Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area spans more than 344,000 square kilometers along the northeast coast of Australia. This extraordinary marine habitat consists of nearly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. It is home to a wide array of marine species, including over 1,500 types of fish, 400 coral species, and endangered species such as the dugong and large green turtle. The Reef was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its biological diversity and ecological significance. Visitors can experience its underwater marvels through diving and snorkeling tours, which reveal colorful coral gardens and abundant marine life. In addition to its ecological importance, the Reef holds cultural significance for indigenous Australians. Key visitor spots include the Whitsunday Islands and Lizard Island. The area’s appeal lies in its breathtaking underwater scenery and the chance to engage with a unique marine environment. However, the Great Barrier Reef faces environmental threats such as coral bleaching, largely due to climate change.