Dont Sit On The Barrier Visit The Great Reef

Many know the Great Barrier Reef as a popular tourist destination in
Australia, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The largest coral reef
in the world, the reef is the only life form on Earth which is visible from the
moon. Now, with the ongoing Queensland flood disasters, experts are
concerned for the future of the Reef, but visitors can help by providing
ongoing interest and support for the area. Tourism generates the largest
source of income for the reef, and is important for its ongoing funding,
upkeep, and preservation.

While it's a given that you'll probably go snorkelling or scuba diving while
you're visiting the reef, here are 4 unexpected things you can do in the
Great Barrier Reef this year.

Stay in a floating hotel
Giving new meaning to the term 'sleeping with the fishes', Fantasea
Adventure Cruising offers the 'Reeflseep' experience to visitors of the Great
Barrier Reef as the perfect way to enjoy the Reef in an intimate, quiet and
peaceful atmosphere. The package includes, two full days and one night
accommodation, all snorkelling equipment, breakfast, buffet lunches and
dinner and of course, champagne sunsets overlooking the water.

Sea the Ballet
From the 1st to the 3rd of July this year, The Australian Ballet comes to
Hamilton Island's luxury resort, performing pas-de-deux scenes on a
stunning open-air stage against the stunning natural backdrop of the
ocean. The intimate performance is in its fourth year in 2011. See the
photos for yourself - You'll wonder why anyone books flights to Sydney to
see the Ballet perform on an indoor stage!

Learn how to cook or take photos - or both
There are a number of cooking, painting and photography classes you can
take part in while staying on one of the islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
One in particular, the Hamilton Island Artist's Retreat runs from Thursday
17 February - Monday 21 February 2011, and will ensure you go home
relaxed and with some useful new skills.

Bungy Jump
Technically not on the Barrier Reef, but located nearby in Cairns, A.J. Hacket
Bungy is located a tropical jungle north of Cairns, and has seen over 5
million visitors since its opening in 1990. Experience the rainforest from a
completely different anglesuch as upside-down.There are always plenty
of cheap flights heading all around Australia, so getting to the Great Barrier
Reef is easy, with plenty of cheap flights to Cairns departing daily on all
major Australian airlines. Then it's just a short boat trip to any of the
islands on the Reef.