Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a huge coral reef in the ocean near Australia. It is so big that you can even see it from space! The reef is made of tiny animals called coral polyps. Together, they build one of the most amazing places on Earth. Many kinds of fish, turtles, and sharks live there.

Where Is It?

The Great Barrier Reef sits in the Coral Sea. It lies off the northeast coast of Australia. The reef is over 1,400 miles long. That is longer than a drive across many countries! It has almost 3,000 smaller reefs and 900 islands.

Bright blue reef waters trace the edge of Australia's coast.
Bright blue reef waters trace the edge of Australia's coast. (NASA/Kjell Lindgren / Wikimedia Commons)

What Lives There?

The reef is home to lots of sea animals. More than 1,500 kinds of fish swim in its waters. You can find sea turtles, dolphins, and giant clams. Colorful coral grows in many shapes and sizes. Sharks and rays glide past the reef too.

Why It Matters

The reef is very special and needs our help. Warm water and pollution can hurt the coral. When coral gets too hot, it turns white. This is called coral bleaching. People all over the world are working to keep the reef safe and healthy.

Fun Facts

  • The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth.
  • Astronauts can see the reef from outer space.
  • The reef is older than 20 million years.

Did You Know?

Coral may look like a plant or a rock, but it is actually made of tiny animals!