Great Barrier Reef, Largest Coral Reef in The World

Many cities along the Queensland coast offer daily sea tourism to the reef. Some continental islands have also been turned into resorts to pamper tourists visiting this attraction.

IPHEDIA.com - The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest collection of coral reefs in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, in northeast Australia, is an attraction for many tourists to visit.

The Great Barrier Reef consists of approximately 3,000 corals and 900 islands, which stretch for 2,600 kilometers. The term "barrier" is used to describe a coral island that runs parallel to the coastline but is located farther from the edge of the reef which stretches closer to the shore.

Another type of coral island, the atoll, which is distinguished from its shape, which resembles a donut, like a ring with a lagoon (salt water lake) in the middle. Most of these reef areas are included as protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Uniquely, this Great Barrier Reef can apparently be seen from space and is sometimes referred to as the largest single organism in the world. In fact, it is formed from millions of small organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

Its biodiversity richness, warm and clear waters, and its affordability from floating facilities called live aboards make this reef a very popular tourism destination, especially for scuba divers.

Upon arrival here, you don't need to worry about not being able to relax on the beach or dive in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Many cities along the Queensland coast offer daily sea tourism to the reef.

In addition, several continental islands have also been converted into resorts to pamper tourists visiting this attraction. (as/ip)