Given the sheer size of the Great Barrier Reef, it is little wonder that visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to locations from which to enjoy its beauty.
While we’ve touched on a few of these in previous guides, the following is a more detailed run-down of some of the best spots in the Great Barrier Reef that are well worth a look at.
Let’s dive right in!
8 Spectacular Spots To Visit On The Great Barrier Reef
The Ribbon Reefs
A collection of long, narrow reefs stretched over close to 100 kilometres between Cooktown and Lizard Island, the Ribbon Reefs are split into groups numbered 1 to 10.
Relatively remote in comparison to other locations along the reef and with many sights far below the surface, the Ribbon Reefs are best suited to experienced divers with scuba training.
Within these reefs are some of the world’s most beautiful and renowned dive sites including:
- Dynamite Pass
- Challenger Bay
- Clam Gardens
- Flare Point
- Joanie’s Joy
- Monolith
- Pixie Pinnacle
- The Snake Pit
- Lighthouse Bommie
- Steve’s Bommie
- Two Towers
- Vertical Gardens and
- Wonderland
Lizard Island (Dyiigurra)
Located 240 kilometres north of Cairns, Lizard Island features white-sand beaches, 300 million-year-old pink granite rocks and an abundance of walking tracks and nearby reefs to explore.
You can camp on the island or take advantage of the luxury Lizard Island Resort. Using it as a home base you can easily explore some of the nearby Ribbon Reefs mentioned above or simply snorkel offshore and marvel at the intriguing Clam Gardens and vibrant corals.
Green Island
A short 45-minute boat ride from Cairns, Green Island is an ideal spot for anyone short on time to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
A small coral cay covered with lush rainforest, Green Island gives easy access to reef snorkelling just offshore. There is also the opportunity to scuba dive or Seawalk amongst the fish coral and sea turtles while wearing a specialised diving helmet.
Enjoy a relaxing day trip or stay a little longer at the Green Island Resort and take advantage of some fantastic complementary and/or optional reef experiences.
SS Yongala Wreck
A historic shipwreck, the SS Yongala sank in 1911 and has since become home to an incredibly diverse number of tropical fish and corals.
Located 28 metres below the surface, it is not only a spectacular dive location for those seeking to take in the reef, as an underwater time capsule, it also offers a glimpse into Edwardian life in Australia.
It should be noted that this spot in the Great Barrier Reef is only suited to advanced divers such as those with their PADI qualification or equivalent training in scuba diving.
Agincourt Reef
If you’re comfortable travelling a little further away from the coast, the Outer Barrier Reef offers a more diverse look at this natural wonder. The Agincourt Ribbon Reefs are one of the best spots to experience this and can be enjoyed by both snorkelling and diving.
Located just 2 kilometres from where the seafloor drops to depths of over 500 metres, the fresh, cool water washing over the reef has led to prolific coral growth and a spectacular variety of marine life.
Lady Elliot Island
The southernmost coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is easily accessed from the nearby city of Bundaberg on the Queensland coast.
Covering an area of 45 hectares, this ecological haven is regarded as one of the best snorkelling destinations on the reef with an amazing array of colourful marine life. Not only offering spectacular coral reefs, it is also the perfect spot to swim with sea turtles and manta rays.
Hamilton Island
Providing the perfect place from which to explore the wider reef and popular spots such as Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island is also home to incredible Australian wildlife.
Enjoy a day on the reef or hike amongst koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and kookaburras on your way to Passage Peak with its panoramic views over the surrounding islands.
Offering a mix of accommodation styles and easily accessed via its own domestic airport, Hamilton Island offers variety and easy access to some of the best spots on the Great Barrier Reef.
Magnetic Island
A brief ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is set apart from other islands in the reef due to its distinctive environment and picturesque landscape.
Snorkel out to its fringing coral reefs or enjoy climbing its large granite boulders, strolling among the many hoop pines or swimming at its pristine sandy beaches.
Home to more than 800 koalas and other amazing wildlife, if you visit Magnetic Island from early July to late September, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to see migrating Humpback Whales from one of its many lookout points.
Ready to experience the Great Barrier Reef? Learn more about this incredible destination including where to stay and what to do with our helpful guides.
