Celebrate the International Year of the Coral Reef by discovering just what is so great about Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is the only place in the world where you can swim with Dwarf Minke Whales, float over colourful giant clams and look for six of the world's seven species of turtle.
Whether you like your Reef adventures big or small, wet or dry; exceptional visitor experiences can be found in Tropical North Queensland, the gateway to this World Heritage area.
Those wishing to tick bucket list boxes will look for the Great Eight – Clownfish, Potato Cod, giant clams, Manta rays, Maori wrasse, sharks, turtles and whales.
But don't stop there! The Great Barrier Reef has the “Magic Millions” – coral chomping Parrotfish, colour-changing Cuttlefish, and so much more.
With 1625 species of fish, one-third of the world's coral species and a mosaic of different reefs along its 2300km length, every day and night on the Great Barrier Reef delivers a different and memorable “David Attenborough” moment.
These days you are spoilt for choice with the way you experience the Reef. There are better boats, the latest equipment and knowledge shared by passionate crew to make the experience even better.
Tropical North Queensland's eco-accredited Reef operators offer diverse ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef with diving, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, helicopter flights, island getaways, helmet diving, kayaking, sailing, citizen science projects, live-aboard expeditions, semi-submersibles and marine biologist guided tours.
Several new vessels have joined the Reef fleet, an additional outer Reef pontoon has been installed, another has been refurbished with the addition of the Reef's first waterslide and a dive centre will soon open in Port Douglas adding even more ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland.