Accounting for roughly 10% of the entire world’s coral reef ecosystems, this UNESCO-listed natural wonder has pride of place on every diver’s wish list.
There are many amazing things about the world’s largest coral reef system, but perhaps the most important is that, uniquely, it extends over 14° of latitude, giving it a vast expanse of habitats ranging from shallow estuaries to deep ocean. This gives it the scope to house an astonishing range of ecological communities, habitats and species.
It’s difficult to know where to start with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and that’s part of what makes it trip-of-a-lifetime stuff. Factor in plenty of time and as well as seeing some of the world’s most dazzling marine life you can trek through ancient rainforest, island-hop around the Whitsundays with their white silica sands (also one of the world’s most scenic spots to skydive), chill out on tropical idylls such as Hayman and Lizard, and enjoy a seaside retreat in vibrant destinations such as Cairns, Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Mission Beach and Port Douglas.
One unforgettable option is to take a high-performance catamaran from Cairns to the reef sand island of Michaelmas Cay to dive and snorkel within eyeshot of turtles and colourful fish or, if you prefer, take a semi-submersible coral-viewing tour. This is also one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the Reef. Then there’s the ribbon-like Agincourt Reef with its 16 dive sites; cruises there invite you to snorkel, dive and helmet walk to see the kaleidoscopic marine life.
If you’re here as a couple, a seaplane ride over the world-famous Heart Reef is a romantic idea, while with kids in tow (or without), a ferry trip to Magnetic Island will bring you up-close and personal with koalas living peacefully in the wild. On Daydream Island, meanwhile, you can hand-feed friendly baby stingrays at the artificial Living Reef, and in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, you may even witness baby turtles hatching on the beach.
This September, South Africa opens its doors to an extraordinary opportunity that happens just once a year. SA National Parks Week 2025 offers something truly special – free access to some of the country's most spectacular natural landscapes. This week presents the perfect chance to explore South Africa's incredible biodiversity without the usual entrance fees.
When you think of Mexico, it’s likely that places such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen come to mind, but away from the tourist hotspots lies a region that stands out for its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. Chihuahua, the largest of Mexico’s states, offers something for every type of traveller, and this guide to the region’s highlights will give you a glimpse of what makes this destination so extraordinary. Ready to discover a new destination to tick off your bucket list?
For those who love the great outdoors, Canada’s national parks are nothing short of extraordinary. With 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, the country offers an endless array of natural wonders, from dramatic mountain ranges to peaceful coastlines. Each park has its own unique charm, making it easy to see why so many people return year after year. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve highlighted five parks that truly shine in summer and early autumn - perfect for wildlife spotting, scenic hikes, and moments of pure stillness surrounded by nature.
