Visible from space and bigger than many countries, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest and longest coral reef system. Described as the tropical rainforest ofthe ocean, visiting the world renowned Great Barrier Reef is an experience beyond compare. Sink beneath the surface and discover its staggering diversity of marine creatures and habitats. Stretching along the north eastern coast of Australia for more than 2,300 kilometres, the Reef is an ancient underwater world that is more than 2 million years old, a natural wonder of monumental proportions. In 1981 it became the first coral reef to be declared a World Heritage Area.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were the first human inhabitants and their connection to the Reef can be traced back to 50,000years ago.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST CORAL REEF SYSTEM

The Great Barrier Reef is a rich tapestry of coral reefs, coral cays and continental islands. No two parts ofthe Reef are the same, with more than 3000 separate coral reefs, over 900 islands and thousands of square kilometres of seagrass beds, framed by some ofthe planet’s most important mangrove habitats.

The iconic creatures ofthe Great Barrier Reef include whales, turtles, sharks, clownfish, giant clams, maori wrasse, rays, cod and groupers. Some of these can be seen throughout the Great Barrier Reef year-round, while others visit certain areas at very specific times of theyear. Most visitors will be able to meet a number of these magnificent creatures as part of their Great Barrier Reef experience.

A mesmerising window into underwater life, the Reef is home to over 1,600 species offish, 450 species of hard coral and 150 species of soft coral. Whales, dolphins, rays, seahorses, sharks, sea snakes, shellfish and birds also call the Reef home. These animals make the Great Barrier Reef one ofthe richest and most complex natural ecosystems in the world and a refuge for many species of conservation concern. While much is known about many ofthe Reef’s wildlife, vast amounts of information and species are yet to be discovered. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority works to protect and conserve the range of biodiversity including marine animal species that are threatened, endangered or at risk.

SEA TURTLES: ANCIENT MARINERS OF THE OCEAN

Often referred to as the ancient mariners of the ocean, sea turtles have been swimming the ocean for more than 150 million years, first appearing duringthe age of the dinosaurs. Turtles use the Reef as a valuable feeding and nesting ground, coming ashore to lay their eggs. The Reef is a refuge for six of the world's seven species of marine turtle - the green, loggerhead, ha wks bi 11, flatback, olive ridley and leatherback turtles.

DWARF MINKE WHALES: UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Only found in the southern hemisphere, the dwarf minke whale can be seen in the north Great Barrier Reef in June and July. These small baleen whales were discovered in the Great Barrier Reef in the mid 1980s when they began to approach boats and swimmers. Under strict codes of practice, tourism operators run tours where visitors can swim with these whales - an experience found nowhere else. The tours help by collecting research data on these curious creatures.

For more information on this Landscape or to learn about other naturally beautiful places which offer a different but uniquely Australian experience, visitwww.australia.com/nl

Images courtesy of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority