Official Language:
English
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Population:
Approximately 1,500 types of fish; 400 types of co
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Great Barrier Reef: The climate is mainly tropical, with a wet & monsoon like high sun period between November and March. The dry season makes up the rest of the year. The average temperatures in the dry season are in the upper 70s °F and 80's °F/(25°C). Climate with loads of sunshine, warm seas, refreshing sea breezes and a warm climate all year round, Tropical North Queensland weather is hard to beat. The region has two distinct seasons; a winter period of warm temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer period of balmy temperatures and higher rainfall. Winter, or the 'Dry' season, begins in May and ends in October offering sunshine, fresh breezes and low humidity. Summer, or the 'Wet' season, extends from November to April and refreshes the region with tropical downpours of an afternoon and occasional dramatic electrical storms. Best travel season between April and October. Between November and March Tropical North Queensland is home to the box jellyfish, so special swimming enclosures are erected at popular beaches to protect swimmers. Seawater temperatures range from 73-84°F in July to (23-29°C) in February.
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The Great Barrier is the World's largest coral reef. It is a chain of coral reefs in the Coral Sea, off the north-eastern coast of Australia. Hosting the largest collection of coral in the world. This reef extends about 1300 miles from a point near Mackay, Queensland, to the Torres Strait, which lies between Australia and New Guinea. The channel that separates the reef from the Australian coast varies in width from 10 miles to 150 miles. The reef protects the channel from the harsh wind and waves of the Coral Sea. Rings of coral are scattered throughout the channel, making ship navigation very difficult. The coral itself is made up of the skeletons of tiny, flower-like water animals called polyps that are held together by a limestone substance produced by a type of algae. Hundreds of species of polyps form coral in a beautiful collection of colors and shapes. The reef is also home to many larger water animals, including over 1,000 species of fish.
It is one of the world's most magnificent and colorful wonders of nature. The Reef is a large combination of more than 2,900 reefs. It is the largest in the world, and is even visible from space. This is a must see for most visitors to Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest system of corals and associated life forms on earth.
If you really want to experience the Reef, you will get wet! Diving is the best way to see the reef. If you don't know how, and want to learn, diving lessons are offered at a number of stops. If you are an experienced diver, then the outer reef is a must. The spectacular coral formations and diversity of marine life make the more challenging dives a even better. You may encounter a shark, although reef sharks tend to be very timid. You will see huge groupers lurking in coral grottoes. You can feed the fish in the water as well as long as you are with a tour company that has a permit. FIsh at times tend to get a little aggressive. In certain designated fish feeding areas, they may come right up to you as you toss them their food. You will also find underwater attractions of the Great Barrier Reef includingmore than 30 historically known shipwrecks sites.
A night dive will overwhelm you at the beauty of the reef under the bright, white lights. The sunlight filters through the water and casts a blue green tint to everything. Only under the intense lights used by the photographers or night divers are the true colors of the reef revealed.
For those who do not dive, snorkeling is just as fun. You will also see examples of nature's beauty in the shallow areas of the reef that are perfect for snorkelers. There is nothing else like it the world! You will forever remember your experience at the Great Barrier Reef.
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Attractions |
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One of Australia's greatest assets is the magnificent Great Barrier Reef that runs along virtually the entire coast of Queensland. Considered one of the world's natural wonders, it is the most extensive reef system and the biggest structure made by living organisms on earth. In the north, the reef is virtually continuous and is located only 50km (30mi) from the shore. In the south, individual reefs are more common, and in some places up to 300km (190mi) offshore. Quicksilver
Great Barrier Reef - world famous for their innovation & committment to the reef enviroment. This is the reef tour chosen by President Clinton, Vice-Presidents, Premiers & world leaders!
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef
Uninhabited Whitsunday Island is home to this beautiful beach, one of the world's most spectacular.
Turtle Point Golf Course at Laguna Quays Resort, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef This par-72 championship course stretches more than 6,962 yards with four different tee settings, which ensures a challenging game for golfers at all skill levels.
Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef
Coral cay, located on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, is a popular site for snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming.
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More Information |
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web: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/
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