Its home to a mid-boggling array of sea life and Australia’s most prestigious regatta but the largest collection of reefs on the planet remains under threat. This beautiful natural phenomena is worth a visit. You can plan your visit to coincide with a particular event or you can go just to observe the wonder of nature.
1. A PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES
After a year of restoration following the devastation of Cyclone Ita, the indulgent hideaway Lizard Island (lizardisland.com.au) has reopen. The only island to sit on the reef, it has 24 white sand beaches and some seriously luxurious accommodation options.
New to the island is The Villa (from $3,700 per night), a peerless ridge-top property with two ensuite bedrooms, a butler’s kitchen and a wraparound deck with uninterrupted views of the only place on Earth where two World Heritage Sites – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – collide.
2. THE EARTH FROM ABOVE
The Great Barrier Reef is so immense it can be seen from outer space and offers an utterly different perspective from afar.
Those with a head for heights should consider a seaplane to appreciate its size and majesty. Cairns Seaplanes (cairnsvisitorcentre.com) take off from Cairns and swoop low over the Great Barrier Reef and its coral cays before landing on Green Island.
3. SLEEP ON THE OPEN WAVE
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth and protects the impossibly beautiful Whitsunday Coast and Islands from turbulent ocean swells.
Just 40 nautical miles off the Whitsunday Coast lies Hardy Reef, featuring an isolate diving pontoon that is home to Reef sleep, a unique overnight experience where visitors sleep under the stars in ‘swags’-cosy, low slung tents with clear viewing panels and snug beds.
Spend the days diving to the depths before being lulled to sleep by the waves and waking up in the great blue nothing.
With only 12 guests at any time, Reef sleep is a magical experience. From $250pp including two days on the pontoon, boat transfers and meals. (cruisewhitsundays.com).
4. THE WORLDS MOST BEAUTIFUL RACE
Hamilton is the largest of the 73 Whitsundays. Now in its 32nd year, the annual Hamilton Island Race (hamiltonIslandraceweek.com.au, held in August) is Australia’s largest sailing regatta and a high point on the international sailing calendar.
The high-octane programme includes a grand prix class for premier racers along with sports boats, cruising yachts and performance racing.
The coveted Prix d’Elegance is split into two categories: Best Presented Yacht And Crew and Best Fun-Themed Yacht And Crew. On shore, haute cuisine and high fashion attract a glamorous set – top Aussie chefs.
5. PARADISE UNDER THREAT
Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest collection of coral reefs in the world, occupying an area of ocean around the size of Japan. It is comprised of up to 600 types of coral and home to 3,000 types of mollusc and 1,500 species of fish.
Despite its immense global importance, a new study by James Cook University warns that 90 per cent of the reef is at risk at sea temperatures continue to rise. In the short term, a 1-2c rise in temperature will result in corals being smothered by seaweed. While longer-term consequences point to the reef’s decline to less than 10 per cent of its current size, a point where it would no longer be able to grow.
And the threat is not global warming – the Australian government has passed emergency measures to tackle the dumping of dredge waste and mining effluent in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in an attempt to prevent it being added to Unesco’s ‘in danger’ list.