Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Hotel, Restaurant & Shopping Highlights

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is often showcased in magazines like National Geographic and Travel and Leisure. One of the world’s best and most accessible coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is also the only natural structure on earth that is visible from outer space. Located off the coast of Queensland, it has 2,900 individual coral reefs and over 900 islands covering 2,600 sq. km, making it the planet’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site. Cairns is located close to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It is the gateway to the region and attracts snorkelers, scuba divers, cruise ship visitors, and fishing enthusiasts.