Selling Australia: How to sell the Great Barrier Reef
This feature was originally published in Selling Travel
Why sell it
Stretching for more than 1,400 miles along Australia’s rich and diverse Queensland coastline, when it comes to natural icons, few experiences can rival diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Here, visitors can discover 600 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, 200 varieties of birds and a chance to spot the ‘Great Eight’. No two visits to Planet Earth’s largest living ecosystem are the same. With five precincts making up the Great Barrier Reef, there’s something for everyone, from action-packed adventure to lazy days.
But with tourism comes huge responsibility. The world’s largest reef is also the best managed. Across the Great Barrier Reef, Master Reef Guides share their unrivalled knowledge with curious visitors. Recognised as the globe’s leading guides, interpreters and storytellers, they educate travellers on the current health of the reef and share insights on how they and others can protect this precious resource. Visitors pay a small Environmental Management Charge to visit, meaning each visit goes towards creating a more sustainable future.
With a new Cathay Pacific flight just launched from London to Cairns via Hong Kong, it’s never been easier to plan a life-changing adventure.
Who to sell to
Adventure seekers, families, water lovers, modern-day explorers and environmentally aware travellers will be drawn in by the natural beauty and endless opportunities here. Soar above the reef on a scenic flight of the world’s largest living organism or discover boundless underwater possibilities at iconic diving sites and conservation areas.
Whether staying in a leading eco resort or sleeping on a deserted island, a trip the Great Barrier Reef has a universal appeal to adventurous clients looking to create memories that will last a lifetime.
What to sell
The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space, but nothing beats experiencing this natural wonder up close. Countless ports connect the mainland to the reef and 900 idyllic islands where you can experience your very own Robinson Crusoe moment. Cairns is an excellent starting point and major visitor hub.
Switch off on Lady Elliot Island, an eco-resort that boasts no telephones or televisions. Entertainment comes in the form of exotic marine life including whales, turtles and manta rays. Educate yourself about the reef on a guided snorkelling trip with a Master Reef Guide. They will share insights on the reef’s intricacies, challenges and resilient nature of this incredible ecosystem. Or meet rescued turtles, explore a research station and learn more about marine life conservation.
Visitors may prefer to skipper a boat and discover the idyllic region of The Whitsundays and Mackay. Stretching from Ayr to Mission Beach, the Townsville region is home to world-leading diving. Beginners can take a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) course; more advanced divers will be wowed by one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, the SS Yongala. A chance to immerse yourself in some of the world’s best marine life.
Sleep under the stars and gaze at the Milky Way as you bed down for the night in a cosy swag, a traditional Australian sleeping bag with mattress. With minimal light pollution, the possibilities for star gazing here are as endless as the Great Barrier Reef itself.
How to sell
A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect opportunity to combine a multi-centre trip to some of Queensland’s most loved towns and cities with thrilling expeditions to deserted islands and tropical idylls.
With a decent network of domestic flights from most Australian cities, it can be accessed from a range of locations along the Queensland coast. The most popular access points are Cairns or Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, Townsville, The Whitsundays and Bundaberg and the Islands on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
For visitors wanting to head to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this is best accessed on a self-drive holiday from Brisbane. Explore everything the easy-going capital of Queensland has to offer before continuing your journey to the Great Barrier Reef. There’s also the option of domestic flights from Brisbane to Bundaberg for travelers who prefer not to drive.
When to sell
The Great Barrier Reef is a year-round destination but it’s worth bearing in mind that North Queensland has a tropical climate. That means the region experiences a defined wet season throughout the summer months, with a slightly cooler dry season through winter. Try to avoid the peak months of June and July when Australian schools break up.
What's new?
Go off the beaten track with a visit to Townsville and the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). This new museum is attracting curious divers and snorkellers from all corners of the globe and showcases a collection of artworks by underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor.
The enduring Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland are perfect for those in search of unimaginable beaches and untouched nature. If it’s cosmopolitan city vibes you’re after, combining Brisbane and the Southern Great Barrier Reef is the perfect option, especially for first time visitors.
Book it with… First Class Holidays
First Class Holidays offers a 16-night Great Barrier Reef in Depth self-drive itinerary from £5,289pp. The trip includes return flights from the UK, 16 nights accommodation, car hire, two-night stay in Brisbane, full day Lady Elliott Island tour with return scenic flight and island tour, Port Douglas cruise onboard a small catamaran to Coral Cays and Snorkel tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. www.fcholidays.com