The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s LARGEST coral reef system. It can be seen from space. SPACE! You literally can’t visit Queensland without hitting up this iconic UNESCO Natual Wonder. Well, you can, but you’d be crazy. However, snorkelling and diving aren’t for everyone. Even if they are for you, you can absolutely spice things up.
I’m so confident you probably haven’t even heard of these GBR experiences, and even more confident that they’ll absolutely knock your socks off.
1. Hitch A Helicopter Ride
I can absolutely promise you that a GBR Helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef will give you a whole new perspective on this natural wonder. I personally took a trip out from Cairns over Green Island and Vlasoff Cay. I wasn’t able to actually land on the cay due to the weather (boo, nature) but you absolutely can and hooley dooley it looks romantic AF! But even without landing, I was stunned by the bright blues and absolute clarity of the reef from the air.
Catching a ride out of Hamilton Island over the iconic Heart Reef is another super popular trip (and stunning pic for your socials – just saying).
2. Catch A Submarine
You may have heard about the scUber launch. Yes, Uber has just started up its submarine service, departing from Heron Island before moving its service along to Port Douglas where it’ll offer rides from the 9th to 18th of June. Each ride lasts for an hour, taking you into deep into the Great Barrier Reef with absolutely no need to get your divers license. Plus a scenic heli transfer to and from the mainland.
3. Spend The Night
You don’t have to make a trip to the middle of the Great Barrier Reef a simple day-affair. Oh no. You can actualy sleep out there, beneath the stars and atop the water. ReefSleep takes you to a moored pontoon in the middle of Hardy Reef in the famed Whitsundays. Don’t worry, you’ll get your own swag. Obviously, you’ll get to swim, snorkel and eat while you’re out there.
4. Visit Recovering Locals
If getting up close and personal with the marine life in the actual reef isn’t your jam, you can show them love by taking tours through rescue centres, like the voluntary non-profit Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (CTRC) on the beautiful Fitzroy Island, and The Reef HQ Aquarium Turtle Hospital in Townsville. Tours are cheap and give back to the cause – plus the little turtles are soooo cute.
