Diving Queensland's Great Barrier Reef

Queensland's World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is a scuba diver's paradise. This, the world's largest expanse of living coral reef, extends along Queensland's coastline for more than 2,000 kilometres (1,243 miles) from Cape York at the very tip of mainland Australia, to Gladstone in the south. It comprises 2,900 individual reefs and 71 coral islands and all of it is unspoilt and absolutely glorious

To keep it that way, the Reef is protected by The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority which manages 345,000 square kilometres (215,000 square miles) of coastal waters. Formed around 10,000 years ago, coral reefs flourish in the warm seas of Queensland's tropical coast. Like underwater jungles, they support and incredible diverse and dense population of 10,000 species of sponge, 350 different species of coral, 4,000 species of molluscs, 350 species of echinoderms and more than 1,500 species of fish. So there's a whole new undersea world waiting, where you can expect to enjoy peak diving experiences.

There is a comprehensive range of dive services, dive schools, dive operators, charter boats and dive holidays to choose from.

Island holidays There are many islands which offer a great range of accomodation from five star hotels and secluded, exclusive resorts to camping Robinson Crusoe- style. Island dive sites are popular and closer to the Reef than the mainland. The Mainland From the mainland there are many one day and extended trips to the Reef operating from all majar centres. One-day reef trips will get you to the Reef quickly, so there's plenty of time for a good day's diving with lunch provided before returning to the mainland. Day Boats & Specialist Day Boats Day boats are large, luxury, fast vessels which take visitors of all kinds to the reef. On arrival divers transfer to the dive boats to visit spectacular dive sites on coral cay islands situated on the outer reef. Specialist Day Boats are generally around 12-17 metres (35-50 feet) long. They are high speed vessels which specialise in catering for divers, although snorkellers are also carried.

• General Diving
  The variety of diving options will surprise and delight you. While many of the best reef dives are accessed by charter boat, and quite a distance off-shore, on some coral cays and islands you can literally walk off the beech and dive into a coral wonderland. There are many excellent locations for beach and river diving too.
  
  
• Wall Diving
  Some of the best wall diving in the world can be experienced, especially in the outer sections of the Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea or Oceanic Reefs.
  
  
• Eco Diving
  Arrange to have a marine ecologist or reef guide accompany your dive to explain the rich and complex life forms of the reef. There are research stations and underwater observatories located at significant sites, where you can see first hand how scientists are unlocking the secrets of the reef.
  
  
• Wreck Diving
  Hundreds of wrecks, many still waiting to be discovered are strewn along the Reef and coast, from the Torres Strait islands in the far north to Tweed Heads on Queensland's southern border, including sightings of a mysterious 16th century Spanish galleon. Most wrek sites are teaming with bright corals and hundreds of fish.
  
  
• Drift Diving
  Freewheel with the current, taking in the splendor and marine parade. You'll know that when you surface a boat will be waiting just where it should be. There are many excellent locations along the reef for drift diving.