| Australia is the gateway to the largest coral reef | | | | making it the largest in the world. |
| system in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is | | | | The aerial biodiversity is also a marvel with 215 species |
| composed of over 3,000 individual reefs and coral | | | | of birds attracted to the islands on the reef. 22 species |
| cays. It has over 900 islands spanning 2,600 kilometres. | | | | of sea birds and 32 species of shorebirds, the |
| The reef is located in the Coral Sea off the coast of | | | | white-bellied sea eagle are among fowl life in the area. |
| Queensland, Australia. This World Heritage Site is | | | | The spread out landscape is dotted with 2,195 kinds of |
| popular for its diverse marine life that lives in an area | | | | plant life ranging from the woody to the herbaceous. |
| measuring approximately 344,400 square kilometres. | | | | The astounding plant, animal and sea life on Australia's |
| It is home to thirty species of whales, dolphins and | | | | Great Barrier Reef, makes it an ideal tourist destination |
| porpoises. A large population of dugong, humpback | | | | for diving and snorkeling. It has warm, clear waters that |
| dolphins, and humpback whales also live in the area. | | | | are most popular during Australia's winter season. |
| Every year, the green sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, | | | | Floating guest facilities are available as are resorts on |
| loggerhead sea turtle, flatback turtle, hawksbill turtle and | | | | different islands. Boat tours and cruises for day trips |
| olive ridley visit the reef to breed. Close to 125 species | | | | and longer voyages are available to tourists. Helicopter |
| of sharks, stingrays, skates and chimera also occupy | | | | flights are also available. |
| the reef. The mangrove and saltmarshes are occupied | | | | Tourism is the largest commercial activity along the |
| by salt water crocodiles. Mollusks are also in | | | | Queensland coast. Approximately two million locals and |
| abundance, with over 5,000 species - including the giant | | | | Australia visa holders visit the Great Barrier Reef each |
| clam -- found in the area. | | | | year. It is easily accessible from the parallel coast of |
| The coral garden found beneath the reef is composed | | | | Queensland. |
| of over 400 hundred species of hard and soft corals - | | | | |