Facts about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Why is the Great Barrier Reef so special?
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world and can, in fact, been seen from outer space.
It is the world's biggest single living structure, made up of millions upon millions of organisms and over 2,900 individual reefs.
Here are some interesting and fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef:
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The Great Barrier Reef as we know it today, began to form over 2 million years ago and is constantly changing in size and structure
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There are over 900 islands within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
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The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority or GBRMPA, is responsible for the well-being and protection of the reef
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It is the largest reef system in the world
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Over 2,000 species of animals call the reef home, including over 1,500 species of fish, over 200 species of birds, 6 species of sea turtles and over 30 species of whales and dolphins
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The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 kilometres down the East Coast of Australia
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It covers 344,400 km2
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Reefs only contribute about 7% to the entirety of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with islands, cays, mangroves, sand, algal and sponge gardens and seagrass making up the rest
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There are 600 types of soft and hard corals that make up the reef
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It is said that 10% of the world's fish population is found on the reef
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The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea
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Around 2 million people visit the Great Barrier Reef every year
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The Great Barrier Reef was named a UNESCO World Heritage listed area in 1981
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The Reef covers an area from the Torres Strait to Bundaberg, in Northern Queensland
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Google offers an 'underwater street view' of the Great Barrier Reef where you can virtually swim around the reefs for a first-hand point of view
The Great Barrier Reef continues to thrive and grow every day, teaching us amazing things about its diverse ecosystem and local inhabitants. It is one of the most beautiful and astonishing places in the world and a national icon of Australia. As a source of national pride, it continues to be protected and cared for by its protectors, in hopes that it will be around for many, many generations to come.
How you can see the Great Barrier Reef
You can see this beautiful part of the world for yourself by joining an overnight or day tour that will bring you to some of its best destinations including fringing reefs, Outer Reefs, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and more!
