Great Barrier Reef

Additional Information Natural Wonders

Stretching some 2,500 miles along the Northeast coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef often makes the list of the world's natural wonders.

It ranks as the world's largest coral reef system, as well as a very large marine ecosystem that is home to ocean animals from the smallest tropical fish and seahorses to the largest sea turtles and whales.

In fact, six of the sever sea turtle species call different areas of the Great Barrier Reef home, with mid-January to mid-May the area's prime sea turtle hatching season.

Like all coral reef systems, climate change has placed a good deal of stress on the corals of the Great Barrier Reef, although recent reports suggest that they have faired a bit better than others.

Snorkeling and viewing marine life are the big tourist draws of the region. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority provides news about the Park's environmental conditions and recreational opportunities.

© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels