Some Info About Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world running from the northern tip of the continent to just north of Brisbane. The great barrier reef stretches over 1600 miles along the east coast.
The reef is home to well over 1000 fish varieties, whales, dugongs. An impressive amount of seabirds live there.
The coral which forms the reef itself is also a living creature, made up of thousands of miniscule coral polyps. When it dies it turns light grey, and forms the structure for more coral growth. The different species of coral grow at different speeds, while some are quite fast growing, some varieties take well over a hundred years to mature. The colours are not because of the coral but by the growth of algae on it.
The reef lives in a tropical climate relying on warm nutrient rich water to survive. Salty water and plenty of light is needed to maintain the health of the coral.
With hundreds of thousands of square miles of reef it is a diving and snorkelling paradise. Lots of quality diving tours are available from the towns up and down the east coast. Even if you don’t go in the ocean you can see the wonders of the reefs wonders through reef viewing tours.
The reef is world heritage listed and extensive sections are protected from fishing and the taking of coral from the reef isn’t allowed to preserve it for generations to come.
The tropical and friendly capital of the far north, Cairns is full of things to do. Situated in the centre of some of the most photographically beautiful and ecologically important areas in the world, Cairns is the obvious gateway to the natural riches of rainforest, tablelands, outback, and The Great Barrier Reef. The city itself has a plethora of – unbeleivable bargains, theatres, cinemas, museums, botanical gardens, a casino, and fine contemporary cuisine. Cairns is strongly placed as one of the countries must-do tourist destinations, being the centre for numerous water based experiences. Cairns reef tours are probably the thing to do for most tourists, although Cairns is fast becoming famous as the adventure sport capital of Australia.