Australia InDepth Series 1 Episode 2: Great Reef Adventures

Watch Series 1 Episode 2 ‘Great Reef Adventures’ now.

The Ocean is an infinite source of inspiration, presenting a cherished playground for superyachts to revel in adventures above and below the surface. Extending for over 34-thousand kilometres, Australia’s coastline is teeming with diverse nature to discover.

In the North-East, the Great Barrier Reef is renowned as the world’s largest coral reef system. It is here where we make our first stop in this episode, with guidance from the experts who help superyachts to make the most from their stay.

“The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Natural Wonders of the World and it is one of the main reasons that visitors come to Australia,” says Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia. “It’s dotted with thousands of little islands, a lot of those have great marinas and facilities on them, so it’s very accessible.”

Cairns is an ideal homeport for superyachts to base themselves whilst exploring the Great Barrier Reef, which spans almost 350,000 kilometres squared. “Cairns is an ideal superyacht hub,” explains Pat McLaughlin of Australian Superyacht Services. “It has a specific wharf dedicated to superyachts and access to the world’s best experiences. Its close proximity to the reef, the rainforest, and other amazing activities are just an hour outside of the city.

“It’s an incredible launchpad to the whole South Pacific.”

Further down the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef Adventure continues in the majestic Whitsunday Islands, a region iconic for its swirling white sands, lush hinterland, and kaleidoscopic reefs.

“There’s no shortage of activities for someone here cruising on a superyacht,” shares Kate Purdie, CEO of Coral Sea Marina – the gateway for superyachts to access the Whitsundays. “Whether it’s on water activities on the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, to visiting some of our famous island resorts or going up in an aircraft and seeing the reef from above, there’s something for everyone.”

However, Australia’s exquisite reef experiences are certainly not limited to the East Coast, with more and more superyachts capitalising on the thrilling opportunities of Western Australia.

“It really presents itself to having an adventure,” states Chad Avenell, Managing Director of Broome-based Marine Agents Australia. “The best thing about places like Ningaloo Reef and the Rowley Shoals is that you get awesome wildlife. The Manta rays, turtle life, shark feeding areas, all-in crystal-clear water. Then you also have the seasonal whale shark migration.”

Due to the remote nature of so many of Western Australia’s experiences, superyachts provide the perfect platform uncover these unique gems. From swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef – the world’s largest fringing reef, to the remote wilderness of the Kimberley, Western Australia boasts an array of exciting yachting itineraries that will have guests in awe of the region’s natural splendour.

In Episode 3 of Series 1, we will swap reef for wilderness to explore Australia’s rugged and remote regions, delving deeper into one of the world’s last natural frontiers.