The Great Barrier Reef was world heritage listed in 1981 and is the largest structure on Earth made by living organisms. It extends more than 2,000km from just south of the Tropic of Capricorn off Queensland's central coast, north to the coastal waters of Papua New Guinea. It has the world's largest collection of coral reefs, some 3,400,400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. Most of the reef is around two million years old with the oldest sections dated at 18 million years old.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches along the entire Queensland coastline covering several regions and the state's warm sub-tropical climate means you can dive and snorkel all year round. You could dive on the world's largest marine park every day for the rest of your life and still not see it all.
The most popular scuba diving locations around the Whitsunday Islands are located at the northern end of Hook Island which is sheltered from the southerly weather.
There are many day trips and extended cruises departing from Shute Harbour at Airlie Beach and the island resorts.
Bait Reef and its famous Stepping Stones in the north-east of the region is the closest reef to the mainland. This reef is famous for its diversity of great dive experiences and locations. Another popular dive site is Black Reef, a fantasyland for scuba diving exploration.
Michaelmas Cay is a low lying vegetated Sand Cay encircled by a superb fringing reef; the Cay is a National Park and a protected sanctuary for migratory birds. Click here to find out more about Michaelmas Cay.
