Sun-kissed skin and memories that’ll last a lifetime — that’s what a trip to the Great Barrier Reef entails.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed coral reef ecosystem is the largest in the world and often featured in documentaries and movies (like Finding Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean)!
But really, here’s why you should make the trip down to experience the Great Barrier Reef for yourself when borders reopen. First, there’s plenty to do — whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, marine life enthusiast or just looking to unwind and work on your tan.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
It’s also easily accessible, stretching along the coast of major cities like Brisbane and Cairns. Flights from Brisbane to the Whitsunday Islands take just one and a half hours!
What’s more, commercial activities here contribute to the environmental management of the area. This funds marine research and reef protection of the Great Barrier Reef — so you’re essentially helping out with the reef’s sustainability when you visit.
If you’re not already convinced to add the Great Barrier Reef to your post-pandemic bucket list, here are seven reasons why you should.
1) It’s one of the best places in the world for diving
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
High water visibility and an abundance of marine life are essentials for a spectacular diving experience — and the Great Barrier Reef excels in both.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The water clarity averages 15m to 21m, meaning diving and snorkelling conditions are great year-round. On the wildlife front, the reef has one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems — over 1625 types of fish and 30 species of whales and dolphins call it home!
Photo credit: Klook
A Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel Tour not only includes snorkelling and diving at two premium outer reef sites but also showcases the rich indigenous culture of the region.
Your guides for the day are passionate indigenous sea rangers, who’ll demonstrate traditional dances and instruments, like the didgeridoo.
Cost: ~S$192.39 (incl. of round-trip transfers, snorkelling equipment, lunch and tea)
Nearest international airport: Cairns
2) The views are spectacular — from both the land and sky
Photo credit: Klook
Here’s a way to elevate your Australia itinerary — a thrilling seaplane flight over the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsundays is an archipelago of 74 gorgeous islands located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef — the majority of which are uninhabited national parks!
Photo credit: Klook
Board a seaplane at Airlie Beach and enjoy unparalleled views of Whitsundays. After a scenic flight, glide along the calm waters before coming to a stop right at Whitehaven Beach. How’s that for a grand entrance? 😉
Photo credit: Klook
The fun doesn’t stop there; standup paddleboards and snorkelling equipment are provided! Explore Whitehaven and Chalkies Beach at your own pace, before returning to Airlie Beach via seaplane.
Cost: ~S$375.59 (incl. round-trip transfer from hotel, return flight from Airlie Beach, lunch and water sports equipment)
Nearest international airport: Brisbane (followed by a domestic flight to Hamilton Island Airport)
3) You can enjoy a glamping experience unlike any other
Photo credit: Klook
Glamping in Australia? You’re probably picturing a luxurious tent, set in the middle of a forest. While you’re not wrong, Reefsleep by Cruise Whitsundays promises a more unique experience — an overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef itself!
Hardy Reef. Photo credit: Jason Hill and Tourism & Events Queensland
This adventure starts with cruising on a luxurious catamaran to a pontoon parked on Hardy Reef, your home for the night. After settling in, try snorkelling and diving, or relax in the pontoon’s underwater observatory.
Photo credit: Klook
End the day by feasting on fresh local produce for dinner, before settling down on a cosy rooftop reefbed. Take in the calming sounds of waves and a sky full of stars as you drift off to sleep — you’ll have a tough time believing this isn’t a dream.
Cost: ~S$575.09 (incl. of one-night stay, activities and meals)
Nearest international airport: Brisbane (followed by a domestic flight to Hamilton Island Airport)
4) It doesn’t cost a bomb to have an adventure here
Photo credit: Klook
This one’s for the youthful, adventurous backpacker looking to experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef without spending a ton.
