5 Must-See Spots on the Great Barrier Reef

1. The Ribbon Reefs

Located in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef, the Ribbon Reefs are a string of ten individual reefs that run parallel to the continental shelf. These pristine reefs are known for their exceptional water clarity and dramatic drop-offs, making them a favorite among serious divers.

The famous Cod Hole at Ribbon Reef #10 allows divers to get up close with massive potato cod, while Ribbon Reef #3 features spectacular coral gardens. The area is also known for frequent sightings of minke whales during winter months (June to August).

Best for: Advanced diving, marine biodiversity, and whale encounters

How to access: Liveaboard diving trips from Cairns or Port Douglas (typically 3-7 days)

2. Lizard Island

Lizard Island offers a truly exclusive Great Barrier Reef experience. This stunning island is home to just one luxury resort and a research station, surrounded by 24 white sandy beaches and its own fringing reef system.

Snorkelers can access amazing coral gardens directly from the beach at Watson's Bay, while more experienced divers can visit the famous Cod Hole via a day trip. The research station offers fascinating insights into reef ecology and conservation efforts.

What makes Lizard Island special is the combination of reef experiences with island relaxation—hike to Cook's Look for panoramic views, paddle clear-bottom kayaks over coral gardens, or simply unwind on a secluded beach.

Best for: Luxury experiences, seclusion, and easy access to multiple reef environments

How to access: Flights from Cairns to Lizard Island Airport

3. Agincourt Reef

Agincourt Reef is part of the outer reef system, sitting right at the edge of the continental shelf where the reef meets the Coral Sea. This location creates stunning underwater visibility and dramatic wall dives where the reef plunges into the deep blue.

What makes Agincourt special is its accessibility for day-trippers from Port Douglas while still offering an authentic outer reef experience. Several reef pontoons operate here, providing facilities for swimmers of all abilities—from underwater observatories for non-swimmers to guided snorkeling tours and certified dive sites.

The reef here features extraordinary coral formations and abundant marine life, with regular sightings of sea turtles, reef sharks, and an incredible variety of tropical fish species.

Best for: Day trips, family-friendly reef experiences, and stunning underwater visibility

How to access: Daily boat tours from Port Douglas (approximately 90-minute journey)

4. Lady Elliot Island

Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, offering some of the most accessible and pristine reef experiences in the entire ecosystem. What makes this island special is its location in a highly protected 'Green Zone' and its reputation as the "Home of the Manta Ray."

The island's eco-resort is focused on sustainability, making it perfect for environmentally conscious travelers. The fringing reef surrounds the entire island, meaning you can snorkel directly from the beach and encounter extraordinary marine life within minutes—including manta rays, which are present year-round but especially abundant from May to August.

Lady Elliot is also a crucial turtle nesting site, with hatching season from February to April providing unforgettable wildlife encounters. The island's small size and limited visitor numbers ensure a peaceful, immersive reef experience.

Best for: Manta ray encounters, turtle watching, and eco-friendly accommodations

How to access: Scenic flights from Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast

5. Heron Island

Heron Island combines research-station heritage with resort amenities, creating an educational yet comfortable Great Barrier Reef experience. Located on a 29-hectare coral cay, the island offers a unique opportunity to stay directly on the reef rather than just visiting it for a few hours.

What distinguishes Heron Island is the extraordinary accessibility of its natural wonders. At low tide, you can wade right from the beach to explore coral gardens, while over 20 dive sites lie within 15 minutes of the shore. The famous Heron Bommie is consistently rated among Australia's top dive sites, featuring spectacular coral formations and marine life.

The island is also a significant seabird nesting site (particularly for black noddies and wedge-tailed shearwaters) and a major green and loggerhead turtle breeding ground. During summer months, guests can witness turtles nesting and hatchlings making their journey to the sea.

Best for: Education-focused reef experiences, bird watching, and turtle nesting encounters

How to access: Ferry transfers from Gladstone, which is accessible by air from Brisbane

Conservation and Responsible Reef Tourism

As visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, we all have a responsibility to help protect this vulnerable ecosystem. Climate change, coral bleaching events, and water quality issues threaten the reef's health, making sustainable tourism practices more important than ever.

When planning your Great Barrier Reef adventure, consider these responsible tourism practices:

• Choose eco-certified tour operators who actively contribute to reef conservation
• Follow the "look but don't touch" principle when snorkeling or diving
• Use reef-safe sunscreen that doesn't contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone
• Participate in citizen science programs that help monitor reef health
• Offset the carbon emissions from your travel to reduce your climate impact

By experiencing the reef responsibly, you're helping ensure that future generations can enjoy these magnificent locations too.