Monday, August 26, 2013

Do You Know How Many Islands Are in the Great Barrier Reef?

Spending time on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef is a magical experience and with over 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays to explore.

Here are the top five must do island experiences:

    Visit the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island - often voted one of the world's best beaches
    Charter your own seaplane, helicopter or luxury yacht for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure
    Hire a private island or stay in style at some of the most exclusive island resorts in the world
    Get close to nature and witness the natural miracle of bird nesting and turtle nesting season
    Enjoy spectacular diving and snorkelling on beautiful reef just off the islands

There are so many different islands to experience ranging from the remote and luxurious through to eco-friendly - each surrounded by the endless coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef.

Few natural wonders draw you into a paradise of perfect blue waters bursting with colour and life. From your very first island sunset, you'll feel the freedom to surrender to the natural beauty and discover the relaxation, romance and retreat of an island adventure.

Sail away to explore one of the many of over 900 islands and coral cays, and 2300 kilometres of wild and unique nature. There is nothing to compare the amazement you will feel, surrounded by breathtaking colours of the coral and abundant marine life. The sun will warm you... pristine water will sparkle your eyes... your life will be filed with awe.

From the exclusivity and unbridled luxury of a five-star resort to the back-to-nature simplicity of tented accommodation, offering glamping in style amidst a sublime natural setting, you will discover a whole new side of yourself. A side that will never want to leave the wonder-filled islands of Queensland, Australia.

Experience Unique Experiences along the Great Barrier Reef

Spanning two-thirds of the Queensland coastline,the Great Barrier Reef has five distinctive regions, each offering unique and different experiences. It has an experience to suit every individual and is easily accessible from various points along the coastline:

The Wild North Precinct

A Marine Wilderness Expedition - the unspoilt wilderness of the wild north provides for an intrepid marine adventure.

Cairns and Port Douglas Precinct

Adventure in Nature - adventurous natural encounters are found in the Cairns and Port Douglas region.

Townsville Precinct

History and Education - the Townsville precinct offers the opportunity to engage with the history and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whitsundays and Mackay Precinct

Stylish Island and Sailing Adventures - Islands fringing the reef, pristine sandy beaches and sailing vessels dot the green-blue sea in Australia's island paradise.

Southern Great Barrier Reef Precinct

Characters and Uncrowded Getaways - Southern Great Barrier Reef provides the chance to connect with local characters and enjoy a getaway without the crowds.

How to get there

The Great Barrier Reef runs parallel to the Queensland coast for over 2300 kilometres and ranges from 15 kilometres to 150 kilometres offshore. You can access the Great Barrier Reef and its islands from several mainland locationa along the Queensland coastline.

Transfer options

Light aircraft and helicopter flights are available to some islands from destinations including Cairns, Townsville, Prosperpine, Mackay, Rockhampton, Galdstone, Bundaberg and Fraser Coast.