Unesco description
The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It also holds great scientific interest as the habitat of species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction.

Received through Postcrossing on 23.02.2013
The Great Barrier Reef is the world´s largest coral reef system with over 2900 reefs and 900 islands. It can be seen from outer space and is the world´s biggest single structure made by living organisms.

Trivia:
On the 11th of June 1770, the HMS Endeavour, captained by James Cook ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef. It was saved by lightening the ship so it could float again during the incoming tide.

Received from Marlene and Tony on 10.05.2024

Received from Marlene and Tony on 28.04.2024