Great Barrier Reef

This marine formation extends 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) along the northeastern Australian coast, comprising more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 coral-fringed islands. The structure forms the largest living system on Earth, visible from space, with various reef types including fringing reefs, platform reefs, and barrier reefs distributed across different water depths.

Reef formation commenced roughly 20,000 years ago when rising sea levels flooded the continental shelf, creating conditions for coral polyp colonization. James Cook navigated through the region in 1770, running aground with HMS Endeavour on a reef formation. Marine park designation occurred in 1975, followed by UNESCO recognition in 1981, after decades of scientific exploration documented the ecological importance.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples maintain profound connections to the reef through traditional fishing methods, navigation routes, and creation stories that regard the marine ecosystem as a sacred part of their heritage. Local communities depend on the reef for food resources and ceremonial practices, with specific reef sections linked to ancestral narratives that have been transmitted through generations.

Access points include coastal cities like Cairns, Townsville, and Port Douglas, offering boat tours, helicopter flights, and diving excursions. The months between June and October provide optimal visibility with calmer water conditions. Snorkeling equipment can be rented on-site, while multi-day sailing trips allow access to more remote reef sections. Glass-bottom boats and semi-submersible viewing platforms offer alternatives for non-swimmers.

This ecosystem hosts 400 different coral species, 1,500 fish species, and 4,000 mollusk varieties alongside dugongs and sea turtles. Coral polyps grow at only 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 centimeters) per year, having built complex structures over millennia. Certain reef sections display fluorescence under ultraviolet light, producing glowing colors through specialized proteins within coral tissues.

Location: Queensland

Website: http://gbrmpa.gov.au

GPS coordinates: -16.35000,145.90000

Latest update: November 27, 2025 19:22