Australia Barrier Reef

LADY ELLIOT ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: A Hawksbill sea turtle is seen swimming on January 15, 2012 at Lady Elliot Island, Australia. Lady Elliot Island is one of the three island resorts in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMPA) with the highest designated classification of Marine National Park Zone by GBRMPA. The island of approximately 40 hectares lies 46 nautical miles north-east of the Queensland town of Bundaberg and is the southern-most coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Great Barrier Reef - A Nature's Wonder That Can Take Your Breath Away!

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef with approximately 900 islands and 3000 coral reefs. This natural underwater wonder is approximately 35 million hectares which is about 70 million football fields. Amazingly the only living thing that can be seen from space!



An interesting Barrier Reef fact is that it is a nucleus of different species of animals and plant as compared to the rest of the globe, each cubic metre of it has a different set!



The Great Barrier Reef began to grow over 18 million years ago. Since that time many geological events like the Ice age and low seawater level have interrupted its growth. The reef visible now has grown on top of the older reef platform.



In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was selected as the World Heritage Site.



Some of the interesting Great Barrier Reef Facts include:

• It is home to some endangered species like Green Sea Turtles and Dugongs.
• Six of the seven species of sea turtles are found at the reef: Green, Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Flatback and Olive Ridley.
• The largest remaining Dugong population in the world is in Australia. In 1991, the northern Australian population was estimated at approximately 17,000 with 12,500 in the Torres Straits and 1,700 in the northern Great Barrier Reef.
• 30 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises live in, or visit this coral reef wonder.
• 17 different species of sea snakes live on this coral heaven.

Today, tourism at the reef is estimated $1 billion each year, with 800 operators working at this marine park to provide a great adventure experience to the tourists.



Why Great Barrier Reef?



Home to many underwater attractions, the Great Barrier Reef includes one of the largest collection of beautiful corals, coral sponges, molluscs', over 1300 species of tropical fish, 20 different kinds of reptiles and home to many different types of birds. This natural treasure is the breading ground for humpback whales migrating from Antarctica, and also to some endangered species like Dugong - a Sea Cow and the large Green Sea turtles.



Awe aspiring barrier reef is an attractive tourist destination. There are many activities one can partake in at the barrier reef, with 820 operators and 1500 vessels operating in this marine heaven to provide the ultimate experience.



The barrier reef is a Diver's Heaven for sure. With stretches and stretches of beautiful coastal area, enriched with corals and marine life, it provides a breathtaking experience. There are gentle shallow sites for first timers and deep sites for the professional ones. For the first timers there are many one day snorkelling diving sessions along the reef.



The Great Barrier Reef experience is not only limited to being in the water, air activities like hot air ballooning, long range air tours and scenic flights are there for the tourist to experience the sapphire sparkling water of the reef with the bird eye view.



For those found of marine life, and exciting adventure, Great Barrier Reef is a mesmerizing wonder that needs to be explored to appreciate its beauty.



So, what are you waiting for? Select your favourite Great Barrier Reef tour and book your tickets to the world's natural wonder today. The Great Barrier Reef is amazing; this marine haven is a place worth visiting at least once in your life!

About the Author

Mary Thomson - Researcher and Writer. I research and review new things introduced in the market and bring out the best and the worst about them for my readers.


Shark Feed Dive - Great Barrier Reef Australia