Travel experiences

In this blog we discover the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Visit the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic sights, as well as being one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

A stunning complex of coral reefs, shoals and islets off the northeast coast of Australia, it stretches for 1,430 miles in the Pacific Ocean, making it the largest and longest coral reef system on the planet.

No visit to Australia would be complete without seeing this World Heritage-listed ecosystem, where over 400 species of vividly coloured coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc can be found.

There are various ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, both on and under the water. Swimming or snorkelling gets you up close to the rich marine life, revealing a kaleidoscope of brilliant colours just a few feet under the surface. If you prefer to stay dry, numerous semi-submersible or glass-bottomed boat tours offer a window on this glorious undersea world.

Whichever way you see it, the reef throngs with life and colour, from the pastel-coloured tuskfish to the boldly striped angelfish and tiny neon damsel. Other species include dolphins, sea turtles, giant clams and sharks, a collection that is unmatched in the open ocean anywhere else in the world.

Experience this magnificent natural wonder on our Ultimate Australia or Australian and New Zealand Adventure tour.