All You Need To Know About The Great Barrier Reef

Australia vacations are all about fun, adventure, and discovery, which is why The Great Barrier Reef Islands are the perfect place to visit. The Great Barrier Reef is 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 of the Great Barrier 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, also part of the Great Barrier Reef island system, 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.

Details About New Zealand’s Beautiful North Island

New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two main islands, but that certainly does not make it lesser. The diminutive North Island is home to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, and Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. The island’s more northern location contributes to a warmer, more congenial climate and translates to a larger, more diverse population than the colder southern island.

A Maori myth tells the tale of Ma-ui, the demi-god responsible for the creation of the North and South Islands. According to the myth, the South Island was the Ma-ui’s canoe. One day, Ma-ui and his brothers were fishing when he pulled an enormous fish from the sea. His brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. When Ma-ui saw what they had done, he flung it back into the sea and it became the North Island, and their hack marks became the mountains and valleys. The Maori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Ma-ui, or, The Fish of Ma-ui.

The mountains and valleys are only part of the lush locales you will encounter on North Island. From the rolling farmlands of Waikato to the rugged mountain ranges of Coromandel, from the lush, sub-tropical forests and picturesque lakes of the island’s center to the beautiful, fruitful vineyards of the east coast, North Island offers something for everyone.

Regional Highlights

There are many different regions on the North Island, ranging from the busy cities of Auckland and Wellington to the untamed and unspoiled beauty of Ruapehu’s national parks. Each region has highlights that make it worth visiting, and make it difficult to choose only one or two places to visit on a trip through the beautiful island.

1. Northland

Northland is a subtropical paradise of unspoiled beaches. Native culture is alive and thriving in the northern reaches of the island, where you will find stunning beaches, beautiful bays and islands. Northland is a favorite destination for those who love extreme water sports, surfing, sailing, game fishing, boating and diving are all favored pastimes in the northern island. One of the main centers for tourism in the Northland is the Bay of Islands.

2. Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands, in the Northland, is a stunning vista of sand and rock coastline that encircles a bay set with 150 islands. Islands, beaches, boats and the ocean are ever-present and offer a mind-boggling array of activities to keep any visitor entertained and busy. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of the many inlets, or board a chartered ferry or yacht for a trip to swim with dolphins. When you tire of the sea, there are historical and romantic sites aplenty to explore and enjoy.

3. Auckland

Auckland, with a population of 1.2 million, is home to nearly one-third the island’s population. It’s a fascinating blend of cosmopolitan city and marine harbor. Enjoy fine dining, sparkling nightlife and all the pleasures of being in one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most popular and active cities.

4. Coromandel

Located just east of Auckland, Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s favorite holiday destinations. The land is rustic and unspoiled, with stunning vistas of volcanic peaks and valleys. The rugged volcanic hills are carpeted with lush, subtropical forests while the stunning beaches are dusted with glistening sand and sparkling water. Both bush and ocean are within the boundaries of Coromandel.

5. Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty has long been a tourist destination famed for its long white beaches and easy-going lifestyle. These days, visitors also have discovered the cosmopolitan flavor of its major city, Tauranga, where they can enjoy fine dining and the best wines of the East Coast vineyards in the many cafes and restaurants.

6. Waikato

Waikato features two stunning landscapes, one above ground and one below. On the surface, the rolling farmlands offer any visitor the serenity of a bucolic land. Beneath, you will find a veritable labyrinth of caves and cave formations to explore and enjoy.

7. Rotorua

Some of the highlights of the Rotorua district include trout fishing in the volcanic lakes and relaxing in the healing waters of the seething hot springs. Volcanoes and geysers make this district a marvelous wonderland of natural beauty.

8. Eastland

Be the first on Earth to greet the new day in Eastland, the first mainland place to be touched by the rising sun. Enjoy national parks with hiking and nature trails, and relax with the sophistication of the world’s first cultivated black truffles, fine cheeses and the finest Chardonnay.

9. Taupo

Visit beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, or hike through the island’s oldest national park. Stunning scenery, volcanoes, trout fishing and unusual and rare wild life all combine to make Taupo a must-visit site.

10. Wellington

Beautiful Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Located between a picturesque harbor and majestic hills, the city offers vibrant night life and fascinating cultural experiences alongside gourmet dining and a distinctly unique urban experience unlike any other in the entire world.

Townsville in Tropcial North Queensland offers just about everything to everyone

Townsville has everything to offer its visitors: all of the sights and sounds of the big city, along with the gorgeous natural beauty of the tropics. Between scuba diving on the incomparable Great Barrier Reef, exciting gambling at the Casino, and fun and sun on some of the best beaches in Australia, Townsville offers just about everything to everyone.

Townsville is located in the “dry tropics”, a band of North Queensland that sees 300 days of sunshine every year. These bright skies only add to Townsville’s allure.

The city keeps on expanding its offerings to tourists, evidenced by constant redevelopment. The latest addition is Flinders Street East, where you’ll find fantastic cuisine, funky bars, and exciting nightclubs. All of these are housed in architectural masterpieces that hark back to Townsville’s history.

Townsville takes its food seriously. Residents here are especially proud of the international options, with a globe’s worth of restaurants located on Palmer Street.

Townsville is also a great entrance-way to the rest of the region. From here, you can explore rainforests, the outback, and the Reef.

Indeed, Townsville brings the Great Barrier Reef directly to you in the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. You’ll also find great museums, parks, and art galleries along the Strand Promenade.

This is really the centerpiece of Townsville, with bike and roller blade paths that make for extremely easy travel from point A to point B. Enjoy a beverage in one of the many bars that offer stunning views of the ocean beyond the Promenade.

The town is also known for its festivals, held throughout the year. These events encompass a wide variety of subjects, including sports, culture, and music.

Use Townsville as a base to check out all the wonder of North Queensland. You’ll enjoy pristine wilderness by day, and come back to this cosmopolitan city to soak in the luxury of great restaurants and nightlife.