Australia

Great Barrier Reef

This is one of the great vacation destinations of the world - partly because of its expanse and natural splendour, and partly because it hugs the coast of one of the world's friendliest places: sunny, tropical Queensland.

The Great Barrier Reef is about 1,200 miles long and is made up of 2,900 reefs, 900 islands, 600 continental islands and 300 sand cays. Approximately 380 species of coral,500 species of seaweed,1500 species of fish and 4000 species of molluscs, such as shells, live on the Great Barrier Reef. Your can scuba to the deeper recesses, snorkel just below the dazzling surface, or view the watery wonderland from semi-submersibles and stay bone dry.

Some islands have resorts, ranging from 'family friendly' to exclusive hide-ways. Others are uninhabited paradises where you can pitch a tent under the stars on the beach and hike through rainforest covered hills.

The Whitsunday's region alone includes over 70 Great Barrier Reef islands. The Tropical North has more! These are the two main gateways to the reef, but you can get to a part of the reef or an island from almost any point on the coast.

On the mainland you can explore ancient rainforests, venture west into The Outback, or laze on sandy beaches. Get an adrenalin rush rafting down the rapids of a wild river. Cruise quietly along a still river where crocodiles bask on the banks. Stay on a working cattle station (ranch) and taste billy tea under a billion southern stars. Learn about some of the oldest living cultures from a local Aboriginal peoples. Find out how traditional boomerangs are made and hear some of the mystical Dreaming stories which have been handed down over a thousand generations.

We can help you to enjoy all of this and more. See our cruises.