Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the world's largest coral reef system, it stretches over 2,600 kms and covers approx 344,000 sq kms and is made up of over 3000 individual reefs and 900 islands.
The Great Barrier supports a huge diversity of life which includes 30 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, more than 1500 species of fish and over 400 hundred species of corals.
Cairns is great location to explore and enjoy the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. You will find a variety of tour options based from Cairns which include diving, snorkeling and sailing.
You will also find located on the outer reef visitor platforms which are managed and maintained by tour companies. A visit to these platforms are one of the best ways to explore the reef, the platforms have all the day facilities you could require including restaurant, bathrooms, sundeck and they offer snorkeling, diving, glass bottom boat tours and even direct viewing platforms onto to the reef so you can explore the reef from all angles.
Two additional popular day trip destinations on the Great Barrier Reef are Fitzroy and Green Island.
Fitzroy Island is a continental island located 22 kms east of Cairns. On the island you will find 339 hectares of National Park which is perfect for hiking and exploring and plenty of beach front where a variety of watersports including snorkeling is possible.
Green Island is a coral cay of 15 hectares located 27 kms from Cairns. Surrounded completely by coral reef Green Island is one of the premier environmental heritage sites of Australia. Some of the best snorkeling and diving of the Great Barrier Reef can be found at Green Island.
No matter how you plan to explore the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns you are guaranteed an amazing and memorable experience.