Next stop on our odyysy is Cairns where Heathers brother Dean lives. Fortunately for us one of Deans children Jane, is working in tourism and has an interest in a Great Barrier Reef tourist boat, so we include a trip out to the reef in our itinerary.

The tour boat aptly named "Passions of Paradise" is a very suitable boat for this type of tour, with a net out the front for exciting sunbaking, able to raise sails and fully equipped for diving. Heather donned tanks and took part in an introductory dive but, unfortunatly Avan was not permitted to dive by the crew as he had recently had a cold. Heather reported having the most fantastic experience.

We were also shuttled to spend time on a coral sand Cay. The cays are essentially islands being born, with coral, rubble, shells and other reef debris lodging onto an existing reef. Over a very long time, with the addition of bird droppings to bind the material, the cay eventually forms an island and again with bird droppings and floating seeds produce vegetation (as per Green Island which supports an amazing rain forest)

Footnote: The Great Barrier Reef is UNESCO World Heritage listed and features in the book Unforgettable Places to See before you die. The Great Barrier Reef is also recognised as one of The Seven Natural Wonders of the World.