Some fun facts….
Did you know The Great Barrier Reef is…..
located in the Coral Sea, and starts at the tip of the Cape York Peninsula, stretching more than 2300km along Queensland’s coast right down to Bundaberg in the state's south. It’s the world’s largest reef system, boasting around 3000 individual reefs and 900 islands. To put it into some sort of perspective, the Great Barrier Reef is roughly the same size as Italy. So large that it can be seen from outer space! It’s home to a diverse range of wildlife including more than 1500 species of fish, six of the world’s seven species of turtle and thirty species of whale, dolphins and porpoises, just to name a few. In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. 5 quick facts about the Great Barrier Reef you may not have known?
- Corals are not plants they are actually animals! ...
- The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth.
- The Great Barrier Reef wasn't always underwater. ...
- The Great Barrier Reef can actually be seen from space. ...
- The movie Finding Nemo was set on the Great Barrier Reef.
2. How deep is the Great Barrier Reef from the surface?
While the average depth of the Great Barrier Reef hovers around 35 metres, the Continental Shelf drops to depths of more than 2,000 metres.
3. What is the most famous thing on the Great Barrier Reef?
Who guessed the Dugong!!!! The Dugong is often referred to as the sea cow, or the elephant of the sea and is one of the most endangered animals on the Great Barrier Reef, in Australia and, in fact now the whole world. It's estimated that there's only 10,000 of these gentle giants left in the wild.
4. Here are the top 8 living, breathing icons of the reef system and are featured for their unique attributes and importance to the Reefs survival.
- Giant Clam. A beautiful sight, the giant clam enjoys the warm waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. ...
- Manta Ray. ...
- Maori Wrasse. ...
- Sharks. ...
- The many specific species of fish only found on the Great Barrier Reef
- Turtles. ...
- Whales
- Whale sharks
4. What is the largest mammal found on the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes, you guessed it? The humpback whales are one of the largest species of baleen whales, averaging a length of one to 16 meters and weighing in at approximately 25 to 30 tons. Humpbacks are known for their complex breaching behaviours as well as breaching the water’s surface which makes them hugely popular amongst whale watchers.
5. What is the biggest predator in the Great Barrier Reef?
The Tiger Shark is one of the world's largest and most feared shark species. It can grow up to a whopping 5-6 meters long and weigh in at around 650 kg. The shark has distinctive striped patterns along its body similar to that of a tiger.
6. What is the coolest animal in the Great Barrier Reef?
Obviously, everyone has their own favourites here. Although arguably the Surgeonfish is one of the most visually striking fish on the entire Great Barrier Reef. With vivid, luminous colourings, combined with striking patterns and stripes this fish is highly popular with snorkelers when spotted amongst the reef, as well as for aquarium lovers around the world.
7. What animal is killing the Great Barrier Reef?
Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks cause significant damage to coral reefs and are one of the major causes of coral destruction across the Reef over the past 40 years or so.
8. Is there any natural predators that control the crown-of-thorns?
Yes, the giant triton snail can hunt and devour crown-of-thorns starfish, the humphead Maori wrasse, starry pufferfish and titan triggerfish also eat adult starfish. Shrimp, crabs and worms also feed on young starfish.
9. Popular places to visit the Great Barrier Reef from
There are numerous options available in planning a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Here are just a few destinations along Queensland’s coastline, providing you with easy access to all the wonders of The Great Barrier Reef.
- Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg just to name a few. (Obviously, there are many more convenient and accessible locations to the reef, I have only provided you with just a few here)
10. What is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is located within Queensland’s tropics and visiting is possible all year-round. The region generally has a wet season – November to March and dry season – April to October. The best time to visit is during the dry season with the best months (weather wise) being June-October.
In Summary
Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a must do and should be included in anyone’s travel bucket list! There are so many wonderful areas of the reef to explore, and a plethora of marine life the many varieties of corals and the sheer beauty of the reef is simply out of this world.