DAY VISITS TO THE REEFThere are many operators offering days out tothe Great Barrier Reef and there are three keydifferences to each reef operator: the type ofvessel used, be it a motorboat or a large sailingcatamaran, the number of visitors they take -which can vary from two to two hundred - andthe locations they visit, some visit multi-levelpontoons, others drop anchor near small sandcays or visit islands. QUEENSLAND35Synergy II, Day TripThis luxury sailing catamaran carries a maximum oftwelve people on day visits from Port Douglas.Synergy II's twin hulls make it extremely stable andensures a smooth trip. The sail to the outer barrierreef is leisurely and guests are invited to take part inthe sailing process - take the helm, trim the sails orhave the intricacies of navigation explained. Yourreef location depends on the day's conditions,however you will have plenty of time to explore andperhaps take an introductory dive with the on-boardinstructor. As the wind fills the sails for the cruiseback to port, enjoy a glass or two of fine Australianwine - a perfect finale.Odyssey H2O, Day TripDeparting from Cape Tribulation this trip is perfectfor those looking to try snorkeling or diving for thefirst time or for those divers that are qualified.Taking just 30 guests, Odyssey H2O is a powerfuland well-equipped motor yacht that reaches pristineMackay or Undine reefs in under an hour, allowingtime to visit two reef sites and experience anextraordinary array of marine life and coral species.The return to Cape Tribulation is beautiful as younear the spectacular coastline, with its dense, greenrainforest tumbling down to the beautiful, whitesandy beaches. Synergy IIDIVING ON THE REEF Diving is one of the best ways to appreciate theGreat Barrier Reef, and the region's clear warmwaters and stringent safety regulations mean itis a perfect place to either learn the sport orhone your skills. The outer barrier reef,consisting of individual reefs that grow on tothe edge of the continental shelf, are perfect forkeen divers and a live-aboard expedition is thebest way to experience them. There are somestunning sites located on the sparkling 'RibbonReefs' such as Pixie's Pinnacle and the Cod Holewhere vertical walls plunge into the depthsboasting a wealth of pelagic fish life, such asthe giant potato cod. Beyond the outer reef, arethe islands, sand cays and reefs of the CoralSea, like an oasis, they rise thousands of feetfrom the ocean floor to just below the surface.Huge shoals of fish gather around thespectacular walls encrusted with coral, giganticgorgonian fans and sea whips; capped withshallow coral gardens in the gin-clear water theyare truly stunning.Spirit of Freedom,Live Aboard Reef SafariSpirit of Freedom offer a choice of three, four orseven-day diving safaris for those wanting toexperience the best of the reef. At nearly fortymetres she is one of Australia's largest live-aboarddive boats making her extremely stable and able toaccess remote and spectacular reefs in perfectcomfort. With just ten ensuite cabins, deliciousmeals provided by a skilled chef and some of thefinest diving in the world, you have the formula for aexceptional experience. Pro Dive, Learn to DiveThis premier dive school has developed aninternational reputation for quality, safety and value.Using comfortable purpose built dive vessels theyoffer day visits, live-aboard safaris and a five day'learn to dive' course. Their PADI dive centre isperfect for those wanting to learn to dive as well asqualified divers that wish to hone their skills, makingit ideal for those travelling together who havedifferent skill levels.Clown fish

DARWINThick hedges of bougainvillea and frangipani,gigantic arching rain trees and swaying palmsadd a tropical languor to this park-filled city thatjuts out on a peninsula in the Arafura Sea. Builton the traditional lands of the LarrakiaAboriginal people, the city is far closer to Asiathan the rest of Australia, and this influence canbe felt at every turn. Its colonial style isdeceptive as it was completely flattened byHurricane Tracey three decades ago and had tobe rebuilt, but its airy architecture is coloured bythe diverse influences of ethnic groups thatrange from Chinese to Greek and enlivened byrestaurants and markets. Highlights includeMindil Beach sunset market that takes placeeach Thursday, the open-sided 'Tour Tub'trolleybus that tours the city sights and theAboriginal artifacts of the Museum and ArtGallery. It is worth spending time here beforedashing on to the national parks.Northern Territory,The Top End36The deep reverberating sound of adidgeridoo, rugged sandstone cliffsetched with ancient art work, lush thickvegetation, huge wetlands and roaringwaterfalls: all this and more can befound in the vast Outback landscapes ofAustralia's Top End. Tropical Darwin isthe capital city and the essential startingpoint to explore the Northern Territory'snational parks. The most famous isKakadu to the east, the largest in thecountry: sheltering wildlife and wetlandsas well as Aboriginal rock art sitesdating back tens of thousands of years.Well off the tourist trail the remoteCobourg Peninsula and Garig GunakBarlu National Park can be reachedonly through Aboriginal-owned ArnhemLand: well worth the journey as they arerich in wildlife. The closest park toDarwin is Litchfield National Park, rifewith natural swimming holes andwaterfalls. Head south and the NitmilukNational Park contains the stunningKatherine Gorge, carved by theKatherine River into thirteen soaringgorges, ideally explored by boat. Thisseductive, tropical area has twoclimates: an intense hot, dry season andthe 'wet', which brings rivers andwaterfalls to thundering life. Aboriginal rock art