So, you want to experience the marvel that is the Great Barrier Reef? That’s (forgive us) great! The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most significant natural world heritage sites, containing the world’s largest collection of coral reefs and is the most extensive coral reef ecosystem on earth. Not only that, but over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral and other marine life call the Great Barrier Reef their home.

Given you’re looking to visit the Great Barrier Reef, there’s a chance you already know why it’s so special. With so much value, it’s important to ensure your visit to the Great Barrier Reef contributes to its ongoing protection. So, if you’re looking for the best ways to sustainably visit the Great Barrier Reef or the best environmental experiences on the Great Barrier Reef, we’ve got all the Great Barrier Reef sustainability information right here.

Townsville and the Great Barrier Reef

Thanks to our many eco-certified operators, it’s not only possible to visit the Great Barrier Reef sustainably, but your visit actually directly benefits the reef.

How does visiting the Great Barrier Reef help it in sustainability?

When sustainability is front of mind, you’ll be pleased to know that your visit directly contributes to the Great Barrier Reef’s ongoing protection. All visitors to the Great Barrier Reef are required to pay an Environmental Management Charge. This isn’t an extra surcharge just added onto your holiday, but a direct contribution to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, who are responsible for the management and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. They do a pretty good job of it as well. The Great Barrier Reef is recognised globally for being one of the world’s best managed coral reef systems.

In addition to the direct contribution your visit to the Great Barrier Reef makes, seeing the reef for yourself is a truly extraordinary experience and many Great Barrier Reef excursions include experienced marine biologists who explain its many wonders, its biggest threats, and the methods in place to mitigate them. Education and spreading awareness are key to the survival of the Great Barrier Reef. When you visit, experience, and share your stories, you help others understand and appreciate this incredible natural world heritage site as well.

What is eco-certification got to do with sustainability?

Eco-certification isn’t a sustainability ‘buzzword.’ When travelling with an eco-certified operator, you know they’ve passed rigorous assessment to ensure their practices have a well-managed, strong commitment to sustainable and environmental practices.

Great Barrier Reef eco-certified operators in the Townsville region

Townsville’s Great Barrier Reef operators know that sustainability is of the utmost importance and as a result, there’s an abundance of eco-certified operators and experiences to choose from.

Explore the famous S. S. Yongala Shipwreck with eco-certified Yongala Dive. Lying silently on the sandy ocean floor for over 100 years, this coral encrusted shipwreck is a haven for marine life.

Discover the Museum of Underwater Art with eco-certified Adrenaline Dive and Snorkel. Unique in the southern hemisphere, the Museum of Underwater Art, merges coral gardening, art and marine science. Designed by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the Museum of Underwater Art helps the Great Barrier Reef flourish and grow, while educating its human visitors on the reef’s impressive ecosystem.

Combine exploring the Great Barrier Reef with the secluded beaches and bays of Magnetic Island with the eco-certified Aquascene Magnetic Island. This multi-award-winning experience includes snorkelling, exploring, and learning from Master Reef Guides about the world-heritage listed reef.

If you’re looking for a sustainable experience with a side of luxury, Orpheus Island Lodge is your answer. Sustainability is at the core of its values and the eco-certified resort encourages education, reduction of carbon footprint and protecting its surrounding wildlife and environment. Not only that, but Orpheus Island is a hub for marine biologists, who visit throughout the year to conduct climate change research.

Discover more of Townsville’s eco-certified operators here: Must-Do Eco Bucket List.

Townsville is leading the way in sustainable practices

It’s not only Townsville’s operators that have sustainability front of mind. Townsville, as a region, has been officially recognised as an eco-destination. As a leader in sustainable ecotourism, Townsville has been working hard to help protect, conserve and enhance the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding natural area. When you immerse and learn about the area and visit the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville, you can do it with the knowledge that high levels of sustainability and environmental values are at the front of what we do here.