Great Barrier Reef Pictures

You'll see fish, sea turtles and more swimming around the Great Barrier Reef's colorful coral while snorkeling. Grafner Getty Images

For some of Queensland's best views away from the reef, take a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. chameleonseye Getty Images

With just one look at its milky white sands and swirling azure waters, it's easy to see why Whitehaven Beach is Australia's most photographed beach. DarrenTierney Getty Images

Enjoy a thrilling bird's-eye view of the Great Barrier Reef while on an air tour. Gonzalo Azumendi Getty Images

Craft breweries can be found throughout Australia. Two locales situated near the reef include Barrier Reef Brewing Co. and Townsville Brewing Co. Caspar Benson Getty Images

For some of the best views of Townsville and Magnetic Island, climb to the top of Castle Hill. Phil Copp Getty Images

Large and small crocs, plus quintessential Aussie creatures like kangaroos, koalas and cassowaries can be seen at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Darren Puttock Flickr

Named for its shape, Heart Reef is one of the unique reefs that's best viewed during an air tour. Maerie Getty Images

Restaurants by the Great Barrier Reef serve a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled barramundi, seared tiger prawns and fish and chips. Kerin Forstmanis / EyeEm Getty Images

Six of the world's seven sea turtle species frequent the Great Barrier Reef. Loggerheads and green turtles are the breeds most commonly spotted during snorkeling excursions. seanscott Getty Images

While the Great Barrier Reef offers an extensive array of underwater sightseeing, don't forget about the mainland. The Queensland city of Cairns is a convenient home base that offers some tourist hot spots of its own. artherng Getty Images

Surrounded by its fellow Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is a playground for adventure-seekers. Snorkel, hike, sail or simply relax on its soft, sugary sands. Tanya Ann Photography Getty Images

The Great Barrier Reef boasts more than 5,000 dive sites, meaning your possibilities for exploration are nearly limitless. chameleonseye Getty Images

Though you may notice some larger shark species occasionally linger by the reef while you're diving, bottom-dwelling wobbegongs and small reef sharks (known for their white or black dorsal fin tips) are most commonly seen. pniesen Getty Images

Only three of Australia's seven states – Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia – allow people to hold koalas. Popular Queensland wildlife sanctuaries that let visitors touch these cuddly creatures include the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. chameleonseye Getty Images

Take to the seas on a Great Barrier Reef sailing adventure. Whether it's a daytrip or a multiday excursion, there is nothing quite like clipping along the Coral Sea. RugliG Getty Images

At the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, you'll encounter a variety of Queensland's local residents, including kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles and koalas. Louise_Lantz Getty Images

One of Hamilton Island's prettiest and most popular beaches is Catseye Beach. It can be found in the island's resort area. DarrenTierney Getty Images

At Cairns' Esplanade, odds are you'll find a few pelicans lingering by the water. Wendy Townrow Getty Images

While sailing here, you may catch a glimpse of breaching humpback whales, orcas or dwarf minke whales. hypergurl Getty Images

Rising sea temperatures regularly threaten the Great Barrier Reef's corals. After two severe coral bleaching events in 2016 and 2017, much of the reef's northern and central sections have suffered permanent damage. Chantal Ferraro Getty Images

Whitehaven Beach's colorful sunsets are just as breathtaking as the beach's idyllic waters and sands. hypergurl Getty Images

Many of the Great Barrier Reef's islands are best reached by sailboat. ymgerman Getty Images

Koalas are the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas' main draw, but travelers can also interact with lorikeets while visiting this wildlife sanctuary. Nigel Playle / EyeEm Getty Images

This beachfront promenade in Townsville is a prime spot to eat, bike and fish. Phil Copp Getty Images

More than 15 miles of pristine beaches can be found in Cairns. Hayden Fazakarley / EyeEm Getty Images

Some of Hartley's Crocodile Adventures' most colorful creatures are its resident cassowaries, emu-like birds that are flightless. Dani Daniar / EyeEm Getty Images