The world’s smallest continent and the sixth-largest country – Australia, is the home to some of the best beaches, tourist locations, amazing history and one of the 7 wonders of the world.
The Great Barrier Reef.
Today we will look at what The Great Barrier Reef is all about. The different kinds of coral and aquatic species that you can find there and why it is one of the worlds most amazing natural heritage sites.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Some geography to start you off.
The Great Barrier Reef is located at the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland. It contains approximately 900 islands!
Wow! That’s a lot.
Some of the most famous islands that you may have come across are – The Whitsundays (this alone consists of 74 islands), Hamilton Island, Heron Island, and Lizard Island.
The Great Barrier Reef was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981 by UNESCO. Simply due to the natural formation of land, and the multiple hard and soft coral species that you can come across there.
I mean who wouldn’t want to go there?
The best part is that various activities would allow you to see the amazing creations of Mother Earth. The activities that you can take part in are:
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Bare boats (Self surfing)
- Glass-bottomed boat viewing
- Semi-submersibles
They sound like so much fun!
TOURISM
Majority of The Reef is located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (which is a marine park that is used for shipping, commercial marine tourism, etc.).
But over the years, the Australian Government has increased the total number of tourists visiting The Reef. In 1996, tourism was promoted locally and reached an estimated AU$776 million per annum.
But if you look at the tourism rates now, you can see a drastic increase; as tourism has increased by AU$5-6 billion per year.
Fantastic! No?
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
- The Great Barrier Reef is the largest Reef System in the world.
- The Great Barrier Reef is home to 3,000 different types of coral species
- The Great Barrier Reef is home to 1,500 different types of fish.
- Hamilton Island is one of the only islands that provide accommodation as the majority of the 900 islands are covered in the wilderness.
- Hamilton Island does not face any traffic issues as cars are not allowed. The only means of transport that tourists have is – golf carts.
One of the islands on the Great Barrier Reef is shaped like a heart and is one of the most spectacular sights while in a helicopter.
Out of all the things that you have read, what is your favourite part about The Reef?
Mine would be the islands.
Do let us know what you think, also sign up for a trip to this amazing place!
Adios!