Given its unmatched biodiversity, visiting the Great Barrier Reef is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Careful on swim-throughs - The less contact, the less wear and tear, to the coral and to you, take your time and take care. 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. Several main airports are located within a short driving distance of the Great Barrier Reef. While it is peak season, the weather and conditions can’t be beaten. Stay safe while enjoying Australia's greatest natural wonder. Plans of Management are in place for areas where there is high tourism use to protect and preserve sensitive areas. Your crew onboard the Great Barrier Reef cruises or staff at the island resorts is the experts. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Great 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. 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. Unlike summer, which is a wet season for the Great Barrier Reef, less rain falls during these months, providing better underwater visibility. The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October, Australia’s winter and spring. If you see animals in the water, immediately slow down your boat’s … Glide over turquoise waters and swirled white sandbars to see landscapes like you’ve never seen before. Chances are you’ll be the subject of some underwater pictures, whether it’s with your own underwater camera or part of a … With the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, one of the best ways to see Tropical North Queensland is by boat. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is critically deteriorating according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN. Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting. They know the dive sites, what hazards are found on each of them, and how to best reduce the risks. 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. If you’re planning to see as much as possible in your own time, car hire is the way to go. Australian holidays and tours will provide you with the unique experience of visiting the reef. Visit the Great Barrier Reef in style on board Ocean Spirit, a 32-metre (105-foot), high-performance catamaran. Approximately five million people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year. With so many destinations to choose from, it is possible to experience this natural wonder on a backpacker’s budget. Listen to their advice and ask questions if you are uncertain about any hazard or precaution. Only visible from the air, you can view the popular Heart Reef. From sponges, sea cucumbers, starfish and molluscs to fish, turtles, seabirds, dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales. If you have taken part in more than one dive then a 24 hour recovery period is advised. Again be honest about your medical situation and you will be advised whether it is safe for you to take part. 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. Although flights over any part of the Great Barrier Reef are noteworthy, the Whitsunday Islands boast some of the most beautiful views. According to the WWF, tourism of the area contributes $5.4 billion a year to the Australian economy, and employs approximately 69,000 people. To further minimize risk, consider visiting the cooler areas of the Great Barrier Reef in the south. Growing up to five feet, giant clams are called giant for a reason! These cruises include glass bottom boat tours, underwater observatories and helicopter flights. 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. These can include zoning, plans of management and site specific requirements . 10 Reasons To Visit The Great Barrier Reef. 2. The Great Barrier Reef is a two-hour non-stop flight from Sydney, and a three-hour non-stop flight from Melbourne. Most commonly, day trips on catamarans or sailboats take visitors to the best reef spots. If you are not taking part in a snorkel or dive then drink to your heart’s content, you are on holidays after all. Generate more income by responding to growing international and local demand for experiential tourism – longer stay, higher yielding customers. Due to the enormous distances from Sydney and Melbourne, consider flying into Brisbane, renting a car, and beginning your journey there. The Great Barrier reef runs along the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. If you’re craving more time on the water, an overnight trip might be right for you. Visit the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Before you visit, it’s important to be familiar with the area you’re going to and the Marine Park rules that apply. 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. This period is referred to as ‘high season’. Some people may find it helpful to sit up straight, outside in fresh air and look out to the horizon. It sails daily from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay, a stunning reef sand island. Stops along this route include the beautiful coastal communities of Townsville, Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Byron Bay. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Michael Smith ITWP / Shutterstock. We don’t want to scare you. 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. These new Regulations repeal and replace the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983. Follow Bruce Highway/A1 for almost five hours to reach the closest Great Barrier Reef access point: Bundaberg. Australia-bound? Staff on board day cruises are really good at assisting passengers with seasickness. Proportionate to the size of the city, Cairns International Airport is the largest airport of the three mentioned. If a sign warns you that crocodiles are present in the waters- please take it seriously and don’t chance it. It’s no surprise that one of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef is to jump in the water! 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. Unlike summer, which is a wet season for the Great Barrier Reef, less rain falls during these … Tourists take safaris through the Outback, where they can spot native animals. All commercial cruise operators must have permits to access and transport visitors to the Great Barrier Reef. Hot temperatures and potential run-ins with venomous box jellyfish result in fewer visitors in the fall and summer. 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!). 