The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reef and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi).It is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia extending from just south of the Tropic of Capricorn off the Queensland coast to Torres Strait in the north.
Tourist visit this place mainly to snorkel or dive and experience swimming with the different types of fish, turtles, clams, corals, Night dive is also a common activity carried out at the Great Barrier Reef. Night dive is when tourist go down with an instructor in complete darkness, with only a torch in hand and in front of yourself you have your narrow path illuminated, but all around you is pitch black.
Is it safe?
There are marine threats on the reef, from Stonefish to Sharks, Sea Snakes to Jellyfish. Many trips to the reef are made all year around, and injuries due to any of these causes on the reef are rare. Still, take advice from authorities, obey all signs, and pay close attention to safety warnings.
* Box jellyfish are occur near beaches and near river estuaries from October to April north of 1770. They can occasionally be found outside these times. They are usually not found in deep water or over coral, and most people snorkelling on the reef do so without stinger protection. However wearing a wetsuit (available on all the dive boats) will give you added buoyancy, and also some protection against stingers. They are very rare, but deadly.
* Sharks are only smaller species which are no threat to divers or snorkellers. The Great White Shark does not inhabit Far North Queensland.
* Saltwater Crocodiles. Crocodiles do not actively live in the ocean, their primary habitat is in river estuaries north from Rockhampton They can use the ocean as a means of travel between river systems and islands. It is very rare for them to enter the coral reef areas.
Will hotel transfers be provided?
All companies in this brochure provide courtesy coach transfers from Cairns accommodation. Pro Dive and Tulsa also provide transfers from the Beaches (through to Palm Cove).
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12 Comments:
it is a natural attraction.The great barrier reef ,as i know ,is being protected by the government to be able to preserve it.
eleanor
By 
, at
January 14, 2010 at 8:44 AM
The Great Barrier Reef is definitely blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world's largest coral reef and because of this, the reef is a very popular destination for tourists, especially scuba divers =)
Moi
By 
Miuzzel MHH, at
January 15, 2010 at 12:44 PM
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By , at
January 15, 2010 at 1:15 PM
natural attraction that impresses the tourists by its beauty.
Cynthia and Hien
By , at
January 15, 2010 at 1:19 PM
The pictures selection are fantastic and breathtaking that it gives us a piece of how beautiful the Great Barrier Reef is. We think that this is a nature-based and water sport attraction. People can snorkel there. Do you know that because it is so huge we can see the Great Barrier Reef even from outer space? :) (WOW)
By , at
January 15, 2010 at 1:28 PM
The Great Barrier Reef is natural attraction. It has such amazing beauty and it is an ideal destination for some one who loves to discovery the nature
By , at
January 18, 2010 at 11:01 AM
I agree that it is a nature-based tourism, but is there sports tourism? If there is, then the Great Barrier Reef might be one as tourists usually snorkel and scuba-dive there. hehe..
Angeline
By , at
January 18, 2010 at 11:16 AM
I agree that it is a nature-based tourism, but is there sports tourism? If there is, then the Great Barrier Reef might be one as tourists usually snorkel and scuba-dive there. hehe..
Angeline
By , at
January 18, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Scientists can study the biodiversity of the coral reef system here. so can it be classified as educational or scientific attraction?
By , at
January 18, 2010 at 11:18 AM
Good job, i think that this one is quite clear cut.
Eleanor, yes, it is a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the activities are limited at the places under protection. If you're interested, you could post some information about MPAs on this blog too :)
Ms Tham
By Unknown, at
January 18, 2010 at 11:24 AM
I don't think that it is considered as a educational or scientific attraction since people usually don't go there for educational or scientific purposes. If scientists study the biodiversity of the coral reef system there, it only makes it a place for them to discover further studies, not an attraction for the public.
By , at
January 18, 2010 at 11:33 AM
Conclusion : Nature-based, ecotourism
By , at
January 20, 2010 at 10:20 AM