the great barrier reef

The Fabulous Great Barrier Reef

This World Heritage site since 1981, is found in the Coral Sea, off the north-east coast of Queensland and is the world�s largest coral reef made up of about 3 000 separate reefs and some 900 islands. The reef spans 2 600 kms (1 621 miles) and a large part of it is under the protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Great Barrier Reef is sometimes tagged one of the �Seven Natural Wonders of the World� and is always very popular with tourists, many of whom indulge in snorkelling and scuba diving this underwater wonderland.

The fabulous array of colourful corals make up the basis for the huge variety of animal life here. Each coral is made up of tiny living creatures, known as coral polyps, that unite to become colonies. Each of these polyps lives inside the coral or aragonite shell. Corals can be found in many fascinating shapes such as brain, plate, fan and antler and many different varieties. Some grow very slowly and live to be hundreds of years old, while others grow quite fast. Algae gives coral its vibrant colours. When the coral dies, it turns white.

As beautiful as it is, coral has also been responsible for at least 30 shipwrecks over the years in this area. Amongst them, Capt. Cook�s Endeavour and the HMS Pandora in 1791.

Found in this natural ecosystem is amongst over 1 500 species of fish, some 200 types of birdlife and 4 000 forms of molluscs. The rich wildlife includes the awe-inspiring and protected green turtles, dugongs and many varieties of whales and dolphins.

Over 500 commercial vessels carry the more than 2 million visitors to the Great Barrier Reef annually equaling about $AU2 billion in tourist dollars. Fishing is restricted in certain areas.

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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
provides for the protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef in perpetuity through the care and development of the Great ...

Great Barrier Reef Visitors Bureau, Resort & Hotel Accommodation ...
Great Barrier Reef: The ultimate travel guide and reservations centre for the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Independent vacation travellers ...

Great Barrier Reef
Dunk Island, one of more than 600 islands of the Great Barrier Reef ... The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1500 species of fish ...

Accommodation, cruises, scuba diving, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns ...
Information on the Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest areas, includes accommodation, site seeing and tour directory.

Reef HQ
Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef at the world's largest living ... Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2004 Pages may be copied or ...

World Heritage: Great Barrier Reef
World Heritage properties are sites with exceptional natural and/or cultural values. The international importance of these sites is recognised through their ...

overv1
The Great Barrier Reef is a true wonderland of color and beauty. The reef can be reached from many coastal points and can be explored on private charters ...


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