Great Barrier Reef Getaway: Family Fun In Tropical Paradise

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a wonderful experience for families. Brimming with brightly coloured corals and an extensive range of marine life, it delights the adventurous traveller, whether you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving. Experience magnificent turtles and entertaining dolphins to sleek sharks as you explore the underwater world of the reef.

Image: A Yellow Tang and Blue Damselfish swim around the coral, as the Clownfish plays in an anemone.

It is important when exploring the Great Barrier Reef that you are considerate of the marine life, enjoying them from a respectful distance. The opportunity is something you will remember for the rest of your life. Watch the unity of a clownfish and anemone or watch the Maori wrasse, as it swims about the corals.

What travellers love is that you are not restricted to one dive, you can do up to three dives daily, enabling you to really take in the amazing marine life around you, reducing the risk of you missing anything, as you watch the aquatic life go about their day.

Children can snorkel the reef with a number of age-appropriate diving opportunities on hand. Experienced guides watch the children as they snorkel with the assistance of a pool noodle, ensuring that they have a fun, yet safe diving experience.

If snorkeling or diving isn't for you, you can still enjoy the underwater marine world with the help of a self-guided boating experience, where you can see the marine ecosystem below. Many of the tour boats are glass bottomed, ensuring you can explore the reef without ever getting your feet wet. Alternatively, you can go on a scenic helicopter ride, where you can really soak up the magnificent beauty of the reef with a birds-eye view of the reef below you. If you are not confident with snorkeling and not ready to venture into the open waters, you can choose Quicksilver's snorkeling pool, where you can explore the aquatic life without having to go out into the unknown.

Image: A birds-eye view of a cruising boat sitting on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is not only about diving and snorkeling, though this is the major attractions. There are a host of sandy islands and towns. Cairns is overflowing with attractions, while you can soak up the sun and swim in the turquoise waters at Witsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach. Other attractions include Fitzroy Island and Esplanade Lagoon, offering the opportunity to explore some of the local wildlife. Engage with turtles, see koalas in their natural habitat, and experience a face to face encounter with kangaroos as they hop through the green spaces.

Heart Reef is a number of corals that form a heart shape and the best way to see it is from above with a helicopter tour. You can also go to Hill Inlet where you can experience the most beautiful natural beauty where you can take in some of the most spectacular views.

In July, this inlet becomes home of Humpback Whales as they migrate, a great delight for families as you watch these beautiful creatures breach out of the water, flap their tails, and swim together.

Image: A view of Heart Reef surrounded by clear turquoise waters

Whitsunday is made up of seventy four islands, each one offering unique experiences, complete with golfing greens, wildlife safaris, and the famous Paradise Bay eco-retreat. There is something for everyone when visiting the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal travel destination for families.

Airlie Beach offers a beautiful crocodile-free lagoon for swimming, while there is also a choice of swimming pools, picnic spots, and BBQ facilities. The sandy shoreline is perfect for building sandcastles, while the shaded decks, make it a great place to enjoy some shade and escape the midday sun. The board walk is a hive of activity, complete with children's playgrounds, cafés, and restaurants.

The Great Barrier Reef really does offer the best experiences when it comes to leisure activities, natural beauty, and wildlife encounters. This tropical paradise appeals to families, with activities and experiences that will appeal to each family member during your stay.