Great Barrier Reef

• Australia's GREAT BARRIER REEF is the largest coral reef system in the world.  

• It's length is approximately 2000 kms along the coast of Queensland, from Bramble Cay, (near the Fly River in the Gulf of Papa), to Lady Elliott Island, (off the Queensland coast off Gladstone) and also includes reefs surrounding offshore islands.

• The closest point to the mainland is Cape Melville being 16kms and its furthest point is 240 kms from the mainland.

• It is the world's largest wildlife sanctuary.
  

• Its marine life includes fish, mollusc, echinoderms and coral, and more specifically, but not limited to:-

• Its home to some of the most spectacular and large shells, including the Giant Clam Shell, located in the northern part of the reef and weighing in excess of 220 kg.

• The Great Barrier Reef is home to two types of islands - Coral Cays & High Islands.
• Coral Cays are mounds of compacted coral, debris and sand and there are approximately 200 within the reef, including Green Island and Heron Island.
• High Islands are the peaks of drowned mountains, (at one stage part of the mainland, but over time cut off by rising sea levels), and normally surrounded by  a fringing reef, and includes Hinchinbrook Island.

• Main island resorts are:-
• Brampton  Island
• Dunk Island
• Green Island
• Hayman Island
• Magnetic Island
• Orpheus Island
• South Molle Island
• Whitsunday Island

• The reef is just perfect for divers and snorkellers as well as for those that want to be on the water.

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