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About Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most remarkable coral reef system that consists of 2,900 different reefs and 900 islands. The area's length is approximately 2300 km (1400 mi) over an area of roughly 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 sq mi). The Great Barrier Reef can be reached from the east coast off Queensland Australia. One feature that makes The Great Barrier Reef unique is that it can be observed from space. The Great Barrier Reef is rare because it has been built by billions of alive organisms to create one of the most impressive forms of beauty. The Great Barrier Reef was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1981 because it supports a wide diversity of life. There are many articles and documentaries about The Great Barrier Reef. One of the most well-known documentaries was made by British writer and naturalist David Attenborough, released in 2015.

 Things to do when visiting the Great Barrier Reef:

• Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight

• Green Island Day Trip

• Outer Reef Cruise to Activity Platform

• Hot Air Ballooning

• Whitewater Rafting

• Scuba Diving

Great Barrier Reef Tours 

As one of the Seven Natural Wonders Of The World, The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage protected National Park and should definitely be one of your top Australian bucket-list experiences! Its pristine beauty and convenient location (just off the coast of Cairns) make a Great Barrier Reef tour the perfect way to kick off or wrap up an awesome East Coast tour. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of marine life including 1,500 species of fish, one-third of the world's soft corals, and the 30 species of marine mammals, including turtles, dolphins, and whales, that call this place home. Usually, people prefer to discover this beauty by scuba diving Great Barrier Reef tours; however, you can also give Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tours a try if you aren’t comfortable diving.

Great Barrier Reef Cruises

Backpackers World also offers a range of incredible Great Barrier Reef Coral cruises and tours from Cairns to explore this coral paradise, snorkel with spectacular marine life, and even relax on private islands. These Great Barrier Reef Tours start from only $99. If you simply can't get enough of this wonderful place, why not do a PADI Course and become qualified to dive and experience the reef from a whole new perspective. Or, if you're up for a real treat, we can even hook you up with an incredible scenic flight over the Heart Reef or an Airlie Beach skydive for some seriously mind-blowing views.

Great Barrier Reef Tours Can Be Tailored According to Your Needs

Even though you intend to visit The Great Barrier Reef, the variety of choices available can be confusing. Backpackersworld.com is here to help and support you through this decision-making process. Backpackers World customers generally prefer four main tour packages: Great Barrier Reef tours from BrisbaneAirlie Beach to Great Barrier Reef toursCairns to Great Barrier Reef tours, and Port Douglas Reef tours. However, Backpackers World is able to create a tour package from scratch that includes your favorite bucket-list destinations.

Still unsure where to begin? Chat with our team! Our travel experts can help you decide where to go and what to book, making your Great Barrier Reef travel dreams a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Barrier Reef 

What is the Great Barrier Reef?

This enormous coral reef ecosystem is larger than the Great Wall of China and one of the most well-known and significant places in the natural world. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a diversity of marine life and colourful reefs, earning it a place on the Seven Wonders of the Natural World list.

Where is the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea, on Australia’s north-eastern coast. It is best accessed from the Far North Queensland city Cairns.

How big is the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Coral is greater in size than the United Kingdom, Holland and Switzerland combined as well as approximately the same area as Italy, Germany, Malaysia or Japan.

How old is the Great Barrier Reef?

Scientists claim that it is around twenty million years old.

How much does it cost to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

The visit cost is approximately $6.50 per person. The price is the same for both children and adults.

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

November and May is the wet season for The Great Barrier Reef. So from June to October is the best time to visit The Great Barrier Reef.

Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef?

Swimming on the Great Barrier Reef is considered relatively safe for anyone. You just need to be careful about tour guide instructions and any signage.