Seven Natural Wonders - Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's greatest attractions and one of the world's seven natural wonders. It's also the most extensive reef system and the biggest structure made by living organisms on earth. Check out more on this enormous, wondrous destination.
Great Barrier Reef - What Is It?
Spanning more than 1,243 miles (2,000 km) along the north-eastern coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. A coral reef is an erosion-resistant marine ridge made up of mostly compacted coral, algae material and biochemically deposited magnesium and calcium carbonates. It provides a home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
Great Barrier Reef - Where Is It?
The Reef runs parallel to the coast of Queensland, Australia and has been designated by the Australian Government as a Marine Park. It runs mostly in a north-south direction and spans a wide range of climates. The Great Barrier Reef is the only natural organism that is visible from space!
Great Barrier Reef - Aquatic Life
Few peeps can imagine the wide range of animals, [kwlink]plants[/kwlink] and [kwlink]fish[/kwlink] that live in, on and around the reef. Sea turtles, Octopi, thousands of tropical fish, jelly fish, sharks, sea snakes and sting rays are just a few of the creatures that call the reef home. Another frequent visitor to the reef is the elusive scuba-diving tourist. Try not to move to quickly around this creature - they startle easily.
- Want to know more about the reef, its inhabitants and what you can do to help protect it? Check out www.gbrmpa.gov.au.