Australia vacations are all about fun, adventure, and discovery, which is why The Great Barrier Reef Islands are the perfect place to visit. They are visible from space, and is the largest coral reef system in the world, containing about 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch for 1,616 miles over an area of 132,974 miles in the Coral Sea.

The reef system is both composed of and supported by billions of tiny organisms known as coral polyps. Much of the reef is also protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and through these protection efforts, many of the vulnerable and endangered species that make the reef their home and are in fact endemic to the reef system are protected as well.

Among these animals are thirty known species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, six species of sea turtles, salt water crocodiles, the Irikandiji jellyfish, the giant clams, and various fish species. These animals call the reef their home year round, so be on the lookout it may be the only time that you will ever be able to seem them outside of a marine theme park.

Each of the islands on the Reef are unique, and more information about all of them can be found by contacting both your travel agent, and the Great Barrier Reef Visitors Bureau. Your Australia vacation is not complete without an exclusive tour of the reef and the chance to come face to face with tropical fish and a cruise of the reef for more exclusive site seeing opportunities.

On Hamilton Island, there are many aviation tour venue options, including sea plane, helicopter, and airplane tours. The nearby Whitsunday islands are known for their sparkling, clear waters, pristine beaches, and unparalleled natural beauty. A sea kayaking excursion is the perfect way to experience the Whitsunday islands, and can consist of a simple day trip, an overnight trip, a night trip, and any combination of these options.

The Great Barrier Reef is a beautiful and important wonder of the natural world, and one that everyone should experience in his or her lifetime. The abundant animals, beautiful beaches, clear water, and dazzling coral reefs are second to none, and with so many islands to choose from, you are guaranteed to never run out of things to do on your next Australian vacation. Anyone that has ever visited this destination, says it is a once in a lifetime experience.