The Great Barrier Reef The only living structure that can been seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef extends from the Town of 1770 in the south over 2300km north past the tip of Cape York penninsula. It contains over 600 continental islands, 350 coral cays and is comprised of approximately 3400 individual reefs. There are approximately 2800 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 15 species of sea snake and 6 species of turtle occuring  within this area. Manta rays, dolphins, dugongs, and during the winter months the beautiful humpback whales are all regularly seen on the reef. Lady Musgrave Is. A popular place to visit, this is the biggest navigatable lagoon on the Great Barrier Reef and is a turtle and bird nesting area for which it is well renowned. Located 32 nautical miles from the Town of 1770 it is about a  1 3/4 hour boat trip from this port. This island was extensively mined for guano between about , but has since recovered well and now has a thick cover of poinsiana trees. Turtles nest here from late October through to February with the young emerging 6-8 weeks later. 1770 Great Barrier Reef Cruises run a daily trip to this island and offer snorkelling. diving, glass bottom boat tours, semi-submersibles, underwater viewing chambers and informative island walks. It is a full day cruise with morning and afternoon tea and a big buffet lunch provided. Check Price $ Lady Elliot Is. The southern most island on the Great Barrier Reef, this is a popular dive destination. It too was mined for guano but hasn't recovered as well as Lady Musgrave Is. It has an airstrip and resort on the island and is rarely visited by commercial boats so most diving is done from the resort on the island. All images on this site are copyrighted and cannot be used without the express written permision of the various owners.