The Great Barrier Reef

#12 - Cairns, Australia

#11

#13

Visited Here?

Do You Dream?

It's a hidden treasure under the sea.

The coral reef is built by tiny living organisms known as coral polyps. They might be the hardest working creatures under the sea since there are 2,900 individual reefs. It is the largest reef system in the world with 900 islands spanning across 1,600 miles in the Coral Sea. This beautiful work of nature might not be so hidden after all since it can be seen from outer space, but you should go see it up close. That's why it's our #12 AbsoluteVisit.

Slide 1: Great Barrier Reef - Coral

by Steve Evans
Slide 2: Great Barrier Reef - Coral

by Steve Evans
Slide 3: by Alex Healing
Slide 4: Great Barrier Reef - Giant Clam

by Steve Evans
Slide 5: Great Barrier Reef - Humphead Wrasse

by brewbooks
Slide 6: Great Barrier Reef - Remote Island

by Sarah Ackerman
Slide 7: Great Barrier Reef - Clam

by Steve Evans
Slide 8: Great Barrier Reef - Anemonefish

by Matt Kieffer
Slide 9: Great Barrier Reef

by Taro Taylor
Slide 10: Great Barrier Reef - Blue Clam
Slide 11: Great Barrier Reef - Rare Fish

by Steve Evans
Slide 12: Great Barrier Reef - Propagules

by Brian Gratwicke
Slide 13: by Cory Doctorow

Overview

Plan a Visit

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Quick Facts & History

The Great Barrier Reef is not actually one reef but 2,900 individual reefs with over 1,500 species of fish living in it (approximately 10% of all fish species in the world).
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest configuration ever built by living creatures.
The largest pearl ever found was found in the Great Barrier Reef, selling in New York for $10 million (approximately 8 million euro).
The Great Barrier Reef is visible from outer space.

Where is The Great Barrier Reef?

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Photos from The Great Barrier Reef

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Chartres Cathedral

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Trip

Blog: Quit and Travel

The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps Australia�s largest attraction and is certainly one that has the type of hype, build-up and awareness that brings about expectations that are through the roof. The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage site, is comprised of over 3000 individual reef systems and is located along the North East coast of Australia. There are tons of options on how to see the Great Barrier Reef � overnight excursions, day-trips, snorkeling, diving, combinations, etc. We went for a boat focused on snorkeling, but one that also provided an introductory dive. Everything was se... read more

Submitted By: Brad Harbach

Submitted On: Apr 30, 2012

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