The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN labelled it one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Queensland National Trust named it a state icon of Queensland.
The Great Barrier Reef has long been known to and used by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is an important part of local groups' cultures and spirituality. The reef is a very popular destination for tourists, especially in the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns regions.
I was so pleased with a recent trip that I wanted to share my satisfying experience.
My mother and sisters and I have a tradition of celebrating milestone birthdays by going on a trip together. Our travel agent, Diane Ross, planned a trip-of-a-lifetime for us. We wanted to cruise, but also to tour. Because Mom is 88, navigating around a large ship would have been too strenuous. A river cruise was the answer! Diane had so much knowledge about various lines, and was able to narrow down the selection for us. An elegant environment was important to us, as well as cuisine. She found an ideal itinerary and knew which cabins were the most spacious and well-located. The ship’s staff knowledge of the (60th) birthday made the celebration more memorable (which Diane facilitated). She inquired about our interests to enhance our enjoyment of the trip. As a result, while docked in Paris, she arranged a Walking Tour of chocolate boutiques for us! Everyone loves chocolate, but I think few travel agents take the time to learn about their clients’ likes and dislikes, so that they can personalize their trip in such a lovely and different way. In addition to her professionalism, Diane’s depth of traveling experience allows her to recommend and implement trips for clients on every scale, from a local getaway to an around-the-world voyage. I can’t recommend her services highly enough“
By IJ, Cherry Hill NJ trip to Best Western Travel Inn Hotel