Cairns is the gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s great natural wonders. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and home to approximately 400 different types of coral. It is also an area of outstanding natural beauty and home to around 1500 different species of fish, 4000 types of mollusc and many endangered species, as well as other rare animals and birds. There are also more than 30 historic shipwrecks in the area and a number of archaeological site which are of Aboriginal origin. Visitors can enjoy the superb scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities available or take a boat trip to one of the many rainforested or coral islands