Great Barrier Reef
Frida Arroyo - 2nd Period Aquatic Science
Location:
Things To Do:
- Scuba Dive
- Have a Boat Trip
- There Are Some Resorts
- Boat Tours
- Cruises
- Helicopter Flights over The Reef
- Glass Bottom Boat Tours
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Fishing
- Dugong Hunting
Accommodations
Passport Requirements:
ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa to enter Australia. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA is an electronic label-free visa and can be obtained at the ETA website for a small service fee. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to apply for ETAs on behalf of travelers. If you overstay your ETA or any other visa, even for short periods, you may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). You can find more information about the ETA, other visas, and entry requirements from the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, via the Australian Visa Information Service at 905-280-1437 (toll charges to Canada apply) or their website.
On November 1, 2012, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service began a trial extending Australia's automated border processing system, “SmartGate,” to U.S. Global Entry Program members. SmartGate gives eligible travelers the option to self-process through passport control upon arrival in Australia. It is an automatic border control system which uses the data in an ePassport and facial recognition technology to perform the checks which are usually manually completed by Australian Customs & Border Protection Officers.
To be eligible to use SmartGate, U.S. travelers must:
Be a member of the U.S. Global Entry Program ;
Hold a valid U.S. ePassport ;
Arrive in Australia via a participating international airport (not by sea); and
Be aged 16 years or older.
Health Issues, Be Safe!
Box jellyfish occur near beaches and near river estuaries from October to April north of 1770. They can occasionally be found outside these times. They are usually not found in deep water or over coral, and most people snorkelling on the reef do so without stinger protection. However wearing a wetsuit (available on all the dive boats) will give you added buoyancy, and also some protection against stingers. They are very rare, but deadly.
Sharks do exist, however they rarely attack humans. Most sharks are scared of humans and would swim away.
Saltwater Crocodiles Crocodiles do not actively live in the ocean, their primary habitat is in river estuaries north from Rockhampton They can use the ocean as a means of travel between river systems and islands. It is very rare for them to enter the coral reef areas. Most crocodiles will not swim through the reefs.
Sunburn and dehydration The QLD sun can burn unprotected skin within a very short time (approx 20 minutes). Even on cloudy days sunscreen is recommended for all exposed skin areas, particularly for children. Most advice available suggests staying out of direct sun between the hours of 10am and 3pm, but a broad hat, sun-smart clothing and high SPF sunscreen will go a long way towards making sure you can enjoy your time in the tropics. A nasty case of sunburn will force you to remain indoors for a couple of days, so its just not worth it. Also, carry drinking water with you as even mild dehydration can lead to heatstroke/ sunstroke. Drinking alcohol in hot weather without also drinking plenty of water is not safe, and at the very least will lead to a nasty hangover!