Great Barrier Reef
Australia · Queensland
The world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300km off Queensland. Back-to-back mass bleaching events in 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2024 have transformed large sections. Diving here documents what survives and where recovery is taking hold.
Reef condition
This reef has lost much of its live coral since 2014. The water is around its usual temperature for now.
Coral cover over time
Live coral has fallen from 28% to 25% since 2014. If the decline holds, little would remain by around 2107.
Heat right now
Around usual
No heat stress
Around 25°C now, about 1°C above the usual 24°C for the season.
Fishing
Limited
Some fishing allowed in zones
Reef state
Under pressure
A reef in transition
What you'll see
2 threatened species recorded here — 1 Endangered, 1 Vulnerable.
Dive sites
Cod Hole
potato cod · maori wrasse · whitetip reef shark · green turtle
SS Yongala
queensland grouper · humphead wrasse · olive sea snake · bull shark
Lizard Island
clownfish · angelfish · grouper · white-tip reef shark
North Horn (Osprey Reef)
grey reef shark · whitetip reef shark · silvertip shark · scalloped hammerhead
Steve's Bommie
bigeye trevally · yellow-lined snapper · leafy scorpionfish · reef stonefish
Admiralty Anchor (Osprey Reef)
grey reef shark · whitetip reef shark · midnight snapper · lyretail hogfish
Pixie Pinnacle
fairy basslet · orange-fin anemonefish · lionfish · leaf scorpionfish
Lady Elliot Island
reef manta ray · green turtle · loggerhead turtle · leopard shark
Gear