Great Barrier Reef
Declared as a World Heritage area in 1981, the Great Barrier Reef, one of the wonders of the world, is the only living organic collective visible from space. Beginning at the south coast of Papua New Guinea near latitude 9°S and running south and east generally parallel to the Australian coast until about latitude 24°S, off southern Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef covers a chain of coral reefs and islands more than 2000 kilometers long.
Like any other place on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef must have human contact in which there is no direct evidence. It is known that the aborigines possessed a bigger part of the Australian continent for a very long time. Due to limited technology, dates concerning the Great Barrier Reef have been obtained from the deposits at Mount Mulligan. Though no physical evidence has been found, one can conclude from the episodes of glaciations through the occupancy of the aboriginal people that much of today’s Great Barrier Reef has been occupied by humans 20,000 years ago.
Cultural and Historical background
Several names were listed and noted for the discovery of the Great Barrier Reef. In about 1522, it was noted that a Portuguese expedition led by Cristovao de Mendonca first sighted the east coast of Australia. It was followed in 1606 by William Jansz who chartered the west coast of Cape York Peninsula after which Luis de Torres sailed and sighted the islands of Torres Strait. Owing to the international interest, it was hard to determine who really had a sight of the Great Barrier Reef. The French, accordingly, were the first Europeans to give evidences of sightings of the Great Barrier Reef. On June 6, 1768, Louis de Bougainville, commander of La Boudeuse and L’Etoile approached the Australian continent from the east, encountering Bougainville Reef in about the latitude of Cooktown.
Though fleeting glimpses of the Reef were noted, none of these can be considered scientific. The first scientific discovery noted, however, was of James Cook less than 2 years after Bougainville. It was in 1770 when Cook aimed to have a scientific exploration of the Reef in tradition of the Enlightenment. Several explorers, scientist, discoverers were noted to have gone to the Reef in desire to study one of the Earth’s wonders. The exploration and discovery continued until the 19th century. Since that time, everyone who has encountered it has experienced a sense of fascination.
Why the Reef?
Who would not have a keen sense of interest to discover and see the Great Barrier Reef? Who would imagine that for a thousands of years, this reef is simply constructed of corals and living organisms alone? What forms the reef are nearly 3,000 individual reefs and around 300 coral islands making it rank as the world’s largest structure made by living organisms.
Indeed, Queensland, where the reef is, highly benefits from tourism on the reef attracting about 1.6 million tourists each year. Large centers on the central and northern towns of Cairns, Port Douglas, and Townsville as well as the Whitsunday Islands are built for the reef tourism.
Tourists can enjoy lots of activities upon visiting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Aside from the nice resorts along the Reef, hundreds of licensed tourism operators offer a range of services and activities such as diving and boating excursions. A diving holiday and a fishing adventure are perfect to spend in the reef. Fishing is allowed depending on the degrees in the marine park. People may take advantage of commercial and recreational fishing that take place in the park, including line fishing directly on the reefs.
There is also a large prawn industry in the lagoon. Tourist may also fish for a popular sport fish called barramundi and mud crabs. Even a bit of fun filled sightseeing day is perfect in this wonderful place. Where else can you find a colorful and wonderful array of marine wildlife but only in the Great Barrier Reef?
Best Time to Visit
Located in the Tropical North Queensland, the reef has warm weather and beautiful sunshine most of the time. However, it could be warmer and possibly rainy.
If you want to spend a cooler holiday, the best time to visit would be from July to November. It is certain that you would have a wonderful and relaxing vacation.
Want to know why The Great Barrier Reef is a perfect place to spend your holidays? It is one of the places in the world that can offer you relaxation, enjoyment, life, laughter, nature, and a breathtaking diversity of nature and fresh environments.
