Great Barrier Reef

Before you go

• Choose a base for your reef trip: Cairns and Port Douglas for outer reefs and cays, Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays, Townsville for the Yongala wreck.
• Stinger suits are advised from about November to May, when box jellyfish and Irukandji are most likely; swim in netted or patrolled areas and follow the crew’s briefing.
• The reef has suffered repeated mass bleaching events since 2016; ask operators about current conditions, never touch or stand on coral and keep sunscreen use sensible.

Reefs, cays and islands

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established in 1975 and the reef is World Heritage listed since 1981. Near Cairns you can visit coral cays such as Green Island and Michaelmas Cay, or Low Isles from Port Douglas. In the Whitsundays the draw is Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and scenic flights over Heart Reef.

Reef health and responsible visiting

Mass bleaching events have hit the reef repeatedly since 2016, and impacts vary widely between reefs. Book licensed operators, listen to the briefing, keep clear of coral and wildlife, and do not collect shells or coral. Dive sites such as the SS Yongala are protected, with rules against penetration and souvenirs.

Stingers, crocodiles and sea conditions

Stinger season runs roughly from November to May, and crocodiles occur in coastal waters and estuaries all year, so do not swim at unpatrolled mainland beaches. The wet season also brings cyclone risk and rougher seas that can cancel trips. Winter, June to October, is drier, calmer and clearer.

FAQs