A lot of holidaymakers plan their getaways on land, but there’s so much to experience in the ocean as well. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a perfect example of an unforgettable deep-sea vacation. It’s beautiful, inspiring, and filled with adventure for any traveler.
Get to Know Australia
Though Australia is one of the largest countries on Earth, it’s one of the smallest continents. It’s located in the Southern Hemisphere between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. Much of the landscape in Australia was formed roughly 4.6 billion to 252 million years ago. Besides Antarctica, Australia was the last land explored by Europeans.
Part of what makes Australia special is its extraordinary fauna and flora, including the platypus and echidna, which are the only egg-laying mammals found on earth. Its abundance of eucalyptus trees, kangaroos, koala bears, and kookaburras also add to the uniqueness of Australia.
The capital of Australia is Canberra, found between Sydney and Melbourne on the foot of the Australian Alps. It’s one of the only locations in the country where you can enjoy a ride on a hot air balloon. Tunnels and highways can be found under the city’s streets.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is known for its varied coral reefs, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 types of mollusks. Found on Australia’s northeast coast, it covers 134,363 square miles, with about 99 percent of the property within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
There are 2,100 individual reefs and roughly 800 fringing reefs found in the Great Barrier Reef, all formed from skeletons and skeletal waste of living marine organisms many millions of years ago. Reefs can’t exist where temperatures drop below 64°F.
The Great Barrier Reef includes 750 islands. At its inshore waters, it has an average depth of almost 115 feet, and at its deepest, it’s a whopping 6,562 feet deep. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, it’s bigger than the Great Wall of China and can even be seen from space.
Reef Wildlife
From mammals and sea birds to fish and plankton, there are thousands of reasons to visit the Great Barrier Reef.
Whales, dolphins, seals, birds, turtles, crocodiles, snakes, sharks, rays, fish, starfish, crabs, clams oysters, squid, octopus, cuttlefish, sea anemones, jellyfish, worms, and marine insects and spiders are among some of the species you can encounter in the Great Barrier Reef.
The crown-of-thorns starfish is the most destructive animal found on the reef. It’s covered in spines used for defense and locomotion. Due to the overfishing of its main predator, the giant triton snail, the crown-of-thorns starfish has been a concern for the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.
Conservation
Thanks to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act of 1975 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999, the reef is a protected park and World Heritage Area.
Due to the increasing threat of coastal development, weather events, and climate change, the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan has been set in place to help better the quality of water flowing into the reef.
Other conservation efforts include education programs, plastic pollution control, coral nurseries, nonprofit fundraisers, and the development of renewable energy. As with most conservation rules, visitors are asked to take only photos and leave only footprints.
Activities and Best Time to Go
Whether from above or below, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. These include snorkeling, scuba diving, spearfishing, hiking, whale-watching, island hopping, going on a cruise, boarding a helicopter for a bird’s eye view, camping, visiting the many aquariums and reef museums, and sunbathing.
Keep in mind that if you plan on entering the reef by boat, there is a Reef Tax charge that must be paid by all visitors. The fee can range between $6 and $10 per person. The best time to visit depends on where your comfort level lies. Generally, from April to November, temperatures range from 64 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit and offer the best deals on airfare and accommodations.
November through March is the peak season, with high humidity, the most rainfall, and the highest prices. However, it’s known as the best season to experience the many waterfalls in the area.
Packing and Planning
There are a few things that you should pack and bring on your reef adventure. These include a bathing suit (or two), a reusable bag, sun protection, a towel, multi-purpose and fast-drying attire, and beach footwear. Remember to adjust according to the time of year.
If the Great Barrier Reef is part of your bucket list of dream adventures, you’re in for a remarkable experience. It’s not only an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, but it’s also one of the world’s most stunning destinations.