Explore Great Barrier Reef, Australia (UNESCO site)

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The Great Barrier Reef presents incredible ecological variety and unsurpassed beauty off the north-east coast of Australia. The world's most extensive stretch of coral reefs stretches over 2,600 kilometers, contains 900 islands and cays and is most likely the richest area in terms of regional animal diversity in the world reflecting the evolution of the northeastern Australian ecosystem over millions of years. The reef contains over 1,500 fish species including whales, dolphins, dugongs, tropical fish and sea snakes. Multiple species of sea turtles, saltwater crocodiles, sharks, rays, mollusks, birds and other life forms add to the incredibly diverse collection of fauna including over 400 species of hard and soft coral, sponges, anemones, marine worms and crustaceans. Thousands of different plant species are found throughout the islands and reef systems. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A rich variety of landscapes and seascapes, including rugged mountains with dense and diverse vegetation and adjacent fringing reefs, provide spectacular scenery. The reef system includes major feeding grounds for the endangered Dugong and nesting grounds for two endangered species of marine turtle, the Green and the Loggerhead, as well as habitat for four other species of marine turtles. It is also an important breeding area for whale species including the revered Humpback. The Great Barrier Reef holds an important place in the historic and contemporary culture of the Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander groups and plays an important role in the maintenance of their cultures. There is a strong spiritual connection for these indigenous peoples with the ocean and its inhabitants. The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination for tourists including divers, “live-aboard” yachtsmen, fishermen and water sports enthusiasts. Resorts are found on a number of the islands scattered about the region and primary access to the Great Barrier Reef is through the Queensland city of Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands. Helicopter tours, seaplane excursions and boat tours are among the various methods for touring the area. Your trip of a lifetime to Australia may very well need inclusion of a visit to the Great Barrier Reef make the adventure a dream come true. Whether for a day, a week or longer you’ll need to focus on the areas of the reef that will fulfill your interests and start planning the best way to make sure it happens today.

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