Can you still visit the Great Barrier Reef?
Great Barrier Reef tours leave from hubs like Cairns and Townsville. You can go in one day, but for the full experience choose a “liveaboard” option. While the Great Barrier Reef is a highlight, Far North Queensland has many other activities and attractions that are certainly worth the extra time.
Is the Great Barrier Reef open to the public?
The Great Barrier Reef is Open for Business.
How do you get to the Great Barrier Reef?
Unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experiences
- Travel underwater in a mini-submarine.
- Walk along the sea bed.
- Ride an underwater scooter.
- Have a private island picnic.
- Sail aboard a private yacht.
- Take a scenic flight.
- Swim with Minke whales.
- Witness sea turtles hatching.
Is it ethical to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
“In my opinion, tourism is overwhelmingly positive for the reef,” says James Kerry, a research fellow at James Cook University in Queensland and coordinator on the Australian National Coral Bleaching Taskforce. “Virtually none” of the Great Barrier Reef’s environmental woes, Kerry says, can be attributed to tourism.
How many days do you need in the Great Barrier Reef?
How long should you stay: It’s recommended to spend at least 3 days exploring the reef. Single day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas just won’t do this place justice.
How do I plan a trip to the Great Barrier Reef?
10 Essential Tips for Visiting the Great Barrier Reef
- Pick a Port.
- Scuba Dive the Reef.
- Keep Calm Around Coral.
- Overnight Onboard.
- Get to Know Native Wildlife.
- Save Time for Snorkeling.
- Take a Walk on Whitehaven Beach.
- Mountain Bike the Bump Track.
What is the best part of the Great Barrier Reef to visit?
Fitzroy Island is one of the best locations for viewing the Great Barrier Reef in Australia with reef snorkelling just a short paddle from the shore. With snorkelling and scuba diving options available, there’s something for everyone.
Which is better Cairns or Whitsundays?
While Cairns is the best place to dive and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays has amazing sailing (we suggest at least a 2 day 1 night to really experience the beautiful area) and you simply must factor in a 4WD tour at Fraser Island.
Is Port Douglas or Cairns better?
Overall, if it’s adventure, a buzzing nightlife, great food and shopping that you’re after then Cairns is the place for you. It offers more things to do even for those on a tighter budget. Port Douglas is more suited for those wanting a relaxed laid back holiday surrounded by nature in a small village atmosphere.
Is it safe to snorkel in the Whitsundays?
The simple answer is no – the Great Barrier Reef is not dangerous. Full of life with beautiful marine animals and plants, it’s a safe place to visit and is one of the most unforgettable marine destinations in the world! However, your safety depends largely on how you act while you’re here.
Are Whitsundays expensive?
The Whitsundays are all about the outdoors, and spending time outside is free. A trip to the reef itself isn’t cheap, but more local sun, surf and sand experiences abound are. Slightly more expensive, but still reasonable, are visits to Reef World and resort excursions.
How many days do you need in Whitsundays?
If you want to get a good overall picture of the Whitsundays and enjoy the resort too, you might want to consider staying 5 days or longer.
Can you stay on Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays has the very best in tropical island resorts; here, you’ll find Hamilton Island, InterContinental Hayman Island, Daydream Island Resort, Elysian Retreat, and Palm Bay Resort on Long Island and Camp Island Lodge.
Are the Whitsundays worth visiting?
The Whitsundays are defintitely worth visiting. There is nothing wrong with Hamilton if you are midrange or upwards. If you are budget, it is usually way cheaper to fly into Prosepine, stay at Airlie Beach and do daytrips or one of the great liveaboard budget yachting trips around the Whitsundays.