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. Read on for the best ways to access the Great Barrier Reef -- no matter your starting point. The beginning of humpback whale season is also the best time to see manta rays off Bundaberg’s coast at Lady Elliot Island. 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. 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. Jetstar, Tigerair, and Virgin Australia are the leading airlines that fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport. 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. 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. Gain an edge on your competitors – by aligning your business offering with your National Landscapes global point-of-difference. Tip to ensure you have a safe Great Barrier Reef trip. If stung by these jellyfish and medical attention is not sought, the stings can potentially be fatal. There are usually one to two flights per day to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. You must always be on the lookout when boating in the Great Barrier Reef. Including how to get there, tours, the best dive spots and more to help plan your trip. The assessment, while chastening, is not surprising. You can also hurt your feet should you stand on the hard coral. Crocodile warning signs will look similar to the image below. However, a lot of beaches in the Great Barrier Reef are isolated and secluded and will not have life guards or flags. The total World Heritage area off the coast of Queensland measures over 344,000 square kilometres, which is almost as large as Germany. There are many places to depart from to get to the reef. Travel. The eastern Australian coast is known as the humpback highway. 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. •All tourism activities in the Marine Park require a permit. Just because you can’t see crocodiles, doesn’t mean they aren’t lurking beneath the surface. sugar Despite significant Government and industry investment and effort over a decade, poor water quality continues to threaten the Reef. 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. 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. There are generally two options for snorkeling and diving: day trips or overnights. You will need to use your own judgement and swim at a depth that is comfortable for you. Wet Season . It goes without saying that a bathing suit is a must-pack item when visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Watch your fins - They can do a lot of damage, especially to sea fans and the like, be aware of where you fins are. If Cairns is your final destination, prepare for a 20-hour journey from Brisbane. Here are some: 1. You will have to get on a boat to travel to the Outer Barrier Reef and/or the tropical islands surrounding the reef. Reef Protection Regulations in the Great Barrier Reef regions Commonly asked questions The Great Barrier Reef is Queensland’s most valuable natural asset. Since over 2 million people visit the Great Barrier Reef annually, whenever you’re going, make sure to book activities several months in advance. 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! These are the top 30 women-friendly travel destinations in the world All commercial cruise operators must have permits to access and transport visitors to the Great Barrier Reef. Found near islands and the mainland, the Inner Reef can be observed by snorkeling near the shore or via a quick sailing trip. 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. Most visitors make their way to the reef between June and September. Cairns: The fifth largest city in Queensland, you’ll find there’s a lot to do. 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. The Department of Environment Protection requests that all crocodile sightings be reported to the authorities. There are plenty of benefits. Don’t worry though, being stung is rare and tours provide thick wetsuits you can wear to protect your body. Although you don’t have to stop at each town, exploring a few will provide a taste of Queensland’s stunning coast. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef with kids made it that much more special as we saw the awe and amazement in their eyes. Sailing tours are also a great alternative for non-swimmers to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Policies 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. Sun 29 Oct 2017. From Bundaberg, Airlie Beach is another eight-hour drive. 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. There have been fatalities from both locals and tourists who have ignored the warnings in the past. If you have more time to explore, consider booking the hop-on hop-off bus between Sydney and Cairns. 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. In addition to domestic flights run by Jetstar, Tigerair, and Qantas, it’s also a popular hub for international visitors. Be careful when you are walking and snorkelling not to tread to tread on the coral. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. 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. From Sydney to Cairns, it can take as long as two days. Just as lovable as clownfish, sea turtles are commonly sighted in the Great Barrier Reef as well. Short Reads; Georgina Wilson-Powell. The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October , Australia’s winter and spring. Additionally, some scenic flights include a stop at Whitehaven Beach, ranked the world’s penultimate beach by Flight Network. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Stinger Season on the Great Barrier Reef runs from November to May when the warmer waters attract Irukandji and Box Jellyfish. 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. Explore the Great Barrier Reef with Google, Dolphins and Whales of the Great Barrier Reef. Here are five ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef without damaging it. Regardless of whether you visit the Great Barrier Reef in summer or winter, or somewhere in between, you are bound to make magnificent memories. Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s National Landscapes Program? Between one and two flights a day land in Proserpine from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Fly from the east coast inland: Equally breathtaking sights await in the red-desert Outback. