The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Australia is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem - covers more than 340,000 km² and icludes more than 600 islands. It was declared a World Heritage area in 1981. Area abounds with wildlife, including dugong and green turtles, varieties of dolphins and whales, more than 1500 species of fish, 360 species of hard corals, one-third of the world's soft corals ,  4000 types of mollusc, 800 species of echinoderms (starfish, sea urchins, etc), 1500 species of sponge, 16 species of sea snake and more than 200 species of birdlife. Starfish  Reef has truly breathtaking diversity of natural treasures and pristine environments. Fishing is restricted in some areas and particular animals - like whales, porpoises, dolphins, dugong and turtles, clam, trumpet and helmet shells, female crabs all grouper and cod over 1.2 metres.- are protected. The GBR has some of the largest populations of dugong in the world. Dugong The reef can be explored on private charters, daily cruises, by seaplane, air charter and helicopter flights. The Reef is the most comprehensive Australian dive and adventure site. Sharks are rare - most sharks found there are fish eaters and pose no threat to visitors.    The reef can be explored on private charters, daily cruises, by seaplane, air charter and helicopter flights. The Reef is the most comprehensive Australian dive and adventure site. Sharks are rare - most sharks found there are fish eaters and pose no threat to visitors.    Corals Whales are normally encountered during the winter months when they migrate up to the reef from Antarctic. The Park Authority approved permits for “swimming – with - whales activities”. Now is Australia the only place in the world where you can dive next to Dwarf Minkes Whales.The Great Barrier Reef is about 12,000 years old. Corals are made up of a thin layer of living animals called polyps, which secrete a chalky, limestone skeleton as they grow. Nowadays, the water isn't as clean as it once was. Corals need clear water, which are low in nutrients.  They cannot tolerate freshwater or nutrients carried in the water run-off from the mainland.  That is why the most diverse corals grow offshore where the environmental conditions are more suitable.   The Tourism and Recreation Group produce a range of publications which are all available to read online.

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