Washed by the warm waters of the South-West Pacific Ocean the perfect environment is created for the world's largest system of coral reefs in Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef is of such pristine condition that it was listed by the World Heritage Trust as a protected site and is therefore managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to ensure that its beauty is maintained for many generations to come.

The diversity of life in the reef is immense with approx:

• 2800 species of fish
• 400 different types of coral
• 400 molluscs
• 500 species of seaweed
• 215 species of birds
• 15 species of sea snake
• 6 species of sea turtle