Great Barrier Reef

candid Australia tips

 

Why the
Great Barrier Reef
is special

The Great Barrier Reef stretches 2300 kilometers (1400 miles) in the Coral Sea along Australia's northeastern coast.

It consists of 3,000 coral reefs plus many islets, atolls and coral cays.

The Great Barrier Reef supports 10,000 species including 1500 types of fishes and 200 kinds of birds. Other inhabitants include whales, dolphins and sea turtles.

The sheer beauty of its fish and coral waterscapes draws two million tourists annually who come to see the underwater spectacle via diving, snorkeling and glass-bottom boating.

Tips & insights on
the Great Barrier Reef
in Australia

Misnomer

The name "Great Barrier Reef" is a misnomer. The entity is really a collection of many distinct coral reefs.

Ecological threats

This natural Australia wonder is a complex and delicate eco-system that can be damaged or even destroyed.

Visitor impact
Great Barrier Reef conservationists fear that the large influx of visitors and their collateral effect on pollution are damaging the very natural wonder that people come to celebrate.
Overfishing and pollutants
Culprits include boats, farms, ranches and industry.
An even greater threat
Many scientists see an even greater threat: Global Warming. It's unlikely that the Great Barrier Reef of Australia would survive if the water temperature rose by 5% or so over its current average.

Great Barrier Reef- Page 2

How they were created

Getting there

Tourism Australia

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