Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Vibrant colors dance in the turquoise blue waters of the Pacific Coast in Queensland, Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is irrevocably and undeniably the longest and largest coral deposit in the world.

For decades this natural enigma has caught the eye of curious travelers.

Things To Do In Great Barrier Reef

Water sports reign supreme in the Great Barrier Reef. Hamilton Island and Cairns are two amazing places for scuba diving. Cairns is one of the closest mainlands to the reef and has an international airport.

Consequently, this city is usually crowded with tourists from all over the world. If you want to avoid the noisy crowd, then visit Hamilton Island which provides an 18-mile trekking trail as well as beautiful diving spots.

Apart from diving you can also go sailing or take to the skies with helicopter rides.

How To Get Here

There are several airports in Queensland that you can fly into from around the world.

If you stay in one of the coastal towns including Townsville, Port Douglas, Mackay, Cape Tribulation and Gladstone, then you can leave for the reef early in the morning and return to the port later in the evening.

If you want to stay nearer to the reef, then lodging on one of the islands offers you an incredible way to see the reefs. Boats make trips from the Islands daily, both during the day and at night.

Best Time To Visit

April and May are a favorable time to visit the Great Barrier Reef. The temperature is mild during this time of year, and there is little to no rain. Clearer waters make for better diving and the fewer tourists, the lower the hotel prices.

Avoid visiting June through October, as this is the peak tourist season. 

Where To Stay

Many islands have resorts which can range from $200 – $2000 a day. The Bedarra Island, for example, has a collection of luxurious villas limited to only 32 guests.

You can also take a trip on one of the Great Barrier Reef liveaboards from the Whitsunday Islands. These are diving cruises, where you will stay aboard and dive at several locations along the reef during your cruise.

Liveaboards are budget friendly and adventurous.

December 27, 2017 9:14 am Published by Staff Writer