Great Barrier

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the planet's greatest natural jewels — 2,300 km long along Queensland's north-east coast, more than 2,900 distinct reefs, 900 islands, forming the world's largest coral ecosystem. UNESCO-listed since 1981, it is also the only living structure visible from space. Biodiversity is extraordinary: 1,500 fish species, 411 hard coral species, 134 shark and ray species, 30 whale and dolphin species, 6 of the world's 7 sea turtle species, dugongs, giant manta rays.

The main tourist zone extends through tropical Queensland between Cairns (main gateway, international airport CNS) and the Whitsundays (74 paradise islands accessible from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island, 600 km south). Cairns (160,000 inhabitants) is the logical base to explore the reef and the nearby Daintree rainforest — it is also a vibrant backpacker town with a wide excursion offering. Port Douglas (1h north of Cairns) is the chic and calm alternative — luxury destination favoured by couples, refined restaurants, direct access to the Outer Reef (the outer reef, the most preserved) and the Daintree Rainforest (UNESCO, the world's oldest rainforest, 180 million years).

The Whitsundays are the 74-island archipelago in the centre of the reef, with the most famous Hamilton Island (most developed, airport, resorts) and the most iconic Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island (7 km of 98% pure silica sand, the purest in the world — brilliant white that stays cool under the sun). Sailing, cruising, snorkelling: probably the most signature Whitsundays experience. The Heart Reef (naturally heart-shaped coral formation) is visible only by seaplane or helicopter from Hamilton Island.

The Great Barrier is threatened by climate change. Six massive bleaching episodes since 1998 (1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024), linked to ocean warming. According to scientists, 50% of corals have disappeared since 1995, and the reef is officially listed 'in danger' by UNESCO (status contested by the Australian government). Visiting the reef today remains an extraordinary experience but tinged with urgency — it is a fragile heritage to discover while it still exists in this integrity.