Page 222 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

220  QUEENSLAND

Activities on the Great Barrier Reef

Fewer than 20 of the Great Barrier Reef’s 2,000 islands cater
for tourists (see map and table below). Accommodation on the
islands ranges from luxury resorts to basic camp sites. To make
the most of the coral, take a tourist boat trip to the outer reef;
most operators provide glass-bottomed boats to view the
coral. The best way of seeing the reef, however, is by diving
or snorkelling. There are many day trips from the mainland
to the reef and between the islands. Some resorts were Reef walking involves walking
devastated by a cyclone in 2011 and are still being rebuilt. over dead stretches of the reef at
low tide. Wear strong shoes and
be very careful to avoid standing
on living coral under the water.

Snorkelling is one of the most popular activities
in the Great Barrier Reef, offering the chance to
see beautiful tropical fish at close range.

The Main Islands
Tropical fish are largely
Haggerstone harmless – the majority
Island will let you swim close,
600 km
but may nip your
fingers if you attempt
to touch them.
Lizard
Island
Daintree
Mossman
Green Island
Cairns
Fitzroy Island Diving on the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most
Bedarra Island popular, as well as one of the more
Orpheus Island reasonably priced, places to learn to dive
Magnetic Island in the world. The best places to find dive
Townsville Hayman Island schools are Townsville or Cairns,
Day dream South Molle Island although many schools exist along
Island Hamilton Island the coast. Some boat trips also offer
Long Island
Brampton Island hand-held dives for complete
Mackay beginners; some offer night dives.
Pumpkin
Island
Key
Great Keppel
Island
Heron Island Highway
Gladstone Unsealed road
Rockhampton
Lady Elliot
Island 0 km 150
Bundaberg
0 miles 150