Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is like nowhere else on Earth. The planet’s largest coral reef system, in fact, can be seen from outer space. It comes as no surprise this ravishingly beautiful, 1,240-mile sweep of 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, with spectacular biodiversity, stunning seascapes and breathtaking marine scenery, is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Known as the “Blue Outback,” the iconic reef has long been used by the Aboriginal people and remains an important part of their culture and spirituality. If you’re looking for a tropical holiday that offers mind-blowing snorkeling and diving plus swimming with whales, cuddling with koalas, trekking the rainforest, watching giant green turtles and kicking back on sun-soaked beaches — head Down Under.

Visitors find many ways to explore this vast aquatic universe. Board a boat to reach most of the diving and snorkeling spots on the reef. You can head to one of the gateway towns and join a tour. Or hop a plane to a remote island and have the ravishing reef mostly to yourself. If you want access to the reef directly from your luxury beachfront accommodation, Lizard Island is hard to beat. This secluded, idyllic resort in North Tropical Queensland, smack-dab on the crystal-clear blue waters of the Barrier Reef, is a diver and snorkeler’s dream.

There’s something mystical about experiencing this wonder of nature up close. Lizard Island’s villas and suites open right onto the beach where you can relax, soak up the rays and snorkel with coral and fish. You can hop a boat that takes you farther out to the deeper reef to snorkel or dive in the shimmering cerulean sea. I met a young couple from Virginia on the boat who told me the reef had been on their bucket list. It’s easy to see why.

With more than 1,500 species of fish and 400 types of coral, this vivid undersea kingdom dazzles the senses. The colors and natural beauty defy description. I observed sea turtles, yellow butterfly fish, blue starfish, orange clownfish, azure damselfish, flame hawkfish, green parrot fish, manta rays, dolphins and timid reef sharks. Bring an underwater camera and have the time of your life. If you have never snorkeled before and have a yen, this is the place to begin. Hold onto a tube while the instructor pulls you along as you marvel at the marine wonderland.

Aerial view of Whitsunday Archipelago © Tanya Puntti | Dreamstime.com

Farther south, Hamilton Island, part of the tropical Whitsunday Archipelago, offers another coveted vacation destination in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. This aquatic playground provides a variety of accommodations, restaurants, bars, a yacht club, a golf course, a spa and a koala sanctuary along with a host of water sports and tours to the outer reef. You’ll find the exclusive qualia resort here, and it’s also the gateway to Hayman Island’s luxurious One&Only resort. Surrounded by pristine beaches and turquoise water, Hamilton Island makes a perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The island concierge will arrange it all.

Cruise Whitsundays sails an amazing state-of-the-art pontoon at Reefworld on colorful Hardy Reef — you don’t even have to get wet. There’s a huge underwater viewing chamber, a spacious sun deck, a kid-friendly snorkeling area, a child-minding service and a massage hut. Nocturnal enthusiasts will love Reefsleep, where you spend the night on a floating pontoon and snorkel in the moonlight. During my visit, memorable excursions included a heliflight to pristine Whitehaven Beach, where I swam and picnicked. No less spectacular was snorkeling from my private glass-bottom boat with a lovely glass of bubbly on the return. Whether you laze by the pool, bushwalk, view the reef by seaplane or enjoy a romantic sunset sail, you’re sure to be living the life.

During the months of June and July, an extraordinary wildlife encounter takes place at the Barrier Reef. Between 60 and 80 adorable dwarf minke whales come to the warm waters off Queensland’s northern coast to frolic and mate. (You can book an expedition in advance with Eye to Eye Marine Encounters.) Surprisingly, these agile little creatures actually seek out human company, going as far as following boats traveling between dive sites. What’s more remarkable is the curious minkes make the first move to approach swimmers who slip into the water to observe them. Some come as close as three feet and appear to enjoy studying their human subjects. At times, it’s unclear who is more interested in whom. The playful whales also put on a show with pirouettes, belly rolls and a symphony of grunts and moans. This phenomenon does not happen anywhere else in the world, and scientists are baffled as to why it happens at all. One thing is for certain: Going eye to eye with a minke is one experience you’ll never forget.

