Guest Author - Michelle R. Mangio
The Great Barrier, both as a natural wonder and as an attraction, is one of Australia's biggest draws. For some, it is THE reason to visit Australia. So where to go to see the world's largest living organism?
Most visitors to Australia head to Cairns. But the Great Barrier Reef stretches from Torres Strait in the North to the passage between Lady Elliot Island and Fraser Island in the South. This is over 1600 miles in length, consisting of over 900 miles and 2900 individual reefs. Thus, there is a lot of Reef to see.
Now, you can't go just anywhere along the reef. Most of the Reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which limits human use of the reef.
Cairns (as well as Port Douglas & Palm Cove) in Northern Queensland is a great destination for the first time traveler. Especially if you have limited time in Australia, it provides not only a jumping point to the Great Barrier Reef, but is also entry to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation to the north. From here, you can take day trips to the reef, visit low-lying islands from which you can snorkel, take seaplane or helicopter trips out, or even embark on diving trips, charter boats, or cruises among the Great Barrier Reef.
But it is also where nearly every tourist goes to see the Reef. Expect it to be crowded during peak seasons, and because of millions of tourists who pass through there annually, the Reef is less than pristine.
For that reason, you might seek an alternative. A number of Great Barrier Reef Islands can be easily reached from Cairns, and offer anything from the ultimate luxury getaway - such as on Lizard Island - to a more natural experience - such as on Heron Island.
Much further to the south, the Whitsundays Islands - located "in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef" - offer a much more relaxed experience. Here, a number of Islands await you, from popular Hamilton Island (truly the "hub" of the Whistundays) to the island resorts of Haymon and Dream Islands. Airlie Beach is a great destination if you wish to remain on the mainland. The Reef here is more pristine, and a number of options - including the ability to charter your own yachts - to see the Reef await you.
For those looking for a truly unique experience, Fraser Island should be your focus. The largest sand dune island in the world, and the only one with a rainforest growing out of it, it is an amazing attraction in and of itself. Within easy distance of Brisbane, it also offers the opportunity for trips out to the Reef.
For the getaway that combines the ultimate in luxury with pristine natural surroundings and exotic seclusion, a stay at the Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island is a must.
Otherwise, journey to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. One might very well argue that this is how the Great Barrier should be experienced. The island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is protected. Each moment of the day, you will be interacting with the Reef and its wild life in a way few ever experience.
This is but a sampling of the many ways and places you can visit to experience the Great Barrier Reef. As one of Australia's most visited attractions, it is something not to be missed. But with all the ways to see it, there is a way to enjoy the Reef that suits you best.
