North Ward, QLD 4810, Australia

One of the true natural wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef is an amazing 1240-mile long coral reef stretching along the Queensland seaboard and comprising the world's most stunning diving landscape. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of around 3000 individual reefs and 900 islands and is the world's largest structure made by living organisms.

James Cook had a violent introduction to the reef in 1770 when his ship, the HM Bark Endeavour was seriously damaged when it ran aground there. Today's visitors will have a more pleasant experience in the warm clear waters of the Coral Sea. Many use the floating guest facilities known as 'live aboards'. Many of Queensland's coastal cities offer cruises to the reef.

Much of the reef is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park which limits the ravages of tourism and over fishing.