Where is the Southern Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef begins just off the coast of Bundaberg with the area known as the Southern Great Barrier Reef. This group of coral cays and reefs include Lady Musgrave Island and Lagoon, Lady Elliot Island and the Capricorn Bunker group of islands.

Bundaberg and it's Coral Coast and is just four hours drive or rail travel north of Queensland's capital of Brisbane. It is also easily accessible by air and bus. Bundaberg and the Southern Great Barrier Reef are blessed with having the most equitable climate in Australia and fifth in the world after Hawaii.

Why the Southern Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is Closer Than You Think! There is no need to travel vast distances north, the Great Barrier Reef begins at Bundaberg, only 4 hours (360kms) north of Brisbane.

The Southern Great Barrier Reef does not suffer from the extremely destructive Crown of Thorns starfish or coral bleaching - diseases that affect many of the world's reefs. Tour operators keep visitor numbers to manageable numbers which means there is minimal impact on the reef and guests can enjoy their reef experience without the crowds. You do not require stinger suits in our reef waters!

The Southern Great Barrier Reef is the only area on the Great Barrier Reef where the graceful and harmless Manta Rays are experienced year round. Encounter endless varieties of coloured fish, turtles, giant clams, sea stars, corals, anemones, eels, sponges, dolphins, manta rays, whales and many more incredible creatures.

Every year the giant sea turtles lumber up to our beaches to lay their eggs and the majestic humpback whales return each year to play in our waters from July to October. The Southern Great Barrier Reef is truly a wildlife extravaganza.

Queensland is the holiday state of Australia and home to famous beaches, rainforests, islands and World Heritage Listed areas including the Great Barrier Reef. The Bundaberg and Coral Coast region has this all in one area and is home to the famous Aussie Spirit - Bundaberg Rum. Experience sandy beaches starting from Woodgate in the south, to Kelly's Beach at Bargara, onto the famous turtle rookery at Mon Repos and through to the Town of 1770. All this within the amazing Southern Great Barrier Reef area of Queensland!

Information courtesy of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and Danielle and the team at Kellys Beach Resort.

Bundaberg and Coral Coast accommodation

Bundaberg and Coral Coast tours