The Great Barrier Reef. This natural wonder is as big as Britain and Ireland combined, it has more than 1,000 islands, from sandy cays to rainforest isles, and supports prolific marine life. You can reach coral sites by air and water taxi, and scuba dive or snorkel. Click on the links below to discover comfortable accommodation available on secluded islands. As the reef meets the coast in Tropical North Queensland, access to explore the coral delights becomes easier. Between Townsville and Cairns, there are ideal setting-off points and many expeditions offered by dive companies and cruise operators. Coral gardens lace nearly every Whitsunday island, offering sheltered spots for snorkelling, diving and relaxing line-of-sight sailing in the tropical waters. Visitors thrill to see the coral formation of Heart Shaped Reef at beautiful Hardys Reef. Great Keppel and South Keppel islands offer resort or rustic getaways a boat ride from Yepoon. Heron Island, near Gladstone, is a seabird and turtle haven. The reef's two 'ladies' - Lady Elliott and Lady Musgrave - are handy for day trips or longer stays. In the reef's tropical northern waters, lush Green and Fitzroy islands are a day's excursion from Cairns. Popular Dunk Island is only minutes from Mission Beach, just north of Cairns, and Bedarra, Hinchinbrook and Orpheus islands lie nearby.
Tourism Australia 2006