Floodwaters and river run-off carries sediment, fertilisers and herbicides , which are detrimental to the reef's health. Damage caused by commercial boat operators who drop anchors on fragile coral and spill fuel, and tourists who break off pieces for souvenirs all add to the problem.
How much is it to get to the Great Barrier Reef?
| Price | Great Barrier Reef Premium Snorkelling Tour $189 | 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise Deluxe $205 | Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure $219 | Cairns Tours Package $250 |
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Do you have to pay to go to the Great Barrier Reef?
Everyone that enters the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by boat must pay the Environmental Management Charge or ‘Reef Tax' . Cruise operators collect the funds from visitors and go to the Australian Government who use the funds to conserve the islands and reefs. The fee is from $6-10 per person.
How do you access the Great Barrier Reef?
The best way to get around the Great Barrier Reef is by car or boat , depending on where you plan to spend the majority of your time. If you're on the mainland, renting a car is the best way to get to and from the attractions in and around Cairns.
What are the disadvantages of the Great Barrier Reef?
The Reef is highly vulnerable. In the past three decades, it has lost half its coral cover, pollution has caused deadly starfish outbreaks , and global warming has produced horrific coral bleaching. Coastal development also looms as a major threat.
Can you still see the Great Barrier Reef?
However, if you're traveling to Australia for other reasons, there are definitely some areas of the Great Barrier Reef that are still worth checking out. The southernmost third of the reef system is still relatively intact , with areas south of Townsville escaping the worst of the recent bleaching events.
How many days do you need in the Great Barrier Reef?
How long should you stay: It's recommended to spend at least 3 days exploring the reef. Single day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas just won't do this place justice.
How far is Cairns from Great Barrier Reef?
Short but oh-so-sweet, the Great Barrier Reef Drive covers just 140km in a straight line north from Cairns. Some of Tropical North Queensland's most famous spots are along the route, from World Heritage sites and national parks to luxury resorts.
Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef?
A: It is safe to swim all year round in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef but it is highly recommended that you wear a lycra suit when entering the water in the warmer months of November-April. ... The patrolled beaches are Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
What is killing the Great Barrier Reef?
According to the GBRMPA in 2014, the most significant threat to the status of the Great Barrier Reef is climate change , due to the consequential rise of sea temperatures, gradual ocean acidification and an increase in the number of “intense weather events”.
Is tourism Killing the Great Barrier Reef?
Claims by environmental groups that the Great Barrier Reef is dying have pushed the north Queensland tourism industry to the point of “near recession”, with visitor numbers slumping amid negative perceptions of the natural wonder. ... Former Cairns mayor Kevin Byrne said the region's tourism industry was in dire shape.
How are humans killing coral reefs?
Coral reefs face many threats from local sources, including: Physical damage or destruction from coastal development , dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices
Which part of Great Barrier Reef is best?
Long know as the premier gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the boarding point for many great inner and outer Barrier Reef expeditions. But we would have to say the best of all is Fitzroy Island .
Where is the best part of the Great Barrier Reef?
Long know as the premier gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the boarding point for many great inner and outer Barrier Reef expeditions. But we would have to say the best of all is Fitzroy Island .
Why is the Great Barrier Reef so special?
The Great Barrier Reef is unique as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude , from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters. Within this vast expanse are a unique range of ecological communities, habitats and species – all of which make the Reef one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world.
What is the best month to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to October . This peak season offers some key advantages for travelers. Temperatures hover in the low 60s to mid-80s, and rainfall is uncommon, which means clearer waters and better diving conditions.