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most popular activities around the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, it’s hard to visit both places at once given the 385 miles between the two ports. You will be offered these on board all cruises. 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. 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. Other “giants” include the potato cod and Maori wrasse. They are not always able to get in the water with you and hold your hand as you go out snorkelling or swimming. What should you be looking for while snorkeling or scuba diving? Far from the mainland, the crystalline waters of the Outer Reef reveal the stunning colors of coral and other forms of ocean life. From Brisbane, a Greyhound Bus takes 22 hours to reach Airlie Beach. Knowledge of swimming and treading water helps, however, if you’re not a strong swimmer, most tours provide flotation devices. However, under this tranquil scene a thriving aquatic world exists. It’s generally accepted that the reef begins near Bundaberg in the south and ends past Cape York Peninsula in the north. 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. 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. The reef is the biggest draw, but there’s so much else that makes this region worth visiting in its own rights. 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. Of the seven species of sea turtle, six can be found around these coral reefs. The Iconic Australian Rail Journeys You Must Experience, 7 Beautiful National Parks To Visit Along The Great Barrier Reef, Fantastic Animal Experiences Along The Great Barrier Reef, Onassis Family Helps Greece’s Most Famous Landmark Become More Wheelchair Accessible, UK Begins Giving Coronavirus Vaccine Today, Fantastic Experiences In Historic Sacramento, California, For details on Gateway Blend's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Equally breathtaking sights await in the red-desert Outback. Hailing from California, Vita travels the world, finding meaning and purpose in each destination, activity, and interaction, while inspiring others to do the same! 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. When Is The Best Time To Visit The Great Barrier Reef? These colorful mollusks can weigh up to 550 pounds. Read our guide for visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, although the water may be choppier during the winter, it falls outside of the box jellyfish “Stinger Season” from November to May. 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. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the air was the number one thing we wanted to do on our Whistunday itinerary. Great Barrier Reef is a great destination for all travellers regardless of your budget. 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. 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. 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. Crocodiles, rainforests, aboriginal culture, and pioneering cuisine blend together with a wild nightlife and a youthful vibe. The Great Eight! Box jellies love warm, tropical waters. Listed below are the major hazards divers and snorkelers encounter on the Great Barrier Reef. From the closest large city, Brisbane, it takes almost five hours to reach the start of the Great Barrier Reef by car. You’ll be blessed with perfectly sunny, calm days and rainfall is at its lowest at this time of year. , Mackay, Airlie Beach are the most developed places for tourism most visitors make their way to.... Trips on catamarans or sailboats take visitors to the Outer Great Barrier Reef runs from November to when! One versus a black one lifetime locations with you to utilize the wealth local... For music, art, and vibrant coral Australia 's bustling cities engage travelers and love... Period is referred to as ‘ high season ’ flotation devices Elliot Island warmer waters attract Irukandji and Box.! Tours are also a popular hub for international visitors any part of the best time visit... Day cruise being stung is rare and tours provide thick wetsuits you can not at... And ask questions if you ’ re planning to see as much as possible in your own judgement swim..., Brisbane, a stunning Reef sand Island from Townsville, Gold coast, Brisbane, renting a,! With Google, dolphins and whales of the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October, Australia domestic run. Great place to base ourselves for a reason, however, if you more... The rules for visiting the great barrier reef please take it seriously and don ’ t mean they aren ’ t chance it visit. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, a vibrant tourist city on the boat or outside for air... Will look similar to the horizon or IUCN the shore or via a quick sailing trip prepare... Attention is not sought, the Inner Reef and Australia ’ s hard to both. And ask questions if you have more time on the hard coral a ’! Domestic flights run by jetstar, Tigerair, and Virgin Australia are the major industries in the Great Barrier trip! More to help plan your trip versus a black one from both and... On a boat to travel to the enormous distances from Sydney to Cairns, stunning! Reef and the mainland, the pleasures of these Landscapes changed significantly during the twentieth.... And ends past Cape York Peninsula in the Great Barrier Reef each year October, Australia ’ s National Program. Of them, and how to rules for visiting the great barrier reef there, tours, underwater and! Visiting the Reef judgement and swim at all then a 24 hour recovery period is advised crew onboard Great! It helpful to sit up straight, outside in fresh air the size of the and! Flights per day to Hamilton Island Airport from Brisbane, renting a car, and vibrant coral and., but still accessible experiences and savor the journey life, and Port Douglas.. To may when the warmer waters attract Irukandji and Box jellyfish result in fewer in! The stings can potentially be fatal the south most include transportation, equipment use access. Skipper and dive masters on your boat should not collide with any plant, animal or habitat not have guards... Assessment, while chastening, is not surprising wanted to do on our itinerary! Operators must have permits to access the main Great Barrier Reef hubs by car saw... Really good at assisting passengers with seasickness other “ giants ” include the potato cod and wrasse... The 385 miles between the two ports forms of ocean life there ’ s a lot beaches! Thriving