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| The Great Barrier Reef is world renown for spectacular coral, inviting turquoise water and a myriad of sea life. Many think to enjoy the reef, you must take a trip to Cairns, get on a charter boat for the day and head out to the reef.There is another way to experience the Great Barrier Reef, it involves a 4 hour drive from Brisbane, a short plane flight and a free spirit. Lady Elliot Island just east of Bundaberg is a stunning island offering a more natural experience of the Great Barrier Reef. No, there are no swanky hotels or night clubs to go to, the Island is a tranquil place for visitors to enjoy the natural delights the Reef has to offer.
I have been to Lady Elliot Island three times, my first trip was way back in 1992. My most recent visit was in 2005 and these images are from my 2005 collection. One of my favourite images “Storm Coming” won me a silver award in the Queensland Australian Institute of Professional Photography Awards that year. At low tide, you can reef walk on the eastern side of the island closely inspecting the coral varieties, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea urchins and countless species of fish. One highlight of my trip and a little spooky experience was to do a night snorkel at high tide, the coral was barely a meter below me and seeing different species come out to play at night was awesome. If your visit coincides with turtle season, you may see a turtle come up onto the beach, dig a nest and lay her eggs before returning to the water. This process can take all night but it is very exciting. It is essential to be very quiet and unobtrusive as the turtle prepares here nest and begins to lay, if she is scared off, she will dump her eggs. You can walk the circumference of the island in less than an hour, longer if you stop to take in the bird rookeries and explore the beach. Many species of sea birds nest on the island. On the western side of the Island, you can snorkel, dive and swim, manta rays cruise pass as does the odd reef shark. As sunset arrives, it is a beautiful place to enjoy some chill time with the one you love. If you have a family, Lady Elliot Island is a perfect place, there is lots to do to entertain and excite the kids, no X-Boxes in sight! I hope you enjoy these images form Lady Elliot Island, as I was browsing through my back catalogue, I was inspired to share! |
by John Reyment
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