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There
are approximately 25 resorts throughout the islands, ranging from 5
star luxury to backpacker budget.
Several resorts are built on coral islands and many have their own
fringing reef. All resorts offer a year round season.
Jumping off points for the islands are all serviced by road, rail
and air.
Most resorts offer shuttle services between the resort
and the nearest mainland town. Airlie Beach is the access point for the
Whitsunday Islands and
Cairns is the most popular location for access to
the islands of the northern reef.
Resort activities vary according to the locale and style
of each resort. Typical activities are snorkelling, scuba diving, coral
viewing, reef walking, swimming, sailing, yacht charter, jet skiing, parasailing, sailboarding, kayaking, catamarans, canoes, big game fishing and whale watching.
Learn to dive classes are available in most major centres
and resorts.
The inner
reef is closest to the mainland and is where many of the
Great Barrier Reef holiday
resorts are located. The inner reef islands often have a nearby or surrounding
fringe reef and their own particular marine environment.
This differs from the
deep water environment of the outer reef with its appeal to scuba divers. Each environment has its own attractions and
any visit to the Barrier Reef will be a memorable experience.
 Planning
Great Barrier Reef holidays
A Great Barrier Reef vacation is a
once in a lifetime event for most people, so it's important the trip is correctly planned.
The reef
is not the same all over with "inner reef" and "outer reef"
being
just two of the many terms used to describe different types of reef conditions.
A "holiday of a lifetime" for
experienced divers will almost certainly involve the outer reef. For others, the
island resorts and fringing reefs may provide exactly the holiday they want.
If "Barrier Reef" accommodation is
booked at a mainland address, there may be reef transfer costs.
However a mainland address
may be perfect for the visitor who wants to combine the reef with mainland activities and
attractions. These simple examples illustrate different factors that need to be
taken into account when planning the trip. If in doubt, ask whatever questions are
necessary of your booking agent to ensure that your expectations are going to be met.
Barrier Reef Introduction
Great Barrier Reef Travel & Tourism
Brisbane Hotels
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Great
Barrier Reef
Holidays