Exploring the Great Barrier Reef: A Guide to Visiting and Conservation

Beneath the waves and along a 1,400-mile stretch of Australia's northeastern coast lies a hidden world of stunning marine life. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, the Great Barrier Reef offers an incredible opportunity for visitors to connect deeply with nature.

Even after significant coral bleaching events in the summers of 2016 and 2017 that affected parts of the reef, much of this vast marine park — comparable in size to Japan — continues to flourish. While alarming news may have deterred some tourists, with over 2,900 unique coral reefs and 300 continental islands, visiting this largest living structure on Earth is still an unforgettable experience.

In recent years, coral has begun to regenerate, and local scientists have pioneered new methods to encourage coral growth both underwater and on land. However, this delicate ecosystem requires human intervention to preserve its beauty, prompting experts to advocate for a united effort to tackle challenges largely driven by climate change. Tourists must make informed decisions while fully enjoying the reef's breathtaking sights.

Selecting an eco-conscious tour operator should be your priority. The easiest way to find one is to seek out businesses that hold independent certification from Ecotourism Australia.

The organization's Green Travel Guide simplifies the process of finding eco-friendly companies. From awe-inspiring Air Whitsundays scenic flights, where you can view the iconic Heart Reef and the beautiful turquoise patterns of Hill Inlet, to Adrenaline Diving trips to SS Yongala, offering exhilarating dives among manta rays and schools of barracuda at a century-old shipwreck, travelers can enjoy remarkable experiences while ensuring their impact is a positive one.

What does it truly mean for a company to be eco-certified? "The certification process is thorough, requiring each business to navigate a sustainability matrix," explained Rod Hillman, CEO of Ecotourism Australia. "In ecotourism, it’s not sufficient to simply avoid harm. Your presence should actively enhance the environment."

This is evidenced by various environmental plans that not only show how the company reduces harm but also how it actively contributes to conservation efforts. Hillman further emphasized the importance of a business's integration with the local community and its relationship with the traditional custodians of the land and sea.

For those wanting to make a more significant contribution to the reef's wellbeing during their visit, numerous tourist activities focus on citizen science — a vital element of coral restoration initiatives along the reef.

"The citizen science initiative is crucial," stated Johnny Gaskell, a marine biologist at Daydream Island. Gaskell and his team have been cultivating coral in nurseries within the marine park and in specially designed tanks for four to five months before replanting them into damaged reef areas. "We encourage visitors to explore the areas we've restored, take photos, send them to us, and upload them. Over time, this will provide insight into how recovery is progressing," Gaskell added.

Further south at Lady Musgrave Island, visitors have the opportunity to become a marine biologist for a day. "[Island guests] discover the reef, learn to identify various species, understand their significance for reef health, and gather data through the Eye on the Reef and Coral Watch programs," said marine biologist and master reef guide Natalie Lobartolo.

This is just one of the many activities offered by Lady Musgrave Experience, an eco-certified tour operator that also provides guided island tours, snorkeling, and the opportunity to swim with turtles. "It’s truly an amazing location for turtle watching," Lobartolo noted. "Lady Musgrave is exceptional due to its expansive lagoon, resembling a giant natural swimming pool — a 3,000-acre oasis surrounded by reefs."

The tranquil, sheltered lagoon serves as an ideal breeding ground for marine creatures to raise their young. "If nature were to design the perfect nursery in the ocean, it would be Lady Musgrave lagoon," Lobartolo remarked.

The young turtles remain in this safe environment until they are robust enough to confront the challenges of the open sea.

"Between nesting periods, the females feel quite exhausted. It’s a significant energetic commitment for them, so they prefer relaxing in the lagoon," Lobartolo noted. "There are also cleaning stations." And no, these cleaning stations aren't operated by humans with brushes; envision an underwater beauty spa managed by small fish.

"The cleaning stations consist of large formations of live coral," Lobartolo clarified. "Within this coral, numerous small fish reside — the primary type being the 'cleaner wrasse'. These cleaner wrasses remove algae and parasites from the turtles' skin and shells."

Fortunately for the turtles and the fish at the cleaning stations, the coral at Lady Musgrave remains healthy, according to Lobartolo. "The Southern Great Barrier Reef is quite unique and managed to avoid much of the bleaching that occurred in 2016 and '17," she stated.

Another significant location in the southern reef area is Heron Island. Here, visitors can stay at an eco-certified hotel, enjoying the island's natural beauty while retaining modern comforts. The University of Queensland's Heron Island Research Station is also situated on the coral cay and offers tours for island guests.

Seeking a vacation that offers a bit more luxury? You can enjoy indulgence while remaining eco-conscious at an all-inclusive resort. Located on an island between Townsville and Cairns, Orpheus Island Lodge provides a refined experience. With dishes crafted by award-winning chef Sam Moore and a day spa to unwind after snorkeling and sailing, this upscale, solar-powered resort is also eco-certified. Additionally, it contributes $50 AUD per guest to its Reef Keepers Fund, supporting local environmental initiatives.

With a thoughtfully planned itinerary for this stunning region, tourism can actively contribute to overcoming the ongoing challenges faced here. Each visitor pays a modest $6.50 AUD environmental management charge, which directly funds reef management. Thus, visitors support the reef simply by their presence.

"You can observe signs of the reef recovering," Lobartolo mentioned. "It’s incredibly resilient and eager to thrive… but we must provide the right conditions."

Getting There

Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Some international airlines operate direct flights to the city, and it is a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Brisbane, the capital of Queensland.

You can reach Daydream Island and the Whitsundays by flying to Hamilton Island, which is a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Brisbane.

To visit Lady Musgrave Island, depart from Bundaberg, just a one-hour flight from Brisbane.

Heron Island is accessible from Gladstone, requiring a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Brisbane.

Orpheus Island can be reached by helicopter from Townsville, which is a two-hour flight from Brisbane.