‘What to know before you go’ – Travel Advisor Stuart Riggs offers his advice for Travel + Leisure on the luxury resorts, marine excursions, and natural phenomena that make Australia’s Great Barrier Reef a must-visit.
“The Great Barrier Reef, which stretches over 1,400 miles along Australia’s east coast, is bigger than the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands combined. Given its size, there are many ways to experience it—including private villas, exclusive-use islands and superyachts. As a travel advisor who’s visited this technicolor natural wonder multiple times, here are my top tips for planning a trip there.
For a truly private reef encounter, consider exclusive-use islands like Pelorus Private Island, which has a full-service beach house that accommodates 11 guests. Other luxury resort options include The House at Lizard Island and The Residence at Qualia.
There are adult-only properties if you’re looking for a romantic experience; enjoy sunset cocktails in your own plunge pool at Qualia on Hamilton Island.
Further north, Orpheus Island also offers a collection of family-friendly amenities and activities. At the fabulous Silky Oaks Lodge, visitors can experience two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders side-by-side: Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.”
