Top Things to do in Great Barrier Reef
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What to do and see in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: The Best Lighthouses
The world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef stretches almost 1500 miles into the Pacific from the tip of Queensland. Designated a Marine Park by the Australian government and a World Heritage Area by UNESCO, the reef is home to an extraordinary abundance of species and habitats. Snorkeling, diving and fishing are rightly popular along the reef, nowhere more so than on the Whitsunday Islands, where the silica sands and aqua waters of the Coral Sea create the perfect beach escape.
Restaurants in Great Barrier Reef
1. Discover 1770 Holiday Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 118 reviews
Souvenirs, tshirts, bike hire, reef tours. Make this the first place to go to on your holiday to Agnes Water and Town of 1770! Not easy to spot at first, but they're a little hidden gem and absolutely well worth seeing (part of the Caltex petrol station complex). The Discover 1770 Shop is your ONE STOP VISITOR SHOP in Agnes Water. They hire bikes and snorkel gear, advise you of the best walks, tours and free stuff to do there. Grab a free local map and local advice from Lisa and Kevin. Don't leave town without a quality and tasteful t-shirt, hat or hoodie (they stock top quality A S Colour brand!) PASSIONATE, HELPFUL, KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF. There's a beautiful range of souvenirs and gifts (not just generic gifts). Hire bikes from them and explore this beautiful piece of paradise.
2. Lady Elliot Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
The lighthouse on Lady Elliot Island was built in 1873. Standing at approximately 17 metres, the white and red lighthouse was pre-fabricated in England and shipped to the island in pieces. It was the first lighthouse in Australia with a timber frame and weatherproof cast iron external cladding. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1995 when it became too short for the surrounding vegetation and a new solar powered, fully automated tower was built. The original lighthouse was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004. The Lady Elliot Island Lightstation Heritage Management Plan was developed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) in March 2012 to protect, conserve and manage the Commonwealth Heritage values of the Lady Elliot Island lighthouse. Unfortunately, the lighthouse is not open to the public but is often the focus of history and photography buffs. There is a little museum in the adjacent building containing historical information and memorabilia.
Reviewed By luciaw16 - Brisbane, Australia
The lighthouse on Lady Elliot Island is a very ornate and gorgeous lighthouse that overlooks the deep side of the island where you can snorkel off in 20-30 metre deep water. Although it is not currently in use, it provides a good landmark that looks good in pictures.
3. Sandy Cape Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Aussie-in-paradise - Sydney, Australia
Don't be put off by the 1.2km walk up a steep hill. You will be more than rewarded by your effort. I'm 52 and not really fit, and i smoke. It took me 25 minutes to wander up, i paused 4 times. Take water with you and your camera, there are no toilets up there, just great views. look through the window for a very impressive solar setup. The history of this light house and its construction is really interesting. We did the walk then had a BBQ, which we took with us, lunch back on the beach. Just watch the tides when driving, as with anything on the island.
4. Grassy Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Grassy Hill offers a 360 degree view of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef. Although now quite heavily forested, Grassy Hill is so known because local aboriginals deliberately burnt the forest on the hill to encourage re-growth of vegetation and draw animals to the area for hunting. The landscape you see today from the top of the hill has changed little since Captain James Cook and the crew of the HMB Endeavour climbed Grassy Hill in 1770 to view the surrounding reefs enabling him to navigate a safe passage. The views today, especially at sunset and sunrise, are still as spectacular as in 1770 making Grassy Hill one of Cooktown's most popular attractions.
Reviewed By coachfos_aus - Atherton, Australia
Grab some Fish and Chips to enjoy a fantastic sunset. 360 degrees views with lighthouse with history of Cooktown to displays. However, get up early and with a quick walk up the hill you will witness the magic sunrise!
5. Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse
6. Cape Cleveland Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By TripBoi31415
The views from the top were amazing. The history of the lighthouse was interesting as well. The staff treated me like family. Special shoutout to Liam for a great day!
