Garie Beach

Does it cost money to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

I want to plan a vacation, an independent tour one, and I am wondering how much it costs to visit the great barrier reef? Can you just go and snorkel and lay on the beach without having to purchase some kind of package?

Public Comments

1. hell, everything cost money these days...
2. yep you can BUt the reef is not on or near the beach it is a long way out so a swim of 3 to 6 hours minimum from the beach(mainland) will be required
3. Realistically you are going to need to find a package deal to go and see the reef. It is a fair way off shore You are looking at over $120 AUD for a trip out to the reef and snorkel If you want to go to a beach and snorkel off it You need to go to the other side of the country and Ningaloo Reef - It's amazing there. Of course that is a 5hr flight from the great barrier reef!!! http://twopomsandatruck.blogspot.com/2009/05/ningaloo-reef-coral-bay.html
4. You do realize the GBR is not on the coast but an hour or two boat ride into the horizon? You need either a boat or be on a tour to visit it.
5. It's a couple of hours travel by one of those giant catamarans to get to the outer reef & it's a full day...inc lunch it's going to cost at least $120 but worth every cent !