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The Great Barrier Reef can only be described as breathtakingly beautiful and one of the wonders of the natural world. It is the largest collection of corals on Earth (over 400 types) making up thousands of individual reefs of all shapes and sizes, alongside hundreds of exotic islands. This is the world's most extensive stretch of coral reef and the only living thing visible from space.
There is no doubt that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's richest areas of diversity; supporting a dazzling array of colourful corals, sponges, anemones and worms. Many species of tropical fish, birds, mammals and reptiles are also found here. No wonder it is one of the jewels in Australia's crown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sadly, pollution, climate change and outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish are all threats to this fragile ecosystem.
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Reef record
The Great Barrier Reef is over 2000 km long.
The Great Barrier Reef is over 2000 km long.
Reef to ruins
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world - but for how long?
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world - but for how long?
Colourless corals
Rising sea temperatures force corals to expel their pigmented algae, causing coral bleaching.
Rising sea temperatures force corals to expel their pigmented algae, causing coral bleaching.
Living wreck
The sunken Yongala provides valuable shelter in a barren world for over 120 fish species.
The sunken Yongala provides valuable shelter in a barren world for over 120 fish species.
Birth of the reef
The Great Barrier Reef was born when sea levels rose 10,000 years ago.
The Great Barrier Reef was born when sea levels rose 10,000 years ago.
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