Australia’s most remarkable feature has been named one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and is home to an incredible diversity of marine life. It is also one of the world’s most exciting holiday destinations, and has some of the most luxurious, desert-island idylls in the world, as well as excellent eco resorts.

Our interest in the Great Barrier Reef is likely to be stirred up once again by the BBC’s new documentary, the first episode of which will be aired on New Year’s Day. The series captures intriguing scenes around the reef, such as the greatest-ever gathering of green turtles, the most poisonous and dangerous creatures on the planet, parrotfish who spin their own sleeping-bags every night, and sharks that walk on land.

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Island resorts along the reef range from the glitzy to the eco-friendly, and there are some truly stunning options. Several of them have been featured on our Gold List, such as Hayman, a private island with beautiful rooms and villas that have private pools. Bedarra is another, and is very exclusive with just 16 villas on their own 247-acre island; likewise Qualia, on Hamilton Island, which offers golf and even ballet performances, the dancers flown in to entertain the celebrity guests.

Others are wonderful destinations for nature lovers. Lizard Island has some of the most spectacular dive sites in the region. Heron Island is a fantasy desert island and a national park, where turtles and giant manta rays swim off the coral reef that surrounds it – and so can you.

Source: cntraveller.com

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