What is the Outer Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s natural wonders, with some of the most vibrant marine life calling home to a giant stretch of coastline.

Here, countless species of colourful fish and other incredible marine animals dash and weave their way through endless coral beds, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

You may think of the Great Barrier Reef as one single, massive entity. However, you may also be surprised to learn that the Great Barrier Reef consists of two separate reefs: the Inner Fringing Reef and the Outer Barrier Reef.

The two of them combined to create this incredible natural wonder, but there are some differences between the two that make them their own fascinating marine wonderlands!

So here is why the Outer Great Barrier Reef is such an incredible place to experience, and why it shouldn’t be missed by any traveller.

A far out wonderland

The Outer Great Barrier Reef is located a few hours from the mainland and spawns from the ocean floor upwards. The “outer reef” is renowned by divers and snorkellers because of its amazing water quality and visibility, which is better than that of the inner reef.

The outer reef contains many of the same fish species as the inner reef, except there are some larger species found in the outer reef. This huge variety of wildlife is what tourists, divers and snorkellers alike come to see, and they never leave disappointed.

There are a range of awesome one and two day tour options available for visiting the outer reef, perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to experience this serene natural wonder in all its tropical splendour. Tourists can snorkel down amongst the diverse wildlife and get up close and personal with some of the weird and wonderful characters that inhabit the incredible outer reef.

Other ways to enjoy the Outer Great Barrier Reef

The outer reef is on every traveller’s to-see list but not everyone is keen on swimming down to see it. Luckily, there are other ways to enjoy the serene beauty of the outer reef. If you love nature but aren’t too keen on going underneath the sea, you can sit back and relax on a glass bottom boat. This method allows you to experience all the wonders of the outer reef without all the saltwater.

The Outer Great Barrier Reef is possibly the most impressive part of this natural wonder. With incredible marine species and vibrant coral reefs, it is a place that anyone should take their time visiting.

Related article: What’s the difference between inner and outer 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.