Cairns – Fitzroy Island
Long know as the premier gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the boarding point for many great inner and outer Barrier Reef expeditions. But we would have to say the best of all is Fitzroy Island.
Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef in July? You can also swim at the beach as June and July are not stinger season. We went to Port Douglas when our youngest child was 10 years old and did two snorkeling trips–one to the Low Isles where you can snorkel off the beach and another out to the GBR with a snorkel-only boat from Wavelength.
Then, Is Great Barrier Reef worth visiting? The Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly one of the most unique and unbelievably beautiful destinations in the whole world! A visit to the reef is absolutely worth it and somewhere you cannot miss out on when travelling Australia.
Are there sharks in the Great Barrier Reef? There are many different species of sharks found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef ranging from small bottom-dwelling sharks such as wobbegongs to larger types such as tiger sharks and the distinctive hammerhead shark that has a nose shaped like the letter ‘t’.
FAQ
Is it better to go to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Port Douglas?
There are a few east coast towns that off Great Barrier Reef trips, the most popular being Port Douglas or Cairns. Although Cairns is a vibrant and cool city and many reef visitors base themselves here, I recommend Port Douglas over Cairns.
What months can you snorkel Great Barrier Reef? The best snorkeling can be done between June and October, with crystal clear waters that let you enjoy the reef at its fullest. Beware that is the peak season though, so if you want to snorkel the reef with less crowds then shoot for April or May.
Can you dive the Great Barrier Reef in April? While wind and visibility fluctuates daily, pending season and prevailing weather conditions, the marine life on the Great Barrier Reef does not, offering memorable diving all year round. Indeed, it is the Great Barrier Reef’s biodiversity that make it one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
Who visits the Great Barrier Reef? Tourism is one of the major industries in the Great Barrier Reef region. Approximately five million people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year. According to the WWF, tourism of the area contributes $5.4 billion a year to the Australian economy, and employs approximately 69,000 people.
What is Great Barrier Reef famous for?
The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc.
Why is the Great Barrier Reef so beautiful? One of the world’s most incredible natural phenomena, the Great Barrier Reef is a diverse marine wonderland and the largest living structure on earth. Comprising beautiful coral reefs, unspoiled islands and sandy corals cays, it provides protective homes for thousands of sea creatures.
Why do tourists choose to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
Tourism helps to spread the word of how important the reef is to protect. Despite the dangers that the reef faces, environmentalists and scientists still urge people to visit the reef and enjoy the wonders that it provides.
Are there crocodiles in Great Barrier Reef? Saltwater crocodiles are typically found in the murky waterways, rivers, lakes, and swamps in the Northern region of Australia. However, on occasion, they can be found in the ocean region, with the beaches and islands in the Great Barrier Reef known to have an occasional croc sighting.
Can you scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef?
As the largest living structure on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, offering a variety and abundance of marine life seldom found elsewhere. Much of the reef falls within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and so many of the dive sites enjoy protected status.
How deep is the Great Barrier Reef?
has an average depth of 35 metres in its inshore waters, while on outer reefs, continental slopes extend down to depths of more than 2000 metres. was created in 1975 through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act.
Is Port Douglas worth visiting? Port Douglas is renowned for its World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and the incredible nearby Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Visitors that are feeling adventurous, can hop on a Great Barrier Reef cruise or jump on a 4WD safari and explore the rainforest coast.
Where is the best snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef? The holiday town of Port Douglas in far north Queensland is one of the best places to access the Great Barrier Reef. Just 15 minutes away by boat is the Low Isles, where you can snorkel among corals beside the local population of sea turtles.
Is Port Douglas or Airlie Beach better?
Port Douglas wins this battle by a long shot. While Airlie Beach has a few nice beaches, Port Douglas is set on Four Mile Beach, which is one of the most underrated beaches in Australia. Both towns are affected by the usual north Queensland jellyfish, so swimming is only advised in the netted areas.
Are there Box Jellyfish in the Great Barrier Reef? The box jellyfish is even considered the most venomous animal in the world. These tiny but deadly animals favour calm, warm, clear waters, which is why they are commonly found around the Great Barrier Reef.
Can you swim in Great Barrier Reef in Feb?
In general the waters of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are very safe all year round.
Is January a good time to visit the Great Barrier Reef? The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to October. This peak season offers some key advantages for travelers. Temperatures hover in the low 60s to mid-80s, and rainfall is uncommon, which means clearer waters and better diving conditions.
Are there Box jellyfish in the Great Barrier Reef?
The box jellyfish is even considered the most venomous animal in the world. These tiny but deadly animals favour calm, warm, clear waters, which is why they are commonly found around the Great Barrier Reef.
How much does it cost to dive in the Great Barrier Reef? Price
Price | |
---|---|
Great Barrier Reef Tour | $115 |
Great Barrier Reef Premium Snorkelling Tour | $189 |
Great Barrier Reef Cruise Deluxe | $205 |
Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure | $219 |
Is April a good month to go to Cairns?
April to September is the best time to visit for the ideal balance of affordable accommodation, warm dry weather and thin crowds. By popping in after summer, you’ll completely miss the Christmas crowds and the high humidity, while still being able to enjoy sunshine and warm days.