Red Cat Adventures offers two-night all-inclusive social sailing packages touring the Whitsundays from S$396. Enjoy a lively barbeque (or barbie, as the locals say) with fellow guests before diving straight into activities.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Hike up to Hill Inlet Lookout, snorkel in the clear waters along Whitehaven Beach (regularly ranked amongst the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world) or hop on a banana boat ride! At night, choose between sleeping under stars on the top deck, or a cabin indoors.
Cost: ~S$396 (incl. of two-night stay, activities and meals)
Nearest international airport: Brisbane (followed by a domestic flight to Hamilton Island Airport)
5) You can live out your Mamma Mia fantasies on a gorgeous catamaran
Photo credit: Passions of Paradise
Tell me I’m not the only one who daydreams of being a young Donna, serenaded on a yacht in the middle of the ocean. On a day trip with Passions of Paradise, recreating this fantasy is totally possible — perhaps minus the dreamy stranger.
Photo credit: Passions of Paradise
Sail on a modern catamaran out to the ocean, and snorkel with sea turtles and schools of fishes. After that, work on your holiday glow on the upper deck while a chef prepares a tropical buffet lunch.
Certified scuba divers can rent equipment onsite, while beginners may opt for an introductory diving class.
Cost: From ~S$176.65 (incl. of snorkelling equipment, buffet lunch and tea and yacht transfers)
Nearest international airport: Cairns
6) Island hopping here is a thrilling experience
Photo credit: Klook
Hoping to pack a whole bunch of adventures in a single day? A day trip around the Whitsunday Islands with Thundercat might just be what you’re looking for. Departing from Airlie Beach, guests will be whizzed away to experience the best of the Whitsundays — Stone Haven, Manta Ray Bay, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
The Thundercat is designed for speed, zipping through the turquoise waters without being too bumpy. Sorry seasickness, you’re not on the agenda.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
It’s this speed that allows guests to visit Whitehaven Beach, hike to Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkel amongst the gorgeous reefs. This family-owned business also prides itself on minimising its environmental footprint and educating participants on marine conservation.
Cost: ~S$192.39 (incl. of catamaran transfers, lunch and snorkelling equipment)
Nearest international airport: Brisbane (followed by a domestic flight to Hamilton Island Airport)
7) There are several ways to enjoy the water
Photo credit: Klook
Snorkelling and diving are some of the best ways to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef — but they aren’t the only water sports worth trying here.
Photo credit: Klook
The Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Sunlover showcases the best of Cairns, with stops at Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef. At Moore Reef, board a pontoon which is essentially a mini theme park on water. Zip down the waterslide, experience a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible tour before stuffing yourself with a buffet lunch!
At Fitzroy Island, explore the lush tropical rainforests or relax on Nudey Beach, one of Australia’s best beaches.
Cost: ~S$250.39 (incl. of catamaran transfers, pontoon activities, snorkelling equipment and buffet lunch)
Nearest international airport: Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef — the perfect escape for when we can start travelling again
Nudey Beach. Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Close your eyes for a minute and picture this: You’re at the Great Barrier Reef with your best mates. Your toes are buried in the warm white sand, with miles and miles of clear blue ocean in front of you. Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds is playing in the background as you sip on a margarita.
Nothing like a beach getaway to help you reset and recharge, away from distractions.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
With the sheer number of activities available at the Great Barrier Reef, you can easily spend a week there. Just remember to adhere to the reef rules and leave nothing but footprints — we want to preserve this treasure for generations to come!
If you dream of visiting the Great Barrier Reef one day, you’d want to bookmark this page to stay updated on the latest promos on Klook.
While the borders aren’t open just yet, you can bet we’ll be patiently waiting for the green light to visit Australia.
In the meantime, here’s some travel inspiration for your next trip to Australia:
– 12 Unique Experiences in Australia that are Perfect for a Socially Distanced Trip
– The Ultimate Australia Road Trippin’ Guide — 10 Itineraries For The Perfect Adventure of a Lifetime
Which experience are you most looking forward to at the Great Barrier Reef? Share them with us in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Klook and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Never kew this beautiful place is in Australia, love it so much