The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef was formed about 9,000 years ago after the last ice age. The coral can only grow below the water level and therefore as the ice melted, the water level increased and the coral formed the reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest reef system, stretching for 1,250 miles and occupying an area of 135,000 sq miles.

The aquatic life on the reef is very diverse, with an estimated 2,000 types of fish and 500 species of coral polyps not to mention the bird life as well. The spectacular colours of the fish and coral make The Great Barrier Reef a favorite for divers from all over the world. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) was established 20 years ago to protect over 1000 Coral reefs and Islands that make up the Great Barrier Reef.
 
The Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is located near Cairns, Queensland. This rainforest is also on the list of protected sites from the World Heritage Listing.

There is a lot to see and to do around the rainforest. There is the Kuranda Scenic Skyway and Scenic Railway. The skyway is the longest cable-car (like ski-lift) in the world. It takes over 40 minutes to go one-way. The railway drives you through the rainforest.

The most amazing feature is that the trees are unbelievably  huge and one is amazed at how dense the forest are. The forest are filled with life of all sorts.

One can see wild pepper growing on vines, huge termite nests taller than one can imagine, lizards, birds, more birds, huge trees, bird eating spiders etc.

One can also take the river cruise but watch out for the crocodiles and the snapping turtles.

Trees tend to grow on other trees in the rainforest and the sounds can get very loud. In fact there are some insects that make such a loud buzzing noise that hearing damage can result with prolonged exposure.