A Master Reef Guide True Story – This actually happens on the Southern Great Barrier Reef (Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort)!

The Southern Great Barrier Reef is comprised of coral cays – underwater hills that were once completely submerged, until baby corals began to colonize the substrate, growing up and out towards the surface and sunlight. Corals form the most intricately stunning structures. They are the basis of all life on the reef.

“Mum! Can we go people watching again this year?!”. It's not hard to imagine juvenile whales gossiping amongst themselves about what bizarre human behaviour they’ll witness on their annual migration to the tropics each year. There are few charismatic mega faunae we seem to get more excited about than the Humpback whales. Their highly protected status on the Southern Great Barrier Reef makes it possible to observe and connect with these creatures in an intimate yet respectful way.

When we mention sharks, there are usually two reactions: excitement or fear. Hollywood blockbusters and mainstream media have portrayed sharks as human eating machines; however, the reality is far from that.

From microscopic plankton to whales, the array of life on the reef is unlike anywhere else on the planet. While searching for the charismatic Great 8, what other hidden treasures might you find?