The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier ReefThe Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is a dazzling and unique marine environment is the largest reef system in the world. Its islands offer the perfect tropical getaway and superb opportunities for sailing, diving and wildlife-watching. Over the Christmas holidays we where fortune enough to spend two glouries weeks on the Barrier Reef. The Barrier Reef has more than 3000 individual coral reefs to explore: over 900 islands: and a web or flora and fauna that embraces living coral. The marine mammal is amazing-including giant humpback whales, placid dugongs and dolphins. Above sea level it is magical, below sea level it is an awe-inspriring world of colour and movement.

Exploring the Reef provided endless fasciation to us, and it can be done in a number of ways-diving, snorkelling and reef watching from glass-bottomed boats and semi submersibles. Sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, fishing birdwatching, bushwalking and camping are just some of the other activities we had on offer over a two week period. Resorts, friendly loges and national parks islands or near pristine wilderness provide access to this remarkable destination

Must see, must do

Snorkel over the reef's coral gardens
Watch for migrating whales, dolphins, dugongs and manta rays
Explore the pristine beauty of Hinchinbrook Island
Sail the magical Whitsunday Islands
Relax on Whitehaven Beach this has 6km of pure white sands.

Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef

When to go

The Great Barrier Reef has year round tropical (warm) temperatures. The southern region (as far north as Rockhampton) can get cool in mid winter and very hot in summer March, May and September, November are the best months to visit. From Rockhampton heading north, May, November is usually best. From Townsville to Cape York, summer is hot and humid with tropical downpours (the further north, the heaviour the summer rain, with January to March usually the peak.)
The reef islands are in the summer cyclone belt. If you enjoy diving the best months, when the waters are clearest are August to November.

Safety

You really have to be careful on the Reef, swimming and diving. Potentially deadly marine stingers (tropical Jellyfish) inhabit shallow tropical coastal waters, mainly from October through to April.

Whitsunday Passage

Diving on the WhitsundayNow this is a favourite of ours. The Whitsunday is a magical chain of 74 Islands, and islets, many of them steep and ruggedly beautiful, in a sea of aquamarine. Only seven of the islands are inhabited and almost all are part of national park groups. Many have their own fringing reefs, providing easy access to coral gardens and intriguing marine life. There is outstanding game and reef fishing to enjoy. Seabirds galore, several species of whales can be sighted
in July to August and dolphins, these are amazing to watch. Giant marine turtles and manta rays are all living in the waters of the Reef.

While visiting the Whitsunday there are many islands that we visit over the two weeks. These are just a few:

Lindeman Island

Lindeman Island was our first stop. On the Island there is 8 sq km of scenic walking tracks, great for photos, these lead through forest to quit beaches, or to Mt Oldfield, the 212 m summit that offers stunning views of islands emerging from the Coral Sea. The island has sandy beaches, rich birdlife and masses of summer butterflies. The photography that can be taken here is fantastic.

Hamilton IslandHamilton Island

Hamilton Island is 6 sq km, and is the most developed of the Whitsundays, it provides accommodation for up to 2,000 guest, multiple dining options, a world class marina and an almost endless variety of reef trips along with sailing, diving, parasailing, helicopter rides ( a must for every one).

Long Island

On Long Island which is 12 sq km, lying almost parallel with the coast, there is wonderufl bird and wildlife watching. I found Long Island a great place for photos. It also has walking trails through dense vegetatiion to peaceful beaches.Three separate resorts with a maximum of 420 guests offer a full complement of watersports.

Daydream Island

Daydream Island as it's name sugest you can day dream your days away. A mere speck in the ocean, Daydream Island has pale beaches, coral outcrops, luxuriant tropical growth and a large resort and spa. Only 5 km from Shute Harbour. Daydream is popular with daytrippers. The resort, occupying much of the island, boasts all the usual attractions as well as an outdoor cinema to wile away the balmy evenings.

Whitsunday Island

Whitsunday Island the largest in the group (109 sq km), is an uninhabited island and national park with walking tracks and boardwalks. The iconic Whitehaven Beach, with its dazzling arc of white sand, is a favoured anchorge with the yachting fraternity. Surrounding waters invite both reef and deep water fishing. Terrific walks, stunning views and bush camping are the other attractions.

South Molle Island

South Molle Island consist of white sand beaches and a fringing reef with coral fish, dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays although South Molle is very hilly. Walking trails past rainforest pockets lead to memorable views and plentiful birdwatching opportunities. A family friendly resort of maximum 520 people provides multiple watersports and even a 9-hole golf course.

Hook Island

Hook Island is densely vegetated. With its low key wilderness resort and camping it is popular with backpackers. Hook isnt as much family orientated as some of the others but still nice to see. A small underwater observatory provides a glimpse of coral marine life, and a boardwalk.

Brampton Island

Brampton Island is the most southerly of the Whitsundays, it is almost all natinal park, with a stylish resort at Sandy Point. Fine stands of towering palms are a legacy of the early 1900's when the island was a palm tree nursery well so we have been told.

Hayman Island

Hayman Island is a popular spot for Honeymooners. It is along the northern end of the Whitsunday and offers some of the Whitsundays best scuba diving and snorkelling. An elegant resort attracts those seeking sophistication and five star service. Reef cruiese, fishing and watersports of all kinds are on offer and a walking trail circles the 4 sq km island

Sailing the Whitsundays

On our last trip to the Whitsundays we sailed. Sailing the Whitsunday Passage is a fantastic experience.The weather is warm, the sea glitters blue, the islands offer shelter and there are plenty of safe and beautiful anchorages within a short sail of each other. Fringing reefs around many islands offer superb diving and snorkelling opportunities. Sun drenched beaches and secluded coves are prime destinations for yachties seeking to get away from it all, while others drop anchor at chic resort islands. Bareboat charters mean yo can hire a fully equipped boat but provision and sail it yourself, so you can set your own itinerary dependent only on
whim and weather. It is also possible to hire a yacht with a captain, and crew if needed. Or you can join a fully crewed yacht, a catamaran, a motor cruiser, or even sail on a century old tall ship where you can help hoist the main sail, or simply soak up the sun.

Reef Walking Hints

Here are some hints for Reef Walking that we always follow:

Wear protective footwear at all times
During stinger or box jellyfish season, October to April, wear protective leg gear.
Check local tide charts before your walk, The best time for reef walking is during low tide.
Keep watch on the incoming tide at all times.
Use a bucket or container with a clear base for easy underwater viewing.
Look but do not touch. Some marine life can give painful and dangerous stings.
Watch where you walk to avoid stepping on, and killing, any coral or sea life.
Move along sand channels and avoid walking on coral.
Be aware of marine park collcting restrictions.
Do not litter.

Snorkelling and diving on the Reef

Spectacular coral formations, warm, clear waters and an unbelievable wealth of marine life make the Great Barrier Reef one of the world's finest snorkelling and scuba diving destinations. Every level is catered to, from novice (like me) snorkellers to professional divers. Diving gear can be hired readly, while snorkelling gear is often provided on cruises or by resorts. It is possible to undertake an introductory diving lesson, en route to the reef, before your first accompanied dive. Multiple full time courses enable you to qualify as a certified diver. Airlie Beach, Townsville and Cairns are three of the most popular learning locations, with enough operators to ensure competitive rates.

Fringing reefs and small patch reefs are fascinating. But the outer reef is spectacular. Cruise boats and high speed catamarans leave regularly for daytrips from resort islands and many coastal towns. Some Companies have pontoons permanently moored on outer reefs for easy access.

Tropical North Islands

Magtnetic IslandMagnetic Island

Just 8 kms from Townsville, caters for both a resident population and holiday makers. This is a great island again for family's. It offers a number of attractions including diving and a glass bottom boat.

Orpheus Island

This island has a spectacular fringing reef that ensures excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. A luxurious resort accommodates a maximum of 42 guests. Orpheus is a national park and there are also several bush campsites. We love this island for camping it has one of the best camping facilities
on the Great Barrier Reef. Byo everything for those who want to get away from it all.

Hinchinbrook Island

Hinchinbrook is the largest island off the Queensland Coast. A rainforest wilderness. It is almost uninhabited except for an ecologically sensitive resort at Cape Richards. The isl;and is a sanctuary for wildlife, including wallabies, wallaroos, echidnas, sugar gliders and scrub pythons. More than 200 bird species have been sighted. Rare dugongs, marine turtles and myriad fish swim in the surronding waters, while saltwater crocodiles inhabit.

Lizard Island

Spectacular diving opportunities abound around this Marine National Park,
including the famous Cod Hole. Snorkellers are rewarded for little effort
with coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams just moments
from the island's beaches. Discover secluded, pristine beaches by foot or by motorised
dinghy with a gourmet picnic just for two. Try a gentle bushwalk, sailing, fishing or a glass bottom boat trip or perhaps indulge in the serenity and relaxation of treatment at the luxurious Pavilion Spa.

I have to tell you about our last week of our Reef holiday.The whole week was spent at Great Kepple Island. If you are ever in Queensland, Australia you just have to take the time to travel to this Island. You can do a day trip or stay a while

Great Keppel Island Resort is situated off the coast of Central Queensland, 15 kilometres across Keppel Bay from Rosslyn Bay near the town of Yeppoon; 55 kilometres from Rockhampton the closest major city. Great Keppel Island Resort is accessible - 20 minutes by air from Rockhampton, 30 minutes by high speed catamaran (airport connections available) from Rosslyn Bay near Yeppoon and only 696km north of Brisbane - makes it a getaway which can be reached with a minimum of travel.

The resort itself offers great facilities including a pool, a small shop, numerous accommodation types and various restaurants. Great Keppel Island Resort offers Great Kepple Island from the airgreat holiday accommodation for friends, romantics and especially families. Great Keppel Resort offers three types of holiday accommodation including Garden and Beachfront Rooms and Hillside Villas. This time we decided to stay in the Hillside Villas: Situated in an elevated, quiet area behind the resort, these split level villas
have commanding views of the resort, coastline and neighbouring islands. If you want to get away from everything this accommadation is the one for you. There is also Beach front Villas Ideally located at the heart of resort facilities, Beachfront rooms are closer to the beach than any other accommodation on the island. This is
great when you have a family that love the beach.

These are just some of the Island on the Great Barrier Reef that I have traveled to and enjoyed through out our family holidays. I hope that one day you will be able to see the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef like we have it is the most amazing thing in the world.

A great site for all types of Accommadation on the Great Barrier Reef Accommodation