_02.jpg?width=1600)
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef · Cairns, Queensland
A 2,300-km coral kingdom, the largest living structure on Earth
Know before you go
- Touching or standing on coral is strictly forbidden (illegal, with heavy fines)
- don't feed the fish
- in jellyfish season (November–May) wear a stinger suit and follow sting-prevention guidance.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The Endeavour runs aground
In May 1770 Captain Cook sailed the Endeavour north along Australia's east coast into the shallow, treacherous waters of the Great Barrier Reef. At high tide on 11 June the Endeavour struck the reef and ran aground. After the crew made the ship float again, Cook found a beach at the mouth of today's Endeavour River, hauled the ship ashore and spent seven weeks repairing it. This episode was the first time the Great Barrier Reef appeared in European navigation records.
Source: Wikipedia: James Cook
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
A coral reef system that began growing some 20,000 years ago, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1981 and visible from space. 600 kinds of coral and 1,500 species of fish live together here, with green turtles, dugongs and clownfish among its residents; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples see the reef as a gift from their ancestors. Today the bleaching crisis makes it all the more precious — 'once in a lifetime' now comes with a sense of urgency.
Local customs
- Follow the crew's safety briefing on boat trips
- snorkelling and diving require basic swimming ability
- Australia's marine-protection laws are very strict.
Religion & beliefs
- Indigenous peoples see the reef as a legacy of the Dreaming, and some reef areas are sacred
- respect Indigenous culture and don't take coral or shells.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Australian beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags
- Swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty
- If you don't know the conditions, ask a lifeguard
- Swimming at unpatrolled beaches or outside the flags
Outside the flags there may be rip currents, and lifeguards cannot reach you in time.
Not yet verifiedSource: Surf Life Saving Australia: beach safety signs
Uluru: climbing is not allowed
- Walk the base track around Uluru and learn about Anangu culture
- Climbing Uluru
The climb closed permanently on 26 October 2019; climbing breaks the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and is punished.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: climb closure
Entering Australia: food, plant and animal products must be declared
- Truthfully declare all food (even small, packaged snacks), plants and animal products on your arrival card
- If in doubt, declare it
- Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seeds or wooden souvenirs without declaring them
You can be issued an infringement notice; your visa may be cancelled, you may be refused entry and barred from returning for up to 3 years.
Not yet verifiedSource: Australian Department of Agriculture: travelling to Australia
Don’t DON'T
- Touching or standing on coral is strictly forbidden (illegal, with heavy fines)
- don't feed the fish
- in jellyfish season (November–May) wear a stinger suit and follow sting-prevention guidance.
Locals appreciate DO
- Cairns people are proud of the reef and appreciate eco-friendly divers (who don't touch coral)
- getting a dive certification and taking a helicopter over Heart Reef are the ultimate experiences.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | The June–October dry season is best (high visibility, no jellyfish) |
|---|
Travel tips
- The June–October dry season is best (high visibility, no jellyfish). Day trips cost about AUD 200–300 — be sure to book ahead
- the Outer Reef is more beautiful than Green Island
- bring seasickness medication if needed
- allow 2–3 days.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Seafood buffet on the cruise boat
- Queensland mud crab / prawns
- Crocodile / kangaroo skewers
Cruise buffet seafood meals (Outer Reef pontoons / on board), Queensland mud crab / prawns (on land), crocodile / kangaroo skewers (novelty at tourist eateries, licensed), tropical fruit, fish and chips
| Where to eat | Seafood restaurants and the night market on the Cairns Esplanade, boat meals on Outer Reef tours |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Reef environmental rules: don't feed the fish, take leftovers back, and choose reef-safe sunscreen (not about food, but follow it too) |
| Typical price per person | A meal on land AUD 35–60 ≈ CNY 165–282; boat meals included in tour fees |
| Tips | If prone to seasickness, eat lightly on board and avoid greasy food before going out; seafood at the night market is reasonably priced. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
_02.jpg?width=640)
Ank Kumar · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dmitry Brant · CC BY-SA 4.0
_05.jpg?width=640)
Ank Kumar · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Tourism and Events Queensland guides to the Great Barrier Reef
More in Australia & New Zealand
Also nearby
%2C_Opera_House_--_2019_--_2994.jpg?width=800)
Sydney Opera House
A World Heritage Site of shells and sails: an architectural poem on Sydney Harbour
.jpg?width=800)
Melbourne's street-art laneways
A whole laneway as a canvas: the soul of Melbourne's street art
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
At sunset, little penguins waddle home — the homecoming ritual of the world's smallest penguin