Come be the coolest fantasy island owner—the Great Barrier Reef::Australia::Queensland

Text by Chi Binghui

Do you remember what the most talked-about job in the world was last year? That’s right—it was the Great Barrier Reef Island Caretaker position advertised by Tourism Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef (Great Barrier Reef), one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is incredibly beautiful—with crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, unforgettable coral wonders, all set against the backdrop of azure skies and white sands, making every visitor feel like they’ve stepped into paradise in awe.

The Great Barrier Reef is located in the suburbs of Cairns. While the city center of Cairns doesn’t have natural beaches, heading to the outskirts reveals many world-renowned stunning destinations and attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Palm Cove, hot air balloon rides, the Skyrail cable car, Clifton Beach, tropical rainforests, and more—all weaving together Cairns’ most enchanting charm.

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is also a UNESCO-listed natural World Heritage Site. It is the world’s largest coral reef system, and for many, visiting Queensland is primarily to see it. The northern end of the Great Barrier Reef is near Papua New Guinea close to the equator, while its southern end lies off the coast of Brisbane, stretching approximately 2,300 kilometers in length, covering a water area of 344,400 square kilometers—roughly the size of Japan.

The Great Barrier Reef consists of 2,900 individual reefs, home to over 300 types of coral, 400 types of sponges, 4,000 types of mollusks, and more than 1,500 species of fish—it’s truly a paradise for ocean enthusiasts. Whether you’re into snorkeling or not, you’ll definitely want to experience the breathtaking beauty underwater—countless colorful marine creatures and Nemo clownfish swimming among the corals are sights you’ll see everywhere, bringing to life the dreamy scenes from TV right before your eyes, creating memories visitors will never forget.

The best way to explore the Great Barrier Reef is to depart from Cairns and enjoy the featured itineraries of the surrounding areas. The optimal travel season is between April and October when the sun shines brightly every day, allowing you to fully enjoy the vibrant underwater world of the blue sea and sky.