Responsible travel issues
One of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, the Great Barrier Reef is Queensland’s most visited destination, with everything from boat excursions to scuba diving trips and helicopter tours available. But with increasing stresses on its ecosystems and organisms, responsible tourism in the region has become a pressing issue. It should be a deciding factor in how you visit the Great Barrier Reef.
If you choose to go
Certified scuba divers can join day trips to experience the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater landscapes, with tours led by experienced divemasters and instructors. In addition to the myriad of tropical fish found here, there are many other fascinating marine creatures to observe. Spot rays cruising along the sandy bottoms and eels hiding within rocky outcrops, together with beautiful sea turtles that seemingly float on the currents. You might even encounter larger marine species such as reef sharks which patrol the open waters. Most of them are relatively harmless when it comes to humans, provided you don’t threaten them, and your dive guides are on hand to assist if you do encounter any dangerous predators.
Aerial view picture of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. [Report image]For the uninitiated, you can also join a Discover Scuba day trip where you are taught the basics of scuba diving and then taken out into open water to practice your new skills. If you fall in love with the sport, you can continue training to get your Open Water certification and experience more of the Great Barrier Reef.
Numerous spots throughout the Great Barrier Reef offer excellent snorkeling in shallow waters. This is ideal for children or those who don’t feel comfortable venturing deeper to experience its marine life. Some of the best snorkeling sites surround remote islands such as Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands, which can be accessed by boat or scenic flight.
All divers and snorkelers should not touch any marine species or damage the coral reef systems. If you don’t feel controlled underwater, then return to the surface rather than risk destroying this natural wonder.
Visiting from the air
If you want to stay dry and get a different perspective on the Great Barrier Reef, then jump into a helicopter for a scenic flight to see just how vast it really is. Or sail through the idyllic Whitsunday Islands, which are dotted with luxury resorts where you can soak up the splendor of the region's above water landscapes.