Why does the great barrier reef attract people

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See FAQ's. The Lizard Island Research Station is a coral reef research facility owned and operated by the Australian Museum - the oldest natural history museum in the country and widely regarded as among the best in the world.

Orpheus Island is kilometres north of Townsville with Orpheus Island Lodge being an all-inclusive private island experience. The James Cook University Research Station is homes to integral research on climate change, sea level rise and their potential impacts on the local reef and ecosystems. Educational eco-tours are available for guests to explore the facilities, including the wet and dry laboratories and live reef touch-tanks. The Great Barrier Reef was the first coral reef system to be awarded World Heritage status, meeting all four of the natural criteria for a World Heritage listing.

The snorkelling and diving opportunities are some of the best in the world, with rainbow coloured corals and an array of marine life to see up close. The area also has cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people, with stories about the creation of the reef passed down through generations.

The Dreaming story tells of how Bhiral, the Creator, threw lava and hot rocks down from sky, causing the sea to rise and the lava to cool — forming what is now known as the Great Barrier Reef. What draws all these species to this colourful underwater city? Healthy coral reefs offer safe homes and nurseries for fish species, as well as an abundant food supply. These graphs do not include transfer passengers eg.

Ferry passengers. The data presented has not been validated. The breakdowns for each quarter are as follows: July to September - Visitation by financial year — Cairns-Cooktown management area.

Visitation by financial year — Far Northern management area. Visitation by financial year — Hinchinbrook planning area. Visitation by financial year — Mackay-Capricorn management area. Visitation by financial year — Townsville-Whitsunday management area.