How was the Great Barrier Reef formed?

Discover the formation of the famous Great Barrier Reef with its beautiful sapphire waters.

Spanning an incredible 348,000 square kilometres, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on the entire planet! Sitting by the coast long tropical North Queensland, the reef is home to one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. You can expect to find thousands of marine life species and coral, filled with a range of spectacular colours. But how did this spectacular reef even begin?

How Coral Reefs are created

Coral reefs form when pre-existing reefs release bursts of larvae into the water. The larvae drift until they settle on hard surfaces such as submerged rocks or the edges of islands. As the coral develops, it takes the form of one of three main reef structures: fringing, barrier, or atoll.
A barrier reef forms when a reef borders along the coast. This is why the Great Barrier Reef is so named, as it borders the Queensland coast and is separated from the mainland by a lagoon of open water.

The Beginning of the Great Barrier Reef

A lot of coral reefs are millions of years old but the Great Barrier Reef is actually quite young in comparison, being around 500,000 years old and has become the largest coral reef system! Despite its age, the current reef we see today isn’t the original one; sections of the reef continuously die and are replaced. Therefore, the actual age of the modern reef is only about 6000 to 8000 years old.

The Importance of the Reef

The reef is one of the most vital living things on Earth and is one of the richest ocean habitats known to humankind. It is home to a vast array of thousands of marine life and plants. You can expect to see all kinds of fish, rays, sharks, and marine mammals like whales, dugongs, and dolphins.

Each coral section within the reef provides protection and a home for smaller creatures like clownfish. Other marine life uses the reef as a food source, feeding on both other marine creatures and plant life.

Without this incredible reef, millions of animals would be displaced, leaving them without protection or food. Not only are marine life affected, but land-based animals also depend on the reef for their survival. A significant portion of Australia’s biodiversity would eventually die without this spectacular reef.

How can you see it?

There are various tours available where you can hop on a boat and cruise out to the deep sea and experience the reef!

Snorkelling

A popular activity on the Great Barrier Reef is snorkelling and it’s suitable for almost everyone! Before entering the water, you will receive an introductory lesson on using the equipment. Once you’re in the water, you can marvel at the insane number of fish, other marine life, and coral!

Diving

To explore the reef more deeply, consider going scuba diving or helmet diving! You can go deeper in the water and swim alongside marine life and see the coral up close with scuba diving. Helmet diving is a unique experience and perfect for those who aren’t strong swimmers, as you walk along the seabed.

Glass bottom boat

For those who prefer to stay dry but still want to see the reef, a glass bottom boat is the best option! Sit comfortably in the boat and watch the underwater world through the glass bottom.

No matter which option you pick to see the reef, you’ll still discover the brilliant colours and unique wildlife within. This eye-opening experience is a must-do activity while in Australia!

Related article: What is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.