Great Barrier Reef

Things to do in the Great Barrier Reef

Dive deeper into this beautiful part of Australia and experience the stunning Great Barrier Reef for yourself.

The Great Barrier Reef is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Australia. High on many travellers’ bucket lists, there are so many things to see and do here. It is easy to see why over two million people make the trek here each year to visit this part of the world.

A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Spanning across over 2000 kilometres of coastline, this reef system is even visible from space! This stunning underwater world is the largest living thing on Earth, and we invite you to experience its amazing sea life and colourful coral for yourself.

An underwater world for you to explore

The Great Barrier Reef is home to countless marine species. In fact, around 10 per cent of the world’s fish population is found along this coastline, with more than 1500 species of fish! There are many fan-favourite fish found here, including the unmistakable clownfish and blue tang, also known as Nemo and Dory.

However, it’s not just the smaller marine animals that call the reef home. Keep an eye out for the seven types of sea turtles and the 30 types of whales and dolphins. While marine life thrives below the surface, birds control the sky. Over 215 species of birds visit the Great Barrier Reef during the day to hunt or nest on reef islands.

Ways to explore the reef for yourself

Made up of over 3000 individual reefs, there are plenty of places to choose from when adventuring to the reef, so don’t worry about it being crowded. On Great Barrier Reef tours, you’ll cruise out on a luxury boat and bask in the sun while you wait to get into the water.

The boat is your home for the day as you get on and off throughout the day to explore the reefs. You will be voyaging to new reef spots to discover more marine life under the surface.

• Snorkelling

One of the best ways to see the Great Barrier Reef is to snorkel. Spot colourful coral and astonishing sea life as you float along the ocean surface. Snorkelling is perfect for the whole family, and it is an easy activity to learn on the day. Additionally, it’s a relaxing way to explore the underwater world without requiring bulky and confusing equipment. On Great Barrier Reef tours, you’ll be provided with snorkelling gear, so all you need to do is bring yourself and your bathers!

• Diving

Ready to go deeper? Whether you’re a certified diver or heading underwater for the first time, book in for a scuba dive! This is perhaps the best way to explore the ocean floor, as you spend extended time amongst the fish and coral. Immerse yourself in the sea life as you discover hidden coral crevices, swim alongside fish, and even make a friend or two with the sea turtles.

Alternative adventures

There are plenty of other experiences to be had at the Great Barrier Reef too, not just the traditional ones.

• Glass bottom boat

Not a swimmer? No worries! Enjoy this incredible reef system without so much as dipping a toe into the water. The glass bottom boat is the perfect experience for those who aren’t confident in the water or would rather not get wet. The boat takes you out to different individual reefs where you can look through the glass bottom and see the incredible underwater world.

• Boom netting

If you don’t mind getting wet, boom netting is a great alternative to diving or snorkelling. Sitting in a large net at the back of a boat, you’ll cruise through the water. Kick back and relax as the boat slowly pulls you through the water. Keep a lookout for larger marine animals swimming beside you and watch the buzzing life of fish below the water.

• Liveaboard

Looking to spend more than one day on the reef? Easy! Liveaboard tours are perfect for you. Spend the weekend out at sea, swimming and diving each day before returning to the boat overnight. These tours allow you to get further out over the reef and explore reefs further from the mainland.

There’s so much for you to see and do at the Great Barrier Reef that you simply must experience it for yourself. Check out one of the many Great Barrier Reef tours and experience this beautiful part of the world.

Related article: How to Explore the Great Barrier Reef?