Finally I got to see The Reef! :) What an awesome day! The Backpackers shuttle took us to the Reef Fleet Plaza, the Marina from where all our boats depart for the Great Barrier Reef. After about 90 min we reached the Outer Reef and put our wetsuits on. Jumping into the water was like landing on another world. A Wonderworld! The colors, shapes and marine life were absolutely stunning! During our lunch break we moved to another spot of the coral reef. And it was th...

Once again got up early this morning to catch the 7AM bus to Cairns. The final one on this trip. Passing endless bushlands and vast sugar cane plantations. Arrived in Cairns 6PM and checked into the lovely Tropic Days Backpackers. Easily the best I have been so far in Australia. Booked my day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and joined my fellow backpackers out on the patio of the tropical garden for "Pizza Night" and free beer :)Wieder einmal frueh aufgestanden um...

In the morning we hauled the anchors and sailed for Hayman Island. As we reached Blue Pearl Bay a sea turtle stuck its head out of the water. Excited, everyone jumped into its wetsuit and into the water. Of course by that time the turtle was gone. But all of us were looking for Nemo again anyway. In vain, as we found out later. After the snorkeling we made our way back to Airlie Beach. Back in town I realized what an idiot I was forgetting my swim shorts on the b...

After an early Brekkie we anchored in Tongue Bay and shuttled over to Whitsunday Island. From there we hiked up to a spectacular lookout overseeing Whitehaven Beach on the other side of the island. After walking down to the snow-white beach we put our wetsuits on and jumped into the water. When we returned to our boat we went to a place called Luncheon Bay for snorkeling at its coral reef. With the help of some food the fish came so close we literally were able...

Today I started my sailing trip on the boat "New Horizon" heading for the Whitsunday's. A group of 74 islands within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. So, no touching or taking of anything! As we sailed towards Hook Island we saw a baby whale ;) For the night we anchored at the Nara Inlet, a breeding ground for Hammerhead Sharks. Not at the moment though. Our crew provided a delicious seafood dinner and we enjoyed the beautiful sunset with a couple of Carlt...