Valued by all the World

You are privileged to have as your office the earth's largest World Heritage Area. The Great Barrier Reef became a World Heritage Area in 1981 when it was inscribed on the World Heritage List because of is outstanding universal value, recognising its exceptional natural significance.

What is the World Heritage Area?

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area covers 348 000 km², extending as far north as the tip of Cape York and almost as far south as Bundaberg (see Download map). It commences at the low-water mark off Queensland's mainland and covers all of the ocean to beyond the outer barrier.

Included in the World Heritage Area are all islands, regardless of tenure, and Queensland internal waters that are beyond the low-water mark.

About 99% of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The only parts of the World Heritage Area that are not part of the Marine Park are Queensland internal waters, Queensland islands, islands of other tenure and some areas adjacent to the coast.

What does World Heritage listing mean?

Under the World Heritage Convention, Australia has an international obligation to protect, conserve, present and transmit this magnificent area for all future generations.