Great Barrier Reef Location: Off Australia's Queensland Coast

The Great Barrier Reef: Australia's Marine Treasure

The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

Geographic Scope

• Length: 2,300 km (1,400 mi) — world's largest coral reef system.
• Area: 344,400 km² (133,000 mi²).
• Latitude: ~10°S to 24°S.
• Composition: 2,900+ individual reefs, 900+ islands.

Nearest Mainland Points

• Cairns (major gateway) — ~50 km to outer reef.
• Port Douglas, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Bundaberg — other access points.

Governance

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) manages (zoning, permits).
• UNESCO World Heritage since 1981.
• Threats: Climate change (bleaching), runoff, crown-of-thorns starfish, shipping.