Cairns - Step off for the reef

The Great Barrier Reef has a delicate reef ecosystem that evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, and gave life to more than 6,600 species and plants and beasts. It's still home to endangered species including the endangered green loggerhead turtle, and is a breeding site for humpback whales. While it is protected, there are myriad ways to enjoy it. Go cruising around the islands, or base yourself at a range of mainland, seaside towns on the Queensland coast and take day trips. Dive sites are dotted up and down the reef, and it's easy to charter a boat for a day or a longer dive trip, suiting beginners, intermediate or advanced divers.  Choose an island that suits your interests and budget, and find different ways to explore the islands, the reef, and the wildlife of both. Try Lizard Island for superb game-fishing, snorkelling and scuba-diving. Lush Dunk Island is one of the area's three rainforest islands; Green Island, off Cairns, has one of the most luxurious resorts in the world; and Hinchinbrook Island is the largest island national park in the world. Beautiful Heron Island and Lady Elliott islands, with their rich bird populations, have become lures for birdwatchers everywhere. Accommodation ranges from camping grounds through eco-cabins to resorts. Dunk has four grades of accommodation. Some islands, like exquisite Orpheus Island, and Double Island, have luxury accommodation, and one, Haggerstone Island, is so remote and exclusive it's only open for part of the year.