Why Is The Great Barrier Reef A Wonder Of The World?

The Great Barrier Reef is easily one of the most beautiful and remarkable places on earth.

The Great Barrier Reef is considered a wonder of the world because it contains the largest collection of coral reefs! It is home to over 400 different types of coral, 1500 species of fish, and also about 4000 types of mollusc (a type of invertebrate animal).

The Great Barrier Reef is on the northeast coast of Australia, filled with stunning marine life and colourful corals.

The different fish and other marine life

The Great Barrier Reef has almost 9000 species of marine life! There’s a huge selection of fish like the clownfish (Nemo), giant manta rays, and reef sharks that call the reef home. Along with the stunning turtles, whales, and dolphins are other marine life that you could see.

The types of coral

With over 400 types of coral living in the Great Barrier Reef, the two main types are hard and soft coral. Hard corals are the primary reef building, and without them, the reef simply wouldn’t exist. The soft corals look like underwater plants with different shapes and bright colours.

How to see the Great Barrier Reef

Luckily for us, there are ways we can see this beautiful wonder of the world. Try to do at least one of these activities just to see for yourself how incredible the reef is.

• Snorkeling

Snorkelling is a popular activity people love to take part in while visiting the Great Barrier Reef. It is one of the easiest water activities to do to explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. As you snorkel, you’ll see the coral and a range of marine life beneath you.

• Diving

Diving is another great option to explore the Great Barrier Reef. A bit more advanced than snorkelling, you can go deeper in the water and scuba dive, swimming alongside different marine creatures. Or you can even walk along the seabed with helmet diving.

• Glass bottom boat

The glass bottom boat is perfect for those who don’t want to get into the water. Experience the dazzling underwater world of the reef and view the marine life and colourful coral all from inside the boat.

• Scenic flight

See the Great Barrier Reef from a bird’s eye view on a scenic flight. Pick between a helicopter or a sea plane and soar high over the reef. You’ll have the chance to pick between different lengths of flights, all providing you with a new perspective of the reef.

Ready to see this wonder of the world yourself? Book a Great Barrier Reef tour today and witness for yourself how breathtaking this part of the world is.

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.