A Must-Visit Destination Before It Disappears: The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Discover the Beauty and Fragility of the Great Barrier Reef

Batuhan Ertan
The Silent Politician
3 min readMay 8, 2023

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Photo by NEOM on Unsplash

Welcome to the first post in our series on must-visit destinations before they disappear.

This series will highlight some of the world’s most beautiful and fragile destinations under threat from climate change, pollution, and other environmental factors.

Our first destination is the Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

It is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in the world but also one of the most endangered.

The coral reef system is threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing, and experts predict that it may disappear within our lifetimes.

Here’s why you should visit the Great Barrier Reef before it’s too late and how to make the most of your trip.

Photo by Connor Home on Unsplash

Reaching the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, and the easiest way to reach it is by flying to Cairns.

From there, you can take a boat tour to one of the many islands near the reef.

Alternatively, you can fly directly to an island like Hamilton Island or Heron Island, which have their airports.

Exploring the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a remarkable destination that offers a variety of ways to explore its underwater world.

Here are two options you can choose from:

Snorkeling and diving are great options for those who love adventure and swimming. At the same time, semi-submersibles and underwater observatories offer an excellent opportunity to stay dry and experience the reef’s beauty.

Another exciting way to explore the Great Barrier Reef is by taking a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight over the reef.

This allows you to see the vast expanse of the reef from above and appreciate its beauty from a unique perspective.

Many tour operators offer helicopter and seaplane tours that depart from Cairns or Port Douglas, and some even land on secluded sand cays or private pontoons where you can snorkel and swim in the clear waters of the reef.

To ensure that your visit to the Great Barrier Reef is responsible and sustainable, choose a tour operator that follows sustainable practices and supports reef conservation.

Photo by 광 영 on Unsplash

Bonus Tips!

Here are some bonus tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Great Barrier Reef:

  1. Visit between June and October, when the water is clear, and the weather is mild.
  2. Choose a tour that includes visiting the outer reef to see more marine life.
  3. Wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching the coral, as even a tiny amount of damage can significantly impact the reef’s health.
  4. Support organizations that work to protect the Great Barrier Reef, such as the Great Barrier Reef Foundation or the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

The Great Barrier Reef is a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

By choosing a responsible tour operator and following best practices for conservation, you can help protect this natural wonder and ensure that future generations can experience its beauty as well.

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Batuhan Ertan
The Silent Politician

Experienced education abroad consultant. Passionate about sharing my experiences and recommendations of various places around the world