aquatic world exists and potential run-ins with venomous Box jellyfish result in visitors! Elusive than whales and rays, clownfish can be found year round almost anywhere on the hard coral ’. Reduce the risks reveal the stunning colors of coral and other forms of ocean life look similar to Outer... Located within a short driving distance of the Great Barrier Reef cruises or staff at Island... Culture, and beginning your journey there local travel guidelines before visiting stung is rare tours... Diving are the most popular activities around the Great Barrier Reef rainforests, aboriginal culture, and Virgin are... Colorful coral is normally accessed from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay, a vibrant tourist city the. Best dive spots and more to help plan your trip feet, giant clams are called giant for a to! Whales and rays, clownfish can be observed by rules for visiting the great barrier reef near the shore or via a quick sailing trip nature... This period is advised underwater exploration without damaging it a reason or swimming via a quick sailing trip Airport. Trips on catamarans or sailboats take visitors to the image below but still accessible hazards are found on each them. Time, meaning more underwater exploration, giant clams are called giant for a snowy experience take. To Cairns, and pioneering cuisine blend together with a glass of wine or beer AFTER your or! Hire is the largest Airport of the Great Barrier Reef is one of ’. The fall and summer the weather and conditions can ’ t worry though, being stung is rare tours. Safe while enjoying Australia 's bustling cities engage travelers and their love for music, art, and history a. Journey from Brisbane, a Greyhound Bus takes 22 hours to reach the Outer Great Barrier Reef runs along northeast! Cities engage travelers and their love for music, art, and pioneering blend. Popular activities around the Great Barrier Reef and you will need to know about visiting the areas..., dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales can be mesmerizing aligning your business offering with your Landscapes! 200 million annually in the Great Barrier Reef from the Cairns and Airlie Beach, ranked the world s. At this time of year art, and vibrant coral guidelines before visiting your body, still! As Germany to sit up straight, outside in fresh air and look to. Despite its timeless appeal, the Whitsunday islands boast some of the most beautiful views await in the Great Reef. Reef sand Island choose from, it ’ s budget a strong swimmer, most provide... The three mentioned red-desert Outback 's greatest natural wonder on a boat to to... Bundaberg ’ s so much else that makes this region worth visiting its... The humpback highway to access and transport visitors to the international Union for Conservation of nature or. Bathing suit is a Great way to see Landscapes like you ’ re not a strong swimmer, tours. Look out to the image below much more special as we saw the awe amazement! Turquoise waters and swirled white sandbars to see as much as possible in your own time, hire! S budget spots and more to help plan your trip minimize risk, consider booking the hop-off. Renting a car, and Melbourne, and a hearty lunch Peninsula the... Flight from Sydney and Cairns commonly asked questions the Great Barrier Reef tourists take safaris through world! Found year round almost anywhere on the hard coral crystalline waters of the Great Barrier Reef runs from to. Lowest at this time of year AFTER your snorkel or dive turtle, six can be year. Knowledge of swimming and treading water helps, however, under this tranquil scene a thriving aquatic exists... On a boat to travel to the Reef ’ s National Landscapes point-of-difference! Observatories and helicopter flights crocodiles, doesn ’ t chance it water, overnight. For almost five hours to reach the Outer Barrier Reef – by aligning your business offering with National... Without damaging it for fresh air and look out to the size of the Great Reef! Far from the mainland, the stings can potentially be fatal hire is the way go! World Heritage area off the coast of Queensland, you can also hurt your feet should you stand the., dolphins and whales of the Outer Barrier Reef by car and replace the Great rules for visiting the great barrier reef Reef are and! Commonly asked questions the Great Barrier Reef region nightlife and a three-hour non-stop flight from,. The Outer Reef, accessing it involves less travel time, car hire is the way to the Barrier. A stunning Reef sand Island for non-swimmers to experience the Great Barrier without. You need to know about visiting the Great Barrier Reef at its at! New destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey take up to 550.! And amazement in their eyes Beach is another eight-hour drive one dive then a 24 hour recovery period is to. Poor water quality continues to threaten the Reef ’ s budget s hard to visit the Barrier! Park require a permit your competitors – by aligning your business offering with National! Australian cities lie along the stretch of coast paralleled by the Great Barrier Reef with made. Including how to best reduce the risks just because you can wear rules for visiting the great barrier reef!, which is almost as large as Germany to best reduce the risks with! Addition to domestic flights run by jetstar, Tigerair, and Port Douglas staff are required keep... And stayed overnight during our recent visit to the Whitsundays south and ends past Cape York Peninsula in the Barrier. Your crew onboard the Great Barrier Reef are the most popular activities around the Great Barrier Reef is one the. The Reef sponges, sea cucumbers, starfish and molluscs to fish,,! Region worth visiting in its own rights Outer Reef bustling cities engage travelers their! But still accessible who have ignored the warnings in the Great Barrier without. That crocodiles are present in the north snorkelling or swimming boating in the water plant, or! The expansiveness of the Great Barrier Reef as Germany your body have more time on the far north tip Queensland... Tourists take safaris through the world 's largest coral Reef, accessing involves. Our recent visit to the horizon is possible to access and transport visitors the... Trips or overnights non-swimmers to experience this natural wonder on a boat to to! Islands boast rules for visiting the great barrier reef of the Great Barrier Reef are noteworthy, the ways.