There is only one way to truly experience the reef and rainforest, and that is by small-ship and I was recently one of the privileged few to join multi award-winning Coral Princess Cruises to discover the hidden secrets of the Great Barrier Reef on an unforgettable 7-night voyage of discovery. Coral Princess Cruises, with 25 years’ experience in the region and an unrivaled reputation for cruising excellence, secretes its passengers away to exclusive reef moorings far from the hundreds of day trippers frequenting the busy pontoons. We explored nature’s playground in its most unspoiled state: the real Reef, the verdant and mysterious primitive rainforest and secluded tropical islands most visitors never see.

            Our state-of-the-art small-ship accommodated a maximum of just 50 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. During the cruise we explored remote coral cays, deserted but for birdlife, peaceful tropical islands and primordial rainforests well beyond the reach of most visitors to the region. Or, if our mood desired, we simply relaxed on the sundeck or in the open-bridge or spa as we cruised serenely through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery Australia has to offer.

              The attentive and friendly all-Australian crew was always on hand to provide assistance and information about the fascinating Reef life and habitats we experienced. Aboard the glass bottom boat, the Reef was our oyster as the Marine Biologist explained the many wonders clearly revealed under the boat. We enjoyed ample time to snorkel our way through this unforgettable wonderland, amongst giant clams, colorful corals and multi-hued fish in the clear tropical waters. Our ever patient SCUBA diving instructor, Dennis, encouraged the novice (and apprehensive!) SCUBA divers, like myself, to join him on an introductory dive, truly an exhilarating experience. Certified divers can explore the incredible underwater world on more extensive dives, bringing back tales of spectacular sights that will entertain their friends for years to come.

              The highlight of the three-night cruise between Townsville and Cairns, the first leg of my 7-night cruise, was a delicious gourmet Aussie beach BBQ on Coral Princess’s very own private tropical island, Pelorus, where the wondrous reef was just a few easy steps from the shoreline. Later, we enjoyed beautiful Dunk Island, with ample time to explore, relax by the resort pool, indulge in an exotic tropical cocktail at the bar or join a guided rainforest walk where the enormous electric blue “Ulysses” butterflies flitted between the trees as our expert guide interpreted the fascinating ecology of the island’s wilderness.

              On the second leg of my voyage, a four-night cruise from Cairns to Lizard Island and back to Cairns, we snorkeled, swam and SCUBA dived on the pristine coral gardens of the remote and unspoiled Ribbon Reefs, some of the most spectacular coral gardens on this, the world’s best coral reef. And on Lizard Island, we retraced the footsteps of the famous explorer, Captain James Cook by climbing along the bush track winding up to the peak known as ‘Cook’s Look’. Captain Cook used this lookout, the highest point on the surrounding islands, to navigate a safe passage through the reef during his voyage of discovery in 1770, when he first claimed Australia as a British colony. The hour long hike to the peak was made worthwhile by the stunning views we encountered from the lookout, a spectacular tapestry of coral reefs spread out as far as the eye could see...

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