Great Barrier Reef

Season

2012

8.3

Monty Halls explores Australia's Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world and the largest living structure on our planet. Monty explores its full 2000-kilometre length, from the wild outer reefs of the Coral Sea to the tangled mangrove and steaming rainforest on the shoreline; from large mountainous islands to tiny coral cays barely above sea level; from the dark depths of the abyss beyond the reef to colourful coral gardens of the shallows.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Nature's Miracle

The Great Barrier reef, a series of coral reefs along Queensland's coast, is the largest structure created by organisms. Where geology and tides are favorable, coral reefs are created by innumerable minute organisms, animal and vegetable corals and the microorganisms they host. The islands are the richest maritime biotope for fish and other aquatic creatures. It all changes quickly with the tides, the season and shaping forces such as erosion.

S1 • E2

Reef to Rainforest

Most of the Great Barrier Reef are island behind the corals. They have a diverse wildlife, dependent on their relatively rapid life cycle, height, arrival of 'immigrants', suitability for egg laying etc.

S1 • E3

Reef and Beyond

However fascinating the reefs themselves may be, far more species depend on the environment they create outside, both on island soil and in deep sea. Each occurs in Australia and its Indian Ocean waters in abundant number and variety.