Great Barrier Reef Travel Information

One of Australia's most popular tourist destinations, the Great Barrier Reef, is also the world's largest coral reef. The enormity of the Great Barrier Reef is only appreciated when you consider that it is comprised of nearly 3000 individual reefs and over nine hundred islands stretching almost 2600 kilometers along the east coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is also a World Heritage Site and was recently named by CNN as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Many tour operators organize trips ranging from half day snorkeling tours to one week live aboard boats that extensively sail the Great Barrier Reef, where you can indulge in Diving and Snorkling Tours and one of the more favored Queensland tours and attractions, whale watching.

Budget tours are plentiful and can be arranged from any of the coastal towns that run along the east cost of Queensland and which are predominately favored by backpackers, such as Cairns, Port Douglas and Airle Beach. In fact, some retired America's Cup racing yachts have been converted into dormitory style floating hostels, and it is possible to sail the Great Barrier Reef for a remarkably low price. These tours also include a professional guide and all meals. Last minute deals are often offered at less than fifty percent of the usual rate.