The Reef

The Great Barrier Reef makes up about 10 per cent of the world's coral reef ecosystems, and is one of the best known and most complex natural systems on Earth.

Reef facts

Did you know the Reef is bigger than Italy? Find out more facts about the Reef.

Reef health

Find out what's happening on the Reef in our latest monthly update.

Biodiversity

The variety of life along the Great Barrier Reef's vast expanse is immense.

Marine animals on the Great Barrier Reef

Turtles, sharks, sea urchins — just some of the animals that call the Great Barrier Reef home.

Heritage

The Great Barrier Reef's heritage shapes and drives what this precious ecosystem is like now and how it is managed.

Corals

There are about 600 different types of coral in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Coastal ecosystems

There are 14 coastal ecosystems that are important to the function of the Reef.

Education

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and it's national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef, Reef HQ Aquarium, offer an extensive range of educational resources and programs.