenty of benefits. Unlike summer, which is a wet season for the Great Barrier Reef, less rain falls during these … There are usually one to two flights per day to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Crocodiles, rainforests, aboriginal culture, and pioneering cuisine blend together with a wild nightlife and a youthful vibe. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Plus, Australia's bustling cities engage travelers and their love for music, art, and history. You must always be on the lookout when boating in the Great Barrier Reef. Tourists take safaris through the Outback, where they can spot native animals. See the reef and the surrounding islands by booking a ferry transfer or tour which depart from the Cairns and Port Douglas marinas. Daily flights land in Cairns from Townsville, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Even if you’re not a certified PADI diver, you’ll still be able to explore the Great Barrier Reef through snorkeling. Only visible from the air, you can view the popular Heart Reef. It contributes billions of dollars and supports thousands of jobs. Two main sections make up the Great Barrier Reef: the Inner Reef and the Outer Reef. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. You can play your part by taking simple steps such as disposing of trash appropriately and not touching or removing the coral from its natural environment. Policies Found near islands and the mainland, the Inner Reef can be observed by snorkeling near the shore or via a quick sailing trip. Boasting 1,430 miles of coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the pontoon tours are the most family-friendly way to experience the Reef, don’t discount the smaller operators who can offer a more intimate experience. They aren’t the most attractive suits but the fashion police won’t fine you because everyone else will be wearing them too. We urge you to utilize the wealth of local knowledge of the skipper and dive masters on your boat. Additionally, although the water may be choppier during the winter, it falls outside of the box jellyfish “Stinger Season” from November to May. In addition to domestic flights run by Jetstar, Tigerair, and Qantas, it’s also a popular hub for international visitors. With a year-round tropical climate like that of Hawaii and Mauritius, Hamilton Island is a great place to explore the Inner Great Barrier Reef. From Bundaberg, Airlie Beach is another eight-hour drive. Plans of Management are in place for areas where there is high tourism use to protect and preserve sensitive areas. Other “giants” include the potato cod and Maori wrasse. Quiet and serene, the turquoise blue waters atop Australia’s Great Barrier Reef can be mesmerizing. From the closest large city, Brisbane, it takes almost five hours to reach the start of the Great Barrier Reef by car. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef has endured three mass coral bleaching events in five years, and last summer’s bushfires caused untold damage in the Blue Mountains and Gondwana Rainforests (not to mention the current fires at the reef’s Fraser Island).. If stung by these jellyfish and medical attention is not sought, the stings can potentially be fatal. Posted by Kyro Mitchell on 15 September 2020 One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of the Great Barrier Reef is the iconic Heart Reef. You can visit the Great Barrier Reef, explore the depths of the Daintree Rainforest, see the crystal clear water of Mossman Grove and the golden sand of the Four Mile Beach. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Great Whether you plan to take a day trip, a scenic flight, or stay at a resort on one of the more than 900 islands, this guide will help you decide when to visit the Great Barrier Reef. If you are not taking part in a snorkel or dive then drink to your heart’s content, you are on holidays after all. Glide over turquoise waters and swirled white sandbars to see landscapes like you’ve never seen before. They are luckiest people in the world to live and work on the Great Barrier Reef and they know the conditions, best reef sites and dive sites and ways that you can remain safe. If you CANNOT SWIM at all then a pontoon cruise is a better option. However, under this tranquil scene a thriving aquatic world exists. Others lounge in crevices awaiting the perfect moment to strike at their prey. The Great Barrier Reef has always been one of the great bucket list icons but a raft of environmental and human pressures has left it vulnerable. Sun 29 Oct 2017. Visit the Great Barrier Reef in style on board Ocean Spirit, a 32-metre (105-foot), high-performance catamaran. These are the top 30 women-friendly travel destinations in the world It's possible to learn with some of the operators that travel to the Coral Sea, but check first about the difficulty of their dive sites. Once you arrive at either of the main hubs, though, there are plenty of options for cruises, sailboats, and planes specializing in Great Barrier Reef experiences. What should you be looking for while snorkeling or scuba diving? We’ve all seen the breathtaking images of the Great Barrier Reef and often pictured ourselves enjoying a relaxing tropical holiday, exploring this amazing piece of paradise. These cruises include glass bottom boat tours, underwater observatories and helicopter flights. Hurried schools of fish weave through layers of colorful coral. T he Great Barrier Reef is one of nature’s most incredible wonders. You’ll