Introduction to today's journey
The Great Barrier Reef extending 2300 kilometres northward along Australia's east coast from the top of Fraser Island to the top of Australia is the world's largest reef. Estimated to be 500,000 years old, the reef we see today started forming at the end of the last ice age about 8000 years ago, where it rose with the rising sea level into today's living mosaic of over 3000 reefs. Formed from countless coral polyps, the colossal limestone structures supports one of the world's most diverse ecosystems of thousands of species ranging from microscopic algae to giant humpback whales thrive together in a delicate balance in this majestic underwater world.
Today's journey again takes us out from Cairns firstly to Michaelmas Cay, then further out to Hastings Reef where we explore the reef wildlife.
Today's Journey
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Heading back out to sea in the early morning. |
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Passing Green Island as we head over the sea roughed up by the prevailing south east trade wind. |
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About an hour out from Cains we reach Michaelmas Cay at the inner edge of the Great Barrier Reef. |
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The reefs outcrops tower in dark clusters out of the white sand in the deep water. |
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Here we go snorkling in amongst the reefs. |
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A lot of birds rest on the coral cay whilst we snorkel the reefs beneath the surface. |
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Returning to the boat sitting in the pristine water. |
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From Michaelmas Cay, we continue heading further out into the reef. |
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Reaching Hastings Reef, we go diving again in the clearer water amongst the larger reefs. |
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Here we go snorkling again before riding a glass bottomed boat anchored here. This is a much less frequented reef and there is a lot more fish life here. |
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The reef is just below the surface no land until Michalmas Cay in the distance and the mountains of the mainland just visible in the distance. |
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Returning to Cairns after seeing several whales in the distance on our way back. |
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