GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA
Additional Information
RESORTS & OPERATORS
The Great Barrier Reef is among the best known and most recognised diving spots in the world. Comprising over 2,900 individual reefs and seventy coral cays spread out over a length of 2,500 kilometres and an area of over one million square kilometres, of which more than a third has been declared a marine park.
Diving on the Reef ranges from day trips to extended liveaboard journeys, offering encounters with everything from the tiniest of macro subjects to large and impressive whales.
If you're a serious diver, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef at least once in your diving career is a must-do. There's no other place like it, and there's definitely something for all divers here.
Getting there
Cairns, the international gateway for visitors to Far North Queensland, is serviced by a number of international carriers. Qantas Domestic, Jetstar and Virgin Blue offer regular daily flights to Townsville and Cairns from all major Australian cities.
Dive season
Diving is great year round, with the peak dive season falling between August and January. Underwater visibility is generally excellent, with some variation depending upon weather conditions. Thirty-metre visibility is common, with even better visibility in the Coral Sea.
Climate
Tropical in the north with two main seasons: Wet season (summer/autumn) between December and May, with February generally being the wettest month, and dry season (winter/spring) falling between June to November. The average temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius during the wet season, and 21 degrees Celsius during the dry season.
Document and taxes
With the exception of Australian and New Zealand passport holders, all visitors to Australia must have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or visa, a valid passport and a return air ticket. Details are available on the Australian Department of Immigration website.
Communications
Domestic GSM network and international roaming. Internet access is widely available.
Electricity
230V, 50Hz
Currency
Australian Dollars
(Exchange Rate)
Tipping, is not obligatory but generally between 5% and 15% for an appreciated service in cafes and restaurants.
Health and safety
No health certificate is necessary and vaccinations are not required unless a visitor has recently travelled to a country infected with yellow fever.
Timezone
GMT + 10 hrs