Great Barrier Reef Guide

Why Visit the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300km along Queensland's coast. It's one of the few places on earth where you can snorkel or dive among coral gardens, turtles and reef sharks in a single morning.

Where to Access the Reef

Cairns and Port Douglas are the main gateway towns, both offering day-trip boats to the outer reef. The Whitsundays, further south, combine reef access with island-hopping and the famous Whitehaven Beach.

Green Island and the Low Isles are good options for families or first-time snorkellers, with calmer, shallower water than the outer reef.

Snorkelling vs Diving

Snorkelling is enough to see most of the reef's colour and marine life and needs no certification. Certified divers can go deeper for wall dives and better visibility, and short introductory dives are available for beginners on most boats.

Best Time to Go

June to October offers the best visibility and coolest, driest weather. Stinger season (roughly November to May) means wearing a protective suit while swimming, which most tour operators provide.