Hidden truth behind Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef

It’s one of Australia’s most famous holiday destinations, but it’s been tainted by a claim that’s been perpetuated for over a decade.

It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and arguably the crown jewel in Australia’s rich tapestry of scenic offerings.

But for years we’ve been told that it’s dying; destined to soon only be able to be seen in all its former glory on re-runs of David Attenborough documentaries and in the pages of history books.

But while the ecosystem remains incredibly delicate, it’s far from being at death’s door. In fact, it’s just as vibrant as you’ve seen in the pages you’ve cut out of magazines and stuck on your travel bucket list.

Snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef remains an out of this world experience. Picture: Supplied

Gliding through the ocean water with a sea turtle has to be one of life’s most unbelievable experiences. Picture: Supplied.

Getting to the Whitsundays has never been easier. Whether you’re near major cities like Melbourne and Sydney or across the country in Perth, any of the Virgin Australia flights to Proserpine airport will land you in Airlie Beach.

As the knowledgeable crew of Red Cat Adventures in the Whitsundays drove us on the hour-long journey to the reef, I geared myself up for disappointment, prepared to see one of nature’s giants in the midst of taking her last laboured breath.

So you can imagine my surprise when I lowered myself into the middle of the ocean, only to immediately be met by a jaw-droppingly beautiful environment filled with life and all the colours of the spectrum.

Thousands of species of fish flock around the coral with an entirely new world just metres between the surface. Picture: Supplied

One thing was immediately clear – the Great Barrier Reef is thriving.

Despite an increase in mass bleaching events which are caused by a rise in ocean temperatures, the reef has proven to be incredibly resilient, regularly managing to recover and regenerate growth despite an increasingly challenging environment.

The Red Cat Adventures team shared that through the tireless work of The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, scientists are finding great success with planting new corals, as well as researching ways to breed and plant heat-tolerant corals to future-proof the underwater paradise for generations to come.

The crew also revealed one of the most important things someone can do before stepping into one of their boats for the snorkelling experience of a lifetime - and it’ll only cost you the price of a new bottle of sunscreen.

An iconic Maori Wrasse exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Supplied

Harmful ingredients in many sunscreens can seep through wetsuits and infiltrate nearby corals, disrupting their reproduction and growth. So if you want to keep the reef in all its majesty, be sure to grab some reef-safe sunscreens that substitute oxybenzone or octinoxate with non-nano titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Make no mistake, the experience is life-changing. And those who label the reef “underwhelming” might just need their eyes tested, frankly. This is nature at its best, and right at home here in Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef isn’t the only sight to see in the paradise of the Whitsundays, however.

The appeal of the islands lies within its versatility as a holiday destination. Whatever kind of trip you’re looking for, there’s an itinerary to suit your needs.

The colours are breathtaking. Picture: Joshua Haigh

Lunch at Monte's feels like you've stepped into a scene from Jurassic Park. Picture: Joshua Haigh

It's one of Australia's most beloved beauty spots. Picture: Supplied.

For those hoping for a tranquil trip away from the hustle and bustle of office life, look no further than enjoying a relaxing cruise on a catamaran that sails through the crystal clear waters while passing by sights like the iconic Hook island.

Upon arriving at Whitehaven, and after enjoying drinks and canapes along the way, passengers take a brief walk through the trees before stepping straight into a picture-perfect postcard, greeted by one of the most breathtakingly beautiful views imaginable.

For an unforgettable beachside dining experience on another day, it’s worth making the journey to Monte’s. Tucked away in a stunningly secluded cove, you can experience some of the best tapas Queensland has to offer while listening to the ocean wash up against the shore just meters from your table.

If you didn't get wet enough in the ocean, take a walk down to Pioneer Adventures to get truly drenched. Picture: Joshua Haigh

Those unafraid of a little adrenaline rush can forego the catamaran altogether, instead hopping onto a speedboat to cruise through the waters at high speeds.

Whether it’s taking a mountain bike ride through the rainforest or getting into a kayak and

taking in the sights of Hook island and the crystal clear waters until you step straight into a postcard as your feet feel the warmth of the sand at Whitehaven, Hayman’s appeal lies in its tranquillity. For couples, families, and anyone craving a slower pace, it’s the kind of place where you don’t just unwind; you unplug entirely. Even with the resort nearing full capacity, it felt as though we had the island to ourselves, surrounded only by the rustle of palm trees and the occasional clink of glassware from other guests.

Families looking for a less traditional stay would do well to check out The Mirage, which offers an array of penthouses and multi-bedroom villages well equipped for self-catering while still offering places on site to eat.

Those on the hunt for a more romantic atmosphere should take a look at Coral Sea, which offers a more traditional luxury hotel experience and is just a brief walk to the town.

For couples, families or even single travellers looking for the tropical experience of a lifetime with scenery that rivals that of some of the world’s most iconic beauty spots – why travel abroad when you can spend half the money by staying right here in Australia? You get all of the enjoyment without that unbearable 12-hour + flight back when the fun’s over, and all while in the safe hands of Virgin Australia.

Bliss.

The writer travelled as a guest of Virgin Australia