be blessed with perfectly sunny, calm days and rainfall is at its lowest at this time of year. Be careful when you are walking and snorkelling not to tread to tread on the coral. Growing up to five feet, giant clams are called giant for a reason! If you are new to diving then you may not be aware that you are unable to fly for a minimum of 12 hours after a dive due to decompression sickness. Although flights over any part of the Great Barrier Reef are noteworthy, the Whitsunday Islands boast some of the most beautiful views. Please let know and they may move to a better position on the boat or outside for fresh air. The beginning of humpback whale season is also the best time to see manta rays off Bundaberg’s coast at Lady Elliot Island. The Great Barrier Reef provides tourists with an underwater trip through the world's largest coral reef. Approximately five million people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year. •All tourism activities in the Marine Park require a permit. Box jellies love warm, tropical waters. 2. From June to November, whales make their annual migration north from Antarctica, providing onlookers the opportunity to view these incredible mammals from the shore or boat deck. Stay safe while enjoying Australia's greatest natural wonder. Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef [toc] What Australia is doing to manage the Great Barrier Reef We all have a common goal—protecting and managing the Great Barrier Reef for current and future generations. Cairns offers countless tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, while tours that take off from Airlie Beach provide easy access to Inner Reef sites throughout the Whitsunday Islands. While it is peak season, the weather and conditions can’t be beaten. Tip to ensure you have a safe Great Barrier Reef trip. Follow Bruce Highway/A1 for almost five hours to reach the closest Great Barrier Reef access point: Bundaberg. Watch your fins - They can do a lot of damage, especially to sea fans and the like, be aware of where you fins are. Divers are given waivers to read and sign when onboard any day cruise. If a sign warns you that crocodiles are present in the waters- please take it seriously and don’t chance it. Don’t worry though, being stung is rare and tours provide thick wetsuits you can wear to protect your body. Jetstar, Tigerair, and Virgin Australia are the leading airlines that fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport. Chances are you’ll be the subject of some underwater pictures, whether it’s with your own underwater camera or part of a … The Australian and Queensland governments are jointly investing approximately $200 million annually in the reef’s health. Although you don’t have to stop at each town, exploring a few will provide a taste of Queensland’s stunning coast. Celebrate your day with a glass of wine or beer AFTER your snorkel or dive. Stretching over 1,400 miles off the coast of north-eastern Queensland and encompassing more than 900 islands and cays, it … Millions of people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year for tourism and recreation, and the tourism industry works closely with us to ensure their operations are sustainable. Great Barrier Reef is a great destination for all travellers regardless of your budget. If you see animals in the water, immediately slow down your boat’s … These can include zoning, plans of management and site specific requirements . To further minimize risk, consider visiting the cooler areas of the Great Barrier Reef in the south. Many noteworthy Australian cities lie along the stretch of coast paralleled by the Great Barrier Reef. This period is referred to as ‘high season’. Australia-bound? Current environmental laws do not make special exemptions for scientific research or testing in areas of national environmental significance, such as the Great Barrier Reef. It’s generally accepted that the reef begins near Bundaberg in the south and ends past Cape York Peninsula in the north. 10 Reasons To Visit The Great Barrier Reef. The assessment, while chastening, is not surprising. Tourism is one of the major industries in the Great Barrier Reef region. It sails daily from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay, a stunning reef sand island. Read our guide for visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Hailing from California, Vita travels the world, finding meaning and purpose in each destination, activity, and interaction, while inspiring others to do the same! You will be offered these on board all cruises. Guard on boats monitoring the safety of all passengers locations with you to explore consider. Where they can spot native animals of place not wearing one, colorful one versus a black.... Can include zoning, plans of management and site specific requirements sand Island effort a... 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To get there, tours, underwater observatories and helicopter flights in visitors. Your competitors – by aligning your business offering with your National Landscapes Program your business offering with National. Been fatalities from both locals and tourists who have ignored the warnings in the south and ends past York! Fish, turtles, seabirds, dugongs, dolphins and whales of the Great Barrier Reef.... Depart from the east coast inland: Equally breathtaking sights await in the Reef is between June and,! Destinations to choose from, it ’ s hard to visit both places at once given the miles...