Exploring Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

North Queensland, Australia
By Kate Cypcar

So, you’re planning your first trip to the Great Barrier Reef, but haven’t a clue what to expect. No problem. Priority number one is to make certain you pack all your beach essentials; take special care to bring plenty of sunscreen and a pair of strong shoes for exploring the coral reefs by foot. Those who suffer from seasickness might also find it necessary to stock an ample supply of the appropriate relief meds. (Seasickness and sunburn are generally the most common problems to afflict visitors.) Priority number two is to read the subsequent crash course about Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The more you know and understand about this unique place, the more interesting it becomes.

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of North Queensland. The inquisitive adventurer might wonder how the Great Barrier Reef got to be so great – I know I did. To begin, it is the largest coral reef in the world, spanning 1,250 miles from Bundaberg to the tip of Cape York and an area of approximately 135,000 square miles. The Great Barrier Reef is deemed one of the natural wonders of the world, and much effort is directed towards the preservation of its marine ecosystem. The reef environment is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, established by an Act of Parliament in 1975. Ecotourism is the only tourism that is encouraged because of the fragility of the reef. Numerous islands (some sources state there are less than 1,000 islands, while others claim up to 2,000) scatter the reef’s coastline, but only 20 of these islands have been developed for tourism.

The greatness of the Great Barrier Reef does not end there. It just so happens that coral reefs are among the oldest and most primitive forms of life, dating back at least 500 million years. The sea level determines the growth of coral reefs, since coral cannot grow above the water line or below 30 meters (100 feet). As the sea level rises, old coral turns to calcium carbonate. New coral then builds on top of the calcium carbonate, and, over time, this process eventually forms barrier reefs. The Great Barrier Reef is comparatively young; most of it having formed since the sea level rose after the end of the last ice age. For example, the outer reef system corresponds with Queensland’s continental shelf. Reef systems nearer the mainland correspond with submerged hills.

The waters of the Great Barrier Reef are home to more than 2,000 species of fish and innumerable species of hard and soft coral. Echinoderms (including sea urchins), crustaceans, and sponges habitat the reef, as well as an array of invertebrates such as the graceful sea slug, some 12 species of see grasses, and 500 types of algae. The reef islands support colorful varieties of tropical birdlife. Yet again, the greatness of the reef is exemplified by the sheer diversity of its life forms, and in the environment’s ability to make every visitor sense that he/she has stepped foot into a completely new world.

Ecotourism does not mean that there is an absence of recreational opportunities on the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, fishing, water sports such as parasailing, snorkeling, diving, reef walking, bushwalking, and day tours are just a few of the activities that guests can partake of while visiting. Be prepared to pay a reef tax of approximately $4.50/day to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, in addition to any recreation fees for tours, diving, snorkeling, etc.

To make the most of the coral, take a tourist boat trip to the outer reef. Glass-bottomed boat tours are available through most operators. Semi-submersible boats are another fun way to view the coral. The best way of seeing the reef, however, is by diving or snorkeling.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular and one of the more reasonably priced places to learn to dive in the world. According to one source, the best places to find dive schools are Townsville and Cairns, although many schools exist along the coast. Some boat trips also offer guided dives for complete beginners; some even offer night dives. Be wary of jellyfish, stonefish, blue-ringed octopus, rays, and sharks (black-tipped and white-tipped varieties). Serious encounters with the aforementioned reef dwellers are rarer than one might think, but it never hurts to be aware that you are a foreign presence in their environment.

Reef walking involves traversing over dead stretches of the reef at low tide. Wearing strong shoes is a must! The most important thing to remember is to look but not touch. Coral is easily damaged; avoid standing on living coral and be aware that taking coral from the reef is strictly forbidden and carefully monitored. Watch out for coral and shell cuts, as painful swelling can really put a damper on the rest of your reef adventure!

There are numerous day trips from the mainland to the reef and between the islands. Heron Island is a prime diving destination. Turtle-spotting is a popular activity from October to March, when the turtles turn up at the beach to lay their eggs. Bird-watchers will love the island’s pisonia trees, as they are a haven for birds. Guided nature walks are also available.

The following islands are easily accessible and offer a wide variety of activities:
Bedarra Island – bushwalking
Brampton Island – snorkeling, day trips, bushwalking, water sports
Daydream Island – snorkeling, day trips, water sports
Dunk Island – bushwalking
Fitzroy Island – diving, day trips, bushwalking, water sports
Great Keppel Island – snorkeling, fishing, day trips, bushwalking, water sports
Green Island – fishing
Hamilton Island – diving, snorkeling, fishing, day trips, bushwalking, water sports (parasailing)
Hayman Island – snorkeling, fishing, day trips, bushwalking, water sports
Heron Island – fishing
Lady Elliot Island – day trips
Lizard Island – diving, snorkeling, fishing, day trips, bushwalking
Long Island – day trips, bushwalking, water sports
Magnetic Island – fishing
Orpheus Island – diving, snorkeling, camping

Accommodations on the islands range from luxury resorts to basic campsites. Camping on the reef’s islands requires a permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.