The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef from Australia is one of the Natural Wonders and known as the largest reef in the world.This Great Barrier Reef is covering over 350,000 square kilometers of the sea off the Tropical North Queensland Coast of Australia in the Coral Sea.

In facts, reefs can be made of coral, sand or rock. The reef can be classified into three different groups such as Fringing reef, Barrier reef (such as the Great Barrier Reef) and Atoll reef(circular reef). The Barrier reef grows some distance from the shore before coming close to the surface. Whereas, Fringing reef is formed by the corals grows in the shallow water along the shores of land. The difference between Atoll reef with others group is the presence of lagoon in the center.

Besides that, corals make up several reefs and cays is responsible for huge diversity of sea life. The Great Barrier Reef is the natural habitat for marine creatures, including many vulnerable endangered species.

Huge variety of sea life in the reef comprises 1500 species of marine fish, 5000 species of molluscs, 360 species of hard corals, 600 species of echinoderms (starfish, sea cucumber, sea urchins), 500 species of seaweed, marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and dugongs, 6 species of marine turtles, 14 species of sea snakes, 200 species of birds, 125 species of sharks.

The gorgeous Great Barrier Reef Marine Park attracts more than 2 million people each year. Such a best place to enjoy the mother nature out from the busy working life. The activities include reef sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling. Many fascinating and unique marine creatures can be observed under the sea. Sure will have an unforgettable memory.