5 Things to Do on a Great Barrier Reef Holiday
There is one beautiful gift that the Australians have and that is the Great Barrier Reef. A breathtakingly beautiful coral reef — not to mention the hundreds of golden, sun-soaked islands and aquamarine waters that makes this destination the best place to go scuba diving, not just in Australia but in the world. Without question, it is one of the world’s top tourist destinations to visit on a tour to Australia. Packed with beautiful things to see, adventures that will take your breath away and activities that you won’t have enough days to enjoy. Scuba diving, snorkelling, tours via aircraft or helicopter, whizzing over the various islands, viewing colourful and exotic marine life, swimming with dolphins and the list has only just started.
You are going to love some of the top things to see and do when it comes to Great Barrier Reef holidays. This is a place for everyone, whether you are an outdoor and nature lover, a sporting enthusiast, a beach and sun lover, or you just want to be where the crowds are — there are so many things to do in the Great Barrier Reef.
Highlights
- Unimaginably rich biodiversity and beauty which is only believable when you see it for yourself. Thousands of marine-life species including the humpback dolphins, humpback whales and sea turtles.
- Outdoor activities that cover everything from snorkelling, to hiking, water sports, flying, and scuba diving.
- A UNESCO world heritage site. This status is bestowed on places such as this that possess universal value and outstanding qualities.
- The Great Barrier Reef coral region also covers places like Cairns, the city of charm and character, and also tropical rainforests, gorges and wildlife.
Lowlights
- An increase in the weather temperatures has led to coral bleaching. The warmer waters are killing off the algae which inhabits the coral, resulting in the bleached appearance of the coral.
- Oil spills, overfishing and mining are big lowlights. These human activities have a negative impact on the ecosystem of the reef.
- Matthew
1. Snorkelling and diving at Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands
At Whitehaven beach, you can snorkel among the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.
Because it’s been ranked as the ultimate best beach in Australia, you need to get to it and see what this Great Barrier Reef beach embodies: all-white pristine beaches and soft blue waters. Join tours offering different itineraries, usually including not only the beach but some surrounding islands as well; not to mention magnificent diving and snorkelling spots too. Whitehaven Beach, one of the Whitsunday Islands is not only a picture-perfect piece of beach, it’s expansive and hardly ever overcrowded. But since this beach is gaining popularity, the need for sustainable tourism is rising.
To view the coral reefs at their best, you could get over to the Outer Reef where you can do Great Barrier Reef snorkelling from a pontoon or catamaran. Certified divers get their equipment included, whilst beginners will love being part of an introductory dive under the care of professional divers.
2. Sky Rail Rainforest Cableway
This very scenic Sky Rail will take travellers through and over the ancient rainforest of Queensland. The sky train consists of gondolas with 6 seats enclosed inside. The train eventually arrives at Kuranda, an intriguing mountain town, home to many wildlife attractions. This trip takes 90 minutes one way and will cover almost 8 km of World Heritage listed pristine rain forests. Spend time at Red Peak Station and the Barron Falls Station. Rangers here will give boardwalk tours. It’s an absolute must to have your camera to capture the magnificent tropical landscapes and capture memorable pictures of the bright blue Ulysses butterflies.
3. View the waters off Green Island in a glass-bottomed boat
Green Island is a gorgeous island about 26 km off the coastal town of Cairns. It is ringed by coral reef, giving snorkelers the time of their lives, which includes swimming with a variety of different turtle types. The island is home to heaps of plant and birdlife species. If you don’t want to swim, you can stay perfectly dry and still see the sights. View these splendours from a glass-bottomed boat with a tour guide describing the kaleidoscope of marine life and colours. The views you get are so close, it’s almost like swimming! Or you could do the same from a semi-submerging submarine.
4. Eco-island walks
Discover the island by exploring walking trails such as the Eco Walking Trail or the Discovery Walking Trail. You will notice the island’s varying ecosystems. These include coral reefs, wetlands and rainforests. An eco-walk also shows visitors how climate change affects the eco-systems. You will be delighted by the old lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper cottages along the Discovery Walking Trail. Nature lovers will be in their element at the Pisonia Nursery and Forest. From the beach area you will need to keep your eyes wide open to see if you can see any black tip reef sharks.
With its breath-taking scenery, stunning biodiversity and wildlife, and the plethora of activities by which to explore, who wouldn't want to visit the Great Barrier Reef? This natural masterpiece is a prime destination for everyone.
The best time to visit is the dry season, between the months of May and October, when the humidity is at its lowest and the visibility is at its best. But this region has warm waters all year round so, its a perfect place to visit in all seasons.
Whatever your dream, you can do it via a cruise, you can hop on a boat, a bareboat or charter your adventure through the paradise of the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s all waiting to happen – irreplaceable memories, thrills and electrifying fun!
