Underwater Adventures

...at a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Jun 15, 2023

Hello, fellow adventure lover!

It’s been a very wet and cold month with lots of time indoors working on Book 3 of the Georgia Lee Series. I have to admit it’s hard to write about Georgia being in hot and dusty India while it’s the complete opposite over here! But I was lucky enough to travel 1,200km north just last week to thaw out the old bones a bit (read more below).

What about you? Tell me about your latest explorations, near and far!

This Month’s Adventures

You’ve probably heard of the Great Barrier Reef, but what about its lesser known cousin in Western Australia? Nestled along the remote and rugged coastline of East Indian Ocean,1,200km north of my new home in Perth, is the Ningaloo Reef. Stretching over 260 kilometers (162 miles) along the Coral Coast, the Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible biodiversity and captivating underwater landscapes. In summer, turtles nest in its pristine white beaches. In winter, megafaunas such as manta rays, humpback whales, orcas, and whale sharks migrate through the region.

This is a truly magical place. The reef is incredibly healthy and teaming with life. And I was lucky to swim with multiple whale sharks during my visit (check out a video here). We also saw many dolphins, whales, dugongs, many different types of stingrays, and lots and lots of HUGE fish.

It was here that I did the most incredible dive at the legendary Navy Pier, one of the most sought-after dive sites at Ningaloo Reef. Rated as one of the top 10 shore dives in the world, this iconic location is a mecca for divers and underwater enthusiasts. I was astounded by the amount of life under this pier - there were times I had to nudge away the schools of tropical fish just to see my dive buddy! There are also many magnificent reef sharks (grey nurse, white tips, and the amazing Wobbegong), along with an array of vibrant nudibranchs and crustaceans. There is also the very famous resident 2-metre long Giant Grouper, known as the BFG (Big Friendly Grouper), who comes out to greet divers at every visit.

The BFG (Big Friendly Grouper) at Navy Pier, swimming to my dive buddy for a kiss

I fell in love with BFG at first sight. Floating in the water with his fins flapping about, he looked like a mothership to me. But after coming home and Googling about his diet, I may be a bit more cautious around him next time… Let’s just say he’s an apex predator!

The adventure doesn't end at the water's edge, though – the Ningaloo Coast also boasts breathtaking