Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is said to be the world's largest living structure and the only one visible from outer space...

The World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Discovering the Great Barrier Reef is one of life's must-dos and it's so easily accessible from Airlie Beach and the islands.

Stretching over 2000 kilometres in length, the Great Barrier Reef protects the Whitsundays Coast and Islands from huge ocean swells providing the region with some of the safest cruising grounds in the world. A vast array of brilliantly colourful corals and sea life abound around the islands.

There are numerous options for one-day and extended cruises -slow or fast, basic or luxury. Most cruises offer snorkelling or introductory diving to maximise your reef experience. There are two reef operators that travel aboard large, comfotable, fast catamarans to purpose-built pontoons located on the edge of the outer reef. These cruises can cater for your every need, for snorkellers and non snorkellers, young and old, everyone will be able to take away with them a truly memorable experience.

The warm shallow waters provide some of the most colourful fish and coral formations. Enjoy views of the reef from an underwater viewing chamber, glass bottom boat tours and semi-submersible tours. You can fly out, or back, or both ways, in a helicopter or seaplane.

The Whitsundays is quite literally situated in the "Heart of the Great Barrier Reef". Heart Reef is a beautiful composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart. Located within Hardy Reef, Heart Reef can best be experienced from the air by helicopter or seaplane. A visit to Heart Reef is the perfect Valentine's Day, anniversary, or romantic suprise for a loved one. Seeing the unique heart shaped coral formation from the air is a Whitsunday experience you will never forget.