Another Article on a great place to see in Oz.

The Barrier Reef stretches over 2,500 kilometres along the North East coast of Australia. Comprising of thousands of coral reefs, sand cays and islands it is an amazing part of nature and is the only natural wonder that can be scene from space. Even Google Earth has it.

From the Cairns Reef Fleet terminal located on the city's waterfront, the Great Barrier Reef is only a short boat ride on one of the many charter and dive boats that operate daily to and from Cairns to various different destinations on the Great Barrier Reef.

Two islands are located within a one hour boat trip from Cairns and these offer a range of water based activities.

Fitzroy and Green Islands are quite different as Fitzroy Island used to be a part of the mainland , but Green Island is a tropical coral cay located north east of Cairns and surrounded by coral reef. Green Island boasts a 5 star resort hotel, oceanarium and plenty of water based activities – even glass bottomed boats so you don’t even have to get wet to see the coral life.

There are a number of different ways to visit the Barrier Reef. The most popular being a Day trip on one of the many reef boats. Most of these trips start from the heart of Cairns City at the Reefleet Terminal. From here you can simply take a one day trip out to the reef which will include a lunch and use of snorkeling equipment. Prices vary from $60.00AUD and upwards, depending on the level of comfort you want. Most of the reef trip boats have marine biologists onboard who will present a lecture on the Reek. SCUBA diving is available on day trips, though you must hold a current Dive Ticket (PADI or SSI).

There are a number of specialised dive and visitor platforms located at various reefs and these offer visitors the real opportunity to get up close and personal with Nemo and his friends. Marine biologists are there to help explain various reef phenomena and to assist everyone with their Great Barrier Reef experience. These platforms are very well set up and offer many activities and of course wonderful lunches and information. They are located right next to some of the most pristine reefs in the Barrier reef chain - places like Hastings Reef, Moore reef and others.

For those with more time, there are a number of Dive companies that also offer a Diving Course. These take between 3 – 5 days and usually culminate in a 2 day reef trip on board one of their professional dive vessels. Most