The  Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty.  It is 1500 miles long.   It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, more than 2800,  with 400 types of coral, 2000 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusk.  It has many islands, continental, sand and coral.  You can snorkel off the beach, see turtles come ashore to lay eggs, watch myriads of hundreds of different birds, go bushwalking and indulge in a variety of water sports, or just do nothing, and visit the spa.

In parts, the reef is 200 miles off shore.   Many of the islands are an hour’s flight from the mainland.

We mostly use a few of them. Lizard Island, is up market, only 40 bungalows, great for honeymoons, fishing, snorkel and scuba driving.   Great spa also.    Bedarra Island is exclusive, small, upmarket, and a good honeymoon location.    Dunk Island, is good for families.  More reasonably priced, with lots to do, golf, sailing, hiking in the rainforest, and several restaurants.   Orpheus Island is also upmarket, great honeymoon location.    You have to fly to each of them.    See the children’s section because many islands will not take them.   Heron Island is the best place for serious scuba divers.  It is not easy to get to, Brisbane to Gladstone and then a 4 hour boat ride.  Take a helicopter if the budget allows, journey can be rough. Heron Island also has a research laboratory for the University of Queensland on the island and this is interesting to go see what they are working on.   Outstanding reef walks each day lead by the marine biologists based on the island.  Wilson Island is also run by Heron Island, a small camping facility a boat ride away. Lord Howe Island is further afield, off the coast of Brisbane.  This is a World Heritage site, with dramatic peaks and the world’s most southern coral reef.  Great for walking, diving and surfing.  Small luxury lodge, only 20 guests.