The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef has been known to and used by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal Australians have been living in the area from at least 40,000 years ago,and Torres Strait Islanders since about 10,000 years ago. For these 70 or so clan groups, the reef is also an important part of their culture and spirituality. More on this, in my next post.

Larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. The 2000km conglomeration of colourful coral stretches along the Queensland seaboard makes for some of the most spectacular diving landscape imaginable.

Due to its diversity in sealife , warm clear waters and its accessibility the reef became our haven for snorkelling and scuba diving for the next couple of days,it was a pure getaway for us city dwellers, a super break away from the hustle bustle of life in the city.

This Island we stayed in was largely natural - a sweep of caster sugar sands that is home to turtles and birds. This tiny coral cay is both part of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by it, its pristine waters host to an unimaginable variety of marine life including coral and fish.

This island allowed access to the pristine reef and beach environments including rare turtle and bird breeding grounds. We were able to enjoy exceptional snorkelling, bird watching, island and reef walks and all we did was simply relaxed within the peaceful natural setting, enjoying the stunning views.

This Island we stayed in, called Wilson, had comfortable designer-inspired tented accommodations on six permanent tent sites and is packaged with pre and post accommodation at Heron Island as a complete 5-night escape. The remote coral cay is located 8 nautical miles from Heron Island (Approximately 40 minutes by boat).

We were drawn to this island as the city life had eroded a lot from us, and we literally wanted a back to nature break. This break allowed us pristine nature, seclusion and the freedom from modern-day living. To my mind W Island is the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended.