Travel Info - Great Barrier Reef -

Fast Facts

It is the only living organism that can be seen from outer space.

It is the only natural wonder of the world that is underwater and it attracted World Heritage Area protections in 1981.

It is the world's youngest reef. The oldest living areas of the reef are 8000-years-old and 6000-years-old in sandy island areas.

It covers an area of 348,000sq m, larger than the United Kingdom, Holland and Switzerland combined and half the size of Texas.

It is 2300km long, dwarfing the next longest contender, the Belize Barrier Reef which stands at 290km.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is made up of 2900 reefs. Of these, 760 are fringing reefs surrounding islands and a further 300 are coral cays.

Coral reefs make up approximately 6 per cent of the Marine Park.

1.6 million people visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park each year, only accessing a relatively small section of the park.

Experience the Reef for Yourself

Take yourself on a diving or snorkelling adventure.

Relax on an island amongst the Great Barrier Reef.

Witness the plants, corals and unique marine life for yourself.