Australia has the great good fortune to have one of the seven natural wonders of the world right on its doorstep. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park as it is known stretches over 1,800 miles, lying almost parallel to the coast of Queensland. This is a remarkable set of coral reefs and cays that are visible from outer space.
Bundaberg in southern Queensland has been identified as the starting point for the reef, which continues right up to and past the tip of Cape York. However there are a number of small sections of reef that can be found around Coffs Harbor NSW, off the eastern coastline of Australia.
The Story of The Great Barrier Reef
Marine biologists consider 'The Great Barrier Reef' to be a relatively young reef. At just over 500,000 years of age, it is a tropical water phenomenon that lies for the most part in shallow waters. The reef sits from 15 km to 150 km off the coast of Queensland and in some places reaches a width of 65 km, and has a temperature range that varies from 18 degrees through to 33 degrees Centigrade.
The Great Barrier Reef has lured divers from around the world to swim and dive the various coral cays and underwater wonderlands. However the reef has not been without its problems from man. Shipping is seen as a constant threat and indiscriminate fishing is also a concern. As is the crown of thorns, although studies over the past 40 years have now identified the crown of thorns as perhaps a natural cycle of life on the reef, albeit a destructive one.
Popular Diving Areas Within the Reef
Diving on the reef is to take a peek into a absolutely magical world where a variety of fish and other living creatures commune in harmony with each other. It is an area where survival of the fittest rules the day – and night. A number of reef systems offer divers and snorkelers an experience of a lifetime.
- Lady Musgrave Island part of the Capricornia Cays National Park is an uninhabited coral cay that lies off Bundaberg, where day trippers are given the opportunity to view a marvelous array of fish and coral within the relative safety of a coral cay.
- World heritage listed Heron Island whose closest jumping off point is Gladstone is a small low coral cay 89 km off the coast of Queensland. The island is world known for the research work undertaken on the Green Turtle and other endangered species.
- Further north Great Keppel Island is surrounded by sections of coral reef; the islands are easily accessible from Roslyn Bay, Yeppoon.
- The Whitsunday Islands are a veritable divers' playground lying close to the mainland. The diving around the Whitsunday Islands is easily accessible to divers who wish to experience the colors and beauty of the reef.
- Michaelmas Cay and Low Island to the north of Cairns give day trippers the opportunity to explore life underwater at very close quarters.
- However Lizard Island and the Cod Hole are arguably the most beautiful area of the Great Barrier Reef, lying north of Cook Town. It has been suggested that the area is home to the most prolific fish life and beautiful coral areas of the reef. Snorkeling around Lizard Island and the area known as the Cod Hole is one of the most fantastic experiences imaginable. It is a place where giant cod and small damsel fish commune together with giant clams and intricate soft and hard corals.
The Great Barrier Reef contains over 900 island and sand cays and is home to a number of vulnerable and endangered species. To maintain the reef the State Government of Queensland has sought to protect it by creating The Great Barrier Reef Marina Park.
This park is under the direct supervision of GRUMPA, Great Barrier Reef Marina Park Authority who have created a number of zones to protect vulnerable fish and coral areas. The fact that the reef has been identified as in need of care is significant considering that scientists have suggested that Australia and the Great Barrier Reef in particular have one of the most diverse range of species anywhere in the world. Over 33,000 species can be found off the coastline so it is little wonder that the reef is such a popular destination for tourists and travelers from all over the the world.
Parania Wilson - Parania attained her degree with a double major in welfare and sociology then spent a number of years in welfare working in Mental Health, ...
