Map of the Great Barrier Reef – Islands, Regions & Queensland Guide

Map of the Great Barrier Reef – Islands, Regions & Queensland Guide

This map of the Great Barrier Reef provides a detailed overview of the world’s largest coral reef system, including reef regions, islands, Queensland coastlines and surrounding Australian geography.

The Great Barrier Reef is known for coral reefs, tropical islands, marine biodiversity, diving locations and its enormous marine ecosystem along the north-eastern coast of Australia.

Quick Answer:

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland in north-eastern Australia and stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres along the Coral Sea.

Interactive Great Barrier Reef Map (Reference View) Explore reef regions, islands, Queensland coastal cities and surrounding marine geography.
Tip: Great Barrier Reef maps are useful for understanding reef regions, marine parks, islands and Queensland coastal geography.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors


Where Is the Great Barrier Reef Located?

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the north-eastern coast of Queensland, Australia, within the Coral Sea.

  • North: Torres Strait and Cape York region
  • South: Central Queensland reef regions
  • East: Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean
  • West: Queensland coastal cities and mainland Australia

Main Great Barrier Reef Regions

  • Cairns reef region — major tourism and diving area
  • Whitsundays — island and sailing destination region
  • Port Douglas region — northern reef tourism hub
  • Townsville reef corridor — central reef access area
  • Far Northern Reef — remote tropical reef systems
  • Southern Reef region — reef areas near Bundaberg and Gladstone
  • Ribbon Reefs — outer reef diving region
  • Coral Sea reefs — offshore reef systems east of Queensland

Major Islands and Marine Areas

  • Hamilton Island — major Whitsundays island destination
  • Heron Island — southern reef island region
  • Lizard Island — northern reef tourism area
  • Green Island — popular reef island near Cairns
  • Lady Elliot Island — southern reef eco-tourism location
  • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park — protected marine region
  • Coral cays and reef islands — spread throughout the reef system

Key Geographic Features

  • Coral reef systems — largest reef network in the world
  • Tropical islands — scattered along the Queensland coast
  • Marine biodiversity zones — support fish, coral and marine wildlife
  • Outer reef regions — offshore coral formations and diving sites
  • Queensland coastal waters — connect mainland Australia to reef systems

Great Barrier Reef Transport and Travel Overview

  • Reef tour boat routes — operate from coastal Queensland cities
  • Island ferry services — connect islands and tourism hubs
  • Regional airports — support reef tourism access
  • Diving and snorkelling routes — spread across reef regions
  • Marine park access areas — managed throughout protected zones

Why People Search for a Map of the Great Barrier Reef

  • To locate reef regions and islands
  • To understand Queensland coastal geography
  • To plan diving, snorkelling and tourism travel
  • To explore marine parks and coral reef systems
  • To study Australian marine geography and ecosystems

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Great Barrier Reef Map Resources


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Great Barrier Reef Map FAQs

  • Where is the Great Barrier Reef located?
    The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland in north-eastern Australia.
  • How large is the Great Barrier Reef?
    The reef stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres along the Queensland coastline.
  • What is the Great Barrier Reef known for?
    The reef is known for coral ecosystems, marine biodiversity, islands and tourism activities.
  • Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef?
    Yes, many reef regions are accessible through tours, ferries, diving trips and island resorts.

This page is for general informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any government authority, tourism authority, marine authority or mapping provider.

Disclaimer: Maps are provided for reference only and may not be accurate, complete, current, to scale or suitable for navigation, boating, diving or official purposes. Marine conditions, reef access, protected zones, weather conditions and geographic information may vary between sources and may change over time. Always verify official local information before travel or marine activities.