Great Barrier Reef QLD

We came, we saw, we snorkelled and it was great - pun intended. Another bucket list ✅

We were very fortunate with the weather, scoring a perfect blue-sky day for our Great Barrier Reef adventure aboard Wavelength 6.

The tour was perfect for us - snorkellers only (no scuba divers competing for space), mostly adults (Lachie was almost the youngest onboard) and blessedly free of incompetent tourists.

Even better, the crew were actual marine biologists who clearly loved what they do. As we explored three different sites on Opal Reef - namely RayBan, Mojo and Bashful Bommie - they explained the reef’s ecology and pointed out marine life we would have otherwise swum straight past.

The snorkelling itself was spectacular, with something new to discover at each site, including vivid corals, enormous giant clams, clownfish (Nemo) and other colourful tropical fish - even a turtle!

By the time we reached Bashful Bommie, the tide had dropped enough for parts of the reef to emerge above the water, like a flooded lunar landscape with coral stretching as far as the eye could see.

A special mention also goes to the environmentally friendly rice-paper seasick bags, which dissolve in water, so if needed you simply toss them overboard - instant fish food bombs. Just don’t hang onto one after using it unless you enjoy the sensation of a ticking time bomb dissolving in your hands.

Thankfully, us McDermotts once again proved our sea legs. Despite warnings of a rough crossing, it was little more than a gentle rock - nothing compared to our infamous 2025 shark boat adventure.Read more