The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from multiple locations primarily along the northeastern coast of Australia, in Queensland. The most popular places to view and access the Great Barrier Reef are Cairns, Port Douglas, the Whitsundays (including Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island), and other nearby islands such as Green Island and Fitzroy Island. Cairns is known for its quick and easy access to the reef with various tours and activities, including boat trips, snorkeling, scuba diving, and helicopter flights for aerial views. The reef is also famous for being visible from space due to its massive size.

Key places to see the Great Barrier Reef:

• Cairns: Offers the fastest access and abundant tour options including luxury charters, snorkeling, and scenic flights.
• Port Douglas: A popular tourist destination about an hour from Cairns, known for luxury resorts and reef access.
• Whitsundays (including Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island): Major starting points for reef tours and scenic flights.
• Islands close to Cairns such as Green Island and Fitzroy Island offer easy day trips to explore the reef.
• Mission Beach: Known for adventure activities like skydiving with views of the reef.
• The reef extends over 2,300 kilometers along the coast and is the largest coral reef system in the world, visible from space.