Australia 2026

In June 2026, 14 divers joined Scuba Center for a once-in-a-lifetime dive trip to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, timed intentionally for Minke whale season. Each winter, these gentle giants migrate through the Ribbon Reefs, offering divers rare and respectful encounters in clear, warm water.

The journey began in Cairns, where the group boarded the Spirit of Freedom liveaboard for seven nights of spectacular diving. They explored Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs, and Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, home to potato cod, reef sharks, and kaleidoscopic coral walls.

After a week at sea, divers experienced the beauty of the Kuranda rainforest, the charm of Sydney, and the dramatic landscapes of the Blue Mountains. This trip combined reef, rainforest, and city life for a complete Australian experience.

Trip Highlights Included

• A weeklong liveaboard in the Great Barrier Reef aboard the Spirit of Freedom

• Ethical encounters with Minke whales during their migratory season

• Diving at Cod Hole

• Rainforests in the Kuranda region

• Time in Sydney

• A visit to the Blue Mountains

Thank you Will Wanner, Mark Garton and Ron Hendrickson for your photos!