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Great Barrier Reef - Ribbon Reefs

The Ribbon Reefs. Where do we even start? For us, these ten skinny reefs on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef represent some of Australia's best diving, full stop. Forget the crowded day boats; this is liveaboard territory, and worth every penny. We love the dramatic topography, those huge coral pinnacles like Steve’s Bommie, absolutely smothered in stony corals. Drift along, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by schools of fusiliers so thick they momentarily block the sun, only to part for a passing yellow-spotted trevally. Our favourite, though, has to be the Cod Hole. Seriously, diving with those enormous potato cod, sometimes seven or eight of them at once, is an experience that never gets old. Their sheer size is impressive, but it’s their curious, almost dog-like nature that makes it special. We’d suggest getting in early for your first dive here, before too many other boats arrive, just to soak it all in. Keep an eye out for dwarf minke whales during the winter months, too. Hearing their calls underwater before you even see them is pure magic. It’s accessible for most certified divers, but some experience with currents is a plus here.