Location:
The Great Barrier Reef is on Australia’s northeastern coast. It stretches to more than 2,300km along Queensland’s coastline, beginning at the tip of Cape York Peninsula in the North and extending down in the south to Bundaberg. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world greatest natural wonders. As the largest reef in the world, it is bigger than the Great Wall of China and the only natural landform on earth that is visible from space. It consists of nearly 3000 individual reefs and 800 islands. It is home to many diverse types of flora and fauna. Swimming with the unique sea life and admiring the colours of the coral is a must for any holiday
DID YOU KNOW?
The Great Barrier Reef is greater in size than Tasmania and Victoria combined. |
Weather:
The weather over the Great Barrier Reef varies due to the length of the reef itself. Stretching over an area of 2500km down the coast of Queensland, the majority of the reef is in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The Northern part of the reef is in a tropical climate when summers are hot and wet with lots of rain and humidity. The southern end the Great Barrier Reef is sub-tropical with warm summers and far less humidity. You can swim in Tropical North Queensland all year round. The usual swimming period is between April and October.
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DON'T FORGET!
The stinger season is from around November to May. During this time you need to swim inside the stinger enclosures at the beaches or wear a stinger suit.
The stinger season is from around November to May. During this time you need to swim inside the stinger enclosures at the beaches or wear a stinger suit.
Fauna:
Fish: There are over 1,500 species of fish in the Great Barrier Reef. Some fish in the Great Barrier Reef that are commonly seen include the angelfish, butterfly fish, clown fish, groupers, and sharks. The most common species of shark is the White-tipped Reef Shark.
All photos from - http://www.triathlonshots.com/Great%20barrier%20Reef.html
DID YOU KNOW?
Around 10 percent of the world's total fish species can be found just within the Great Barrier Reef.
Around 10 percent of the world's total fish species can be found just within the Great Barrier Reef.
Mammals: There are a number of mammals in the Great Barrier Reef, most of which are whales and dolphins. The most common whales and dolphins are the Humpback Whale, the Dwarf-minke Whale and Bottlenose Dolphins. The Great Barrier Reef is a breeding ground for the Humpback Whale. Another mammal in the Great Barrier Reef is the Dugong, which is an endangered species.
http://www.brycegroark.com
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Turtles: There are six species of turtles in the Great Barrier Reef. These include the Green Turtle, Leatherback Turtle Hawksbill Turtle and the Loggerhead Turtle. The Green Turtle is another animal that is endangered in the Great Barrier Reef.
Flora:
Plants: A few of the plants that grow in the Great Barrier Reef include marine algae, seaweed, and sea grass.
Coral: Coral makes up the structure of the Great Barrier Reef. There are 400 species of coral in the reef. There are 2 types of coral: hard coral and soft coral. Hard coral typically lives in the shallow parts of the reef and soft coral is in the deeper parts. Hard coral is stiff and rigid. One common type of hard coral is the Staghorn Coral. Soft Coral is squishy and leathery. Soft coral is a vital part of the Great Barrier Reef because it is where marine algae lives. Marine algae is a major food source in the Great Barrier Reef. A common type of soft coral is the Cauliflower Coral.
Dangers:
The Great Barrier Reef has many species of marine life that can be potentially fatal to humans. Hazards abound that you should know about before venturing out.
Box jellyfish: A box-shaped bell with groups of tentacles extending from each corner. It has the potential to inflict fatal stings to humans. (boxjelly.jpg) Blue Ringed Octopus: With a beak that can pierce a wet suit, this tiny octopus’ poison is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes. (Blue-Ringed-Octopus-Pictures.jpg) Lion Fish: Lionfish have venomous fin spines that can produce painful puncture wounds. Fatal injuries, however, are rare. (lionfish.jpg) Stone Fish: With 13 dorsal spines that release a poisonous toxin when pressed, the Stonefish can cause unbearable pain and possible death to the unwary. They inhabit stony, muddy areas close to the ground. Visitors walking on the beaches, especially at low tide, should always wear covered shoes with a sturdy sole. (stonefihs2.jpg) |
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Activities:
Snorkel Magnetic Island on the Great Barrier Reef: Hire a mask and snorkel for the day to discover the island’s colourful reef.
Seaplane over Heart Reef: Create the picture-perfect surprise for a loved one by flying over the famous natural wonder, Heart Reef.
Speedboat over to the Great Barrier Reef: Speed to the Reef from Port Douglas in just 15 minutes onboard a 500-horsepower speedboat.
Skydive above the Whitsunday Islands: You’ll take home permanent memories when you experience the Great Barrier Reef from birds-eye-view.
Seaplane over Heart Reef: Create the picture-perfect surprise for a loved one by flying over the famous natural wonder, Heart Reef.
Speedboat over to the Great Barrier Reef: Speed to the Reef from Port Douglas in just 15 minutes onboard a 500-horsepower speedboat.
Skydive above the Whitsunday Islands: You’ll take home permanent memories when you experience the Great Barrier Reef from birds-eye-view.
Cover photo: South Seas Adventures Fiji Dive Gallery - Fiji Diving
Youtube: Tropical North Queensland #exploreTNQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STdKzu6yGzc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STdKzu6yGzc