The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park lies off the coast of Queensland in north-eastern Australia, in the Oceania region. It is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the state's coastline. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its scale and variety make it one of the most striking natural places a visitor can reach.
What a visit is like
The reef is not a single place to tick off but a long, varied system of reefs, islands and open water. Because it runs for such a distance, the experience depends a great deal on where you start. Visitors typically come to see the coral and the marine life that depends on it, and to spend time on or near the water, whether that means exploring the reef's edges or simply looking out over it from the coast.
Planning your trip
- Scale: the park covers a very large area, so choose a stretch of coast or a departure point that suits the time you have.
- Setting: the reef sits along Queensland's coast, so the surrounding coastal towns and areas make natural bases for a stay.
- Information: the park is managed as a marine park, and the authority can be reached by telephone on +61 7 4750 0700 for guidance before you travel.
Because the Great Barrier Reef is known by several names, including the GBR, the Coral Reef and the Marine Park, you may find it listed under any of them when planning. Whichever name you use, the place described is the same: a vast reef system off Queensland that rewards careful planning and an open mind about what you will see.