It is not just the fact that the Great Barrier Reef is on the UNESCO list of Natural Heritage that makes it stand out. Additionally, among all the Natural Heritage sites, this place has the most diverse biosphere in Australia. This largest coral system in the world is ancient and it has been developing and building up for at least four glacial and inter-glacial cycles. Now that you know these sorts of facts, it is time to get some more practical ones – ways in which you can experience the greatness of the Great Barrier Reef.
Luxurious Islands
There are hundreds of islands that compose the Great Barrier Reef. However, if you want to see all the faces of this place, it is best if you visit the three most interesting ones. These three are great choices since they reflect different types of islands on the Reef. Hayman Island will give you the sense of luxury. It is the part of the Whitsundays islands and it is on the very north of that group. This private island has a great resort built into the beach outskirts and the lovely pool that stretches across the beach all the way to the sea. It features the luxury and the nature since the rainforest surrounds it, as well as the sea.
Natural Reserves Meet Tourism
For the more authentic and ‘wild’ experience of the islands, visit the Fitzroy Island. Diving, snorkeling and walking on the sandy beaches are a must. However, for a unique experience, search for the magnificent butterfly colonies. Try Dunk Island if you want to experience the real tropical island, since it is a combination of a Natural Park and a touristic spot. This is the best place for those that love hiking, since this island is full of amazing trails.
Enjoying the Marine Life
There are several ways to explore the marine life and have some fun while doing it. Obviously, diving and snorkeling are the activities that are available to you at any point at the Great Barrier Reef. However, for those that aren’t that keen on getting into the water, the perfect idea is to enjoy the sailing on the boats with the glass bottoms. To find the best glass bottom offers, you should go to the Green Island. For the braver and the more adventurous tourists, there is sea walking. It involves a real diving suit that allows you to spend time at the bottom of the sea and walk there, exploring the wildlife. It happens between the Moore Reef and the Green Island.
Seeing the Greatness from the Skies
If you simply want to explore the Great Reef from the sky and you don’t want to get wet, there are some extraordinary and unforgettable options. You can go on the tour by a helicopter. These tours are the most common in the Cairns area. While you are at it, if you want a more romantic experience, you can have a similar tour, but riding in the hot air balloon. For those that seek the adrenalin rush, the same area is full of tours that offer skydiving. You would be accompanied by a certified instructor and you definitely won’t be in danger. However, the experience is definitely unforgettable.
These are the touristy things that people love about the Great Barrier Reef. However, at any time, you can just choose a secluded beach for a nice picnic or try and find some of the rare butterfly or bird species in the tropical forests on some of the islands.
