Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most iconic destinations for travellers.
Yet there are still parts of the reef where visitors can feel like intrepid explorers, as if they were discovering places no one else has ever seen.
The Southern Great Barrier Reef offers visitors to Queensland, Australia the chance to see large hard coral reefs firsthand and join colourful fish and big marine life like turtles and manta rays for a swim.
At just over 4 hours drive from Brisbane, this unique region can easily be included as part of a larger itinerary and the snorkelling is within easy reach, right off the beach.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's wonders and the Southern Great Barrier Reef runs from the Capricorn Coast and Yeppoon in the north, down through the Gladstone and Discovery Coast region to Bundaberg and the Coral Coast in the south, which is only four hours' drive from the states capital Brisbane.
On the coast there are small beach townships to stay at and explore. Many of these are unspoilt and remind us of past holidays when life was simpler. Fishing is a popular pastime, off shore or on beaches, as well as estuaries, rivers and lakes. Take a drive along the Capricorn Coast, taking in the beautiful vistas across to the Keppel Islands and stop in at Yeppoon for a walk along the esplanade.
The Southern Great Barrier Reef hinterland and country areas are well worth exploring too, it's not just about the coast and islands. The Sandstone Wilderness is one of outstanding natural beauty, featuring unique sandstone gorges, water sculptured formations and significant Aboriginal art sites.