A dwarf minke whale © Joanne Weston | Dreamstime.com

Another type of close encounter happens at the private resort of Heron Island. From September to March each year, this small coral cay wonderland on the southern Great Barrier Reef serves as the breeding home and sanctuary for loggerhead and green sea turtles. These gentle giants of the sea return to lay their eggs in the exact same spot where they were hatched some 30 years earlier. The turtles lumber ashore to lay their eggs, and their circle of life continues as the adorable hatchlings emerge and scurry down to the ocean. Resort guests get to witness this remarkable phenomenon. Situated directly on the reef, Heron Island is also a diving mecca with excellent snorkeling right from the beach.

The bustling city of Cairns is the most popular gateway to the reef. Here visitors find an array of boat operators with offers ranging from inexpensive daytrips on large vessels to intimate luxury charters. In addition to the many dive, snorkel and sailing excursions, there are wine tastings and visits to the coastal resort town of Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest.

Port Douglas is an hour’s drive north from Cairns along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads, with the rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. This laid-back beach town also serves as the gateway to the Agincourt Reef, part of the Great Barrier. Slower paced and more sophisticated than flashy Cairns, charming Port Douglas exudes a serene vibe. With a world-class marina, hip cafés, top restaurants, art galleries, palm-shaded streets and stunning Four Mile Beach, it’s a tropical paradise.

Australia’s clear waters are perfect for snorkeling © Jonmilnes | Dreamstime.com

North of Cairns lies one of the oldest rainforests still in existence, the Daintree Rainforest. More than 100 million years old, it is home to the most diverse range of plants and animals, including ancient flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Meander the lush tropical landscape of waterfalls, fan palms and twisted mangroves. You may even spot the elusive cassowary, a prehistoric-looking, six-foot-tall flightless bird. Hike to where the river meets the sea, but don’t go in the water — crocodiles make it their home. Explore options including an aerial walkway, guided treks, a canopy tower and zip-lining through the treetops. Daintree’s indigenous inhabitants believe many natural sites possess spiritual, healing and regenerative powers. The Eastern Kuku Yalanji indigenous people, who have lived here for thousands of years, offer storytelling walks through the rainforest’s sacred sites, providing an insight into their culture and an understanding of their empathy and respect for the environment.

Great Barrier Reef Info to Go

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas offer daily flights linking Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Cairns Airport. These airlines also fly to Whitsundays Coast (Proserpine) and Hamilton Island. From these hubs, boats and charter air flights are available to Great Barrier Reef resorts.

Where to Stay in The Great Barrier Reef

Lizard Island Resort Located directly on the Great Barrier Reef, this secluded oasis is a paradise for water enthusiasts. Stylish villas open onto powdery white beaches; it’s barefoot luxury at its best. Lizard Island National Park $$$$

One&Only Hayman Island The island’s only resort offers the perfect family-friendly luxury getaway, featuring reflecting pools, tropical gardens and pristine coves. Try the “ocean dreaming massage” as you float in the Coral Sea. Hayman Island $$$$

qualia Everything is high-end in this adults-only, super-luxe retreat. Guests enjoy posh pavilions with plunge pools and Coral Sea views, impeccable service, excellent food and fine wine. Hamilton Island $$$$

Restaurants in The Great Barrier Reef

Bommie Restaurant Enjoy fine modern Aussie fare in stylish ambience. Try the freshly shucked oysters and local black kingfish while gazing out over the Whitsundays. Book well ahead to secure a table on the deck. Hamilton Island Yacht Club $$$$

Long Pavilion Overlooking the Coral Sea, qualia’s fine-dining eatery includes a degustation menu with seven courses and an accompanying wine cellar. The food lives up to the hype. qualia, Hamilton Island $$$$

Salsa Bar & Grill After sunset, the deck turns into an intimate dining area at this popular waterside haunt. Foodies flock here for local specialties like Wonga barramundi and sloe gin-infused kangaroo loin. 26 Wharf St., Port Douglas $$$