With education comes appreciation
Tropical North Queensland is where two World Heritage icons meet and together they form one of the world’s greatest natural treasures. Don’t miss out on a thing by taking advantage of the many guides who have accumulated a wealth of specialist knowledge over the years.
For instance, while there’s no way you’ll miss a giant potato cod out on the reef, a knowledgeable guide can point out the tiniest aquatic treasures such as a pygmy seahorse. Likewise in the Wet Tropics: it’s easy to spot the iconic southern cassowary but you might need help to see the well-camouflaged fernwren as it pokes about in forest litter looking for food.
Opportunities to interact with experts are everywhere, whether it’s talking to a marine biologist on a reef trip or listening to an informative talk at Reef Teach, the reef education centre in Cairns. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides bring a deeper connection to these awe-inspiring landscapes. Take a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk through Mossman Gorge with a traditional owner, who’ll pass on their knowledge of the rainforest, or use traditional methods to catch a mudcrab on a Walkabout Cultural Adventures tour at Cooya Beach, just outside Port Douglas.

Why a guide is a great idea
Here’s how to tap into our greatest natural resource.

Ways you can help the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is an extraordinary mosaic of coloured corals spotted with curious creatures. While the threats to its future are real and immediate, it’s important to know that there are many things you can do to help.

Marine Biologist For A Day – Inspiring The Next Generation of Reef Warriors
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a marine biologist on the Great Barrier Reef? Sunlover Reef Cruises’ Marine Biologist For a Day Program allows future generations to literally dive into the role.

Reef Talk – A chat with marine biologist Gareth Phillips
The Great Barrier Reef is a thriving, living marine environment. It inspires all who visit, even those who see it every day, like marine biologist and owner of Reef Teach, Gareth Phillips.

25 Fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef
As you’d expect from one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is home to some weird, wonderful and just plain loveable creatures. Here’s 25 fun Great Barrier Reef facts about a marine world larger than Italy.