Why Everyone Needs To See The Great Barrier Reef

We’re given a handful of moments in life that stand the test of time. Witnessing the magnificent Great Barrier Reef is one of those. However, seeing the reef is just the beginning. Unique Great Barrier Reef activities let you get up close to marine wildlife, discover otherworldly cays and help support the conservation of this important natural ecosystem.

Why See The Great Barrier Reef?

Natural Wonder of the World

Visible from outer space, there’s a reason the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders. Comprising more than 2,900 reefs and 900 islands, the world’s largest coral reef system is located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef’s natural diversity makes it stand out. On any given day, you can go from snorkelling or scuba diving vibrant coral reefs, to sunbathing on desolate postcard-worthy beaches, hiking through dense tropical jungle and swimming under a cascading waterfall. All of this is possible at Orpheus Island Lodge, where chartered reef trips, island cruises and motorised dinghies let you discover the very best of the reef.

Incredible Marine Wildlife

Mother Nature has certainly left her mark with the Great Barrier Reef, giving us a treasure trove of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, around 1,500 species of fish and a third of the world’s coral.

You can see a wealth of Great Barrier Reef wildlife while staying at Orpheus Island Lodge, from echidnas and green tree frogs on land to humpback whales and manta rays in the water. The island lodge offers numerous Great Barrier Reef expeditions allowing guests to get up-close to marine wildlife in their natural environment.

Swimming & Snorkelling in Paradise

Few places in the world let you swim out mere metres from the beach before encountering an underwater world of colourful fish, coral and unique sea creatures. Swimming and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef is a truly remarkable experience enriched by the sheer amount of marine life and secluded coral enclaves.

Imagine swimming through the warm tropical water and encountering a green sea turtle gliding leisurely beside you. Picture the vast coral reef sprawled out beneath you as you snorkel above angel fish, clown fish, parrotfish, reef sharks and stingrays. And in November you may even witness an impressive coral spawn. It’s moments like these that leave a lasting impression.

Support Research & Conservation

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef also reminds us how integral this ecosystem and natural wonder is to our planet. It reiterates the importance of supporting research and conservation efforts that look into rising water temperatures, poorer water quality from sediment run-off and pollution, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and severe cyclones.

At Orpheus Island Lodge, $50 from every guest’s stay goes towards the Reef Keepers Fund, which donates money to environmental projects that protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef. These projects range from beach clean-ups and plastic prevention to turtle rehabilitation. Guests are also welcome to match or add to the lodge’s donation.

We also strive to ensure that our own lodge is operated sustainably to preserve the Great Barrier Reef. We have removed single use in-room amenities to reduce excess plastic waste and conduct regular beach clean-ups on the windward side of the island to remove washed up marine debris.

We’re also committed to reducing our carbon footprint and fossil fuel emissions. Our lodge is primarily solar-powered and we plan to introduce a number of renewable energy sources in the near future.

From amazing snorkelling to world-famous natural spoils, the Great Barrier Reef is an almost unanimous bucket-list experience. Don’t miss out on discovering this remarkable part of the world. Book your next Great Barrier Reef holiday at Orpheus Island Lodge.

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