In , Australia downgraded the reef's long-term outlook to "very poor". Human activities such as coastal development and agricultural pollutants have also challenged the reef's health for many years.
Sediment, nitrogen and pesticide from nearby farms have flown into the reef, reducing water quality and encouraging algae growth. Illegal fishing and even tourists damaging coral while out on trips are also problems. The crown-of-thorns starfish - a natural predator of corals - has been a huge issue too. With less sea life around, the species has thrived.
A single starfish can wipe out large areas. Measures included efforts to kill crown-of-thorns starfish and paying farmers to reduce their agricultural run-off. But critics said this package did nothing to address the main threat of climate change. Experts warn the only way to save the reef is by urgently cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The UN says even if the world contains global warming to a 1.
Global temperatures have already risen by about 1C since pre-industrial times. Scientists say humans have to move away from using fossil fuels. Though Australia points out climate change is a global issue, critics say its government is dragging its heels.
The Great Barrier Reef makes up about 10 per cent of the world's coral reef ecosystems, and is one of the best known and most complex natural systems on Earth. It is the sea country home for the first Australians — more than 70 Traditional Owner groups — whose connections to the marine environment date back more than 60, years.
Today the Reef is a Marine Park and World Heritage Area, supporting a range of commercial activities and attracting millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy its beauty above and below the water. The Great Barrier Reef is unique as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude, from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters. Snorkel the surrounding reefs, laze about on pristine sandy beaches or explore the covering rainforest before returning to Cairns in the afternoon. Beyond the reef The Great Barrier Reef is by no means the only thing to see in Tropical North Queensland and any trip to the area will also need to factor in a visit to some of the terrestrial attractions on offer.
Top of the list is the Daintree Rainforest, where visitors can explore the dense tropical rainforest via walking tracks and swim in pristine freshwater swimming holes.
Another day can be filled with a trip to the Atherton Tablelands, where you can enjoy splashing about under cascading waterfalls and swim in a lake created by an extinct volcanic crater. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services.
All prices quoted are in Australian dollars AUD. Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.
By Jac Taylor Home to diverse marine life of the most vivid colours, the Great Barrier Reef offers the opportunity for great adventure, both in luxury and on a budget.
Things to do and top attractions on the Great Barrier Reef. Seaplane over Heart Reef Create the perfect romantic surprise for a loved one by flying over the world-famous natural wonder, Heart Reef.
Cruise the Agincourt Reef Agincourt Reef is home to over 16 different dive sites, making it a popular destinations for divers and snorkellers. Sail or skydive the Whitsundays It's hard to beat the romance of sailing through the Whitsunday Islands. Trek the Thorsborne Trail Along the eastern coast of Hinchinbrook Island , an untouched tropical paradise on the coast between Townsville and Cairns, is the four-day, kilometre mile Thorsborne Trail traversing cloud-cloaked mountains, jungle-like rainforest and pristine beaches.
Witness island wildlife The islands of the Great Barrier Reef hold as much wildlife on land as they do in the sea. Relax in Airlie Beach The coastal village of Airlie Beach is a vibrant town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants. Cruise to uninhabited islands The Great Barrier Reef's Frankland Islands might be uninhabited, but that doesn't mean you can't appreciate the islands' rich coral reefs, diverse aquatic life and pristine stretches of sand.
Load More. Popular itineraries. Travellers' stories. More experiences around the Great Barrier Reef. The region is home to tropical Where to stay on the Great Barrier Reef From international luxury resorts to more low-key abodes that take their cues from the abundant nature and wildlife, these are the
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