Trips of a
Lifetime
WORDS Michel cruz Photography © shutterstock
Diving in the Great Barrier Reef
The other ‘Great’ wonder of the world is the Great Barrier Reef, a system of tropical islands and coral reefs that stretches for 2,300 kilometres just off the east coast of Queensland, Australia. Unlike the Great Wall of China, this earthly wonder is entirely natural. Though also created by living organisms, in this case coral polyps, it forms part of a protected natural area known as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Tourism is limited, yet this natural wonder of the world has become a paradise for divers, yachtsmen, fishermen and others drawn to its turquoise tropical waters and little islands. From the coastal resorts in central and northern Queensland, Cairns among them, it is a relatively short trip to the islands, where you can join fellow divers and marvel at some of the most awe-inspiring underwater beauty to be experienced anywhere in the world.
We all dream of making what we call trips of a lifetime, voyages that would see us roaming the earth’s latitudes, visiting exotic new places, meeting new people and exploring those wonders that will stay with us forever. While the choice and definition may vary from person to person, here is an enticing selection inspired by TripAdvisor.
ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM JULY 2014 / 117