Visit the Great Barrier Reef while touring Queensland
2011-05-06
For those who love to snorkel or scuba dive to new depths, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is a must-see for the deep sea adventurer.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reef contains 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 types of mollusk and 400 types of coral, allowing divers to get a glimpse of some of the rarest sea creatures in the world.
Located off the east coast of the Queensland mainland, travelers who are already in the area to see such sites as the aboriginal rock art and the Q1 Observation Desk should be sure to set aside at least a day to spend at the Great Barrier Reef.
The entire reef system extends all the way to Papua New Guinea and is made up of more than 2,900 individual reefs. Tourists can also see such spectacles as the large green turtle, which is nearly extinct, and humpback whales. However, one thing to keep in mind while touring the area is wearing sunscreen, as the water's reflection can definitely intensify the sun's rays.
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