Great Barrier Reef

Our last trip in Australia was out to the Great Barrier Reef. We had to get up at 6.00am for our trip but they had provided some nice pastries and fruit to keep us going. We were also looking forward to our trip because we were on the same one as our Canadian friends. We tried to have a bit of a snorkel at the first stop but the waves were quite choppy and there were jellyfish everywhere. One went into my hand and I accidentally squeezed it before I realised what it was. Luckily for me it didn't sting me. Loring also thought he may have swallowed one so we thought it best to get back onto the boat after that.

I was a bit nervous about the introductory dive we were going to do because when I did it in Turkey I felt quite panicky about it. There was no need to be nervous though as it was amazing. It was so easy to breathe and they talked us through the whole thing and looked after us. The coral was incredible and we could pick up sea cucumbers while the guides showed us which corals were safe to touch. There were also giant clams under the water where you could put your hand over the top and they would close up. 

After lunch they took us to this tiny little sand island which was really beautiful and we saw a huge turtle bathing in the shallow water. Chad also had his most unpopular moment here when he chased the turtle away.The next snorkelling stop was a bit calmer and we saw hundreds of fish and some really weird coral, including some that looked like it was covered in flowers. One of the crew was also in the water with us and he kept diving down and picking up sea cucumbers for us. One of them was massive and it was covered in star shapes. I put it on my head. It was so heavy and huge that it was dragging down my snorkel. It was making me laugh so much especially when the guide put it on his head because he had dredlocks so it looked like an extra massive dred. Laughing in the water is not really a good move though because you're soon choking like an absolute maniac and I also ended up with a load of snot in my snorkel.

That night, as part of our east coast package and because we were staying at the party hostel Gilligans, we went out on the Ultimate pub crawl. This night was amazing because A. Carly was still with us B. it was St.Paddy's and C. Wales won the Grand Slam!!! Woooohoooo!!

As well as this, it was our last couple of days with the Canadians we decided to do something to commemorate and got group piercings. Gwenda got her nose, Luce her tragus, Chad and I our top ear and Matt got both his ears. Chad may have passed out getting his done. 

Before coming to Australia I didn’t think anything could beat my time in New Zealand, however I absolutely loved Australia too. I had so much fun, meeting new people, doing all the incredible trips, especially the Great Ocean Road, Scooteroo and Uncle Brians. Now to see what Asia has in store...