One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with breathtaking beauty, both above and below the surface. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches.
A close encounter with the Great Barrier Reef’s impressive coral gardens reveals many astounding underwater attractions including the world’s largest collection of corals (in fact, more than 400 different kinds of coral), coral sponges, molluscs, rays, dolphins, over 1500 species of tropical fish, more than 200 types of birds, around 20 types of reptiles including sea turtles and giant clams over 120 years old.
Off the Cairns coastline are outer edge ribbon reefs which can be seen by taking one of the daily outer reef cruises offered by local operators. One of the best ways to view the reef is to take a low scenic flight over it, especially at low tide where you’ll see breadth and diversity of this great living wonder.
The coral islands are very popular tourist attractions, the closest to Cairns being Green Island and Fitzroy Island. Whilst these islands are great for one day trips (having the shortest to commute), the outer reefs are by far more spectacular. Consider an overnight trip for the ultimate experience to the outer reef.
The dive boats are luxurious and the staff have extensive experience of the Great Barrier Reef . If you’re not adventurous enough to don the mask and dive… you’ll be surprised how much you can see from just snorkelling.
You can even hear parrotfish munching on the coral!
Downunder Cruise & Dive – Cairns1800 079 099 |
Ocean Freedom Cruises – Cairns(07) 4052 1111 |
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Passions of Paradise – Cairns(07) 4041 1600 |
Cairns Dive Centre – Cairns(07) 4051 0294 |
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Quicksilver Cruises – Cairns
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Pro-Dive – Cairns1800 353 213 |
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Coral Sea Dreaming – Cairns
Vagabond Dive – Cairns
Sunlover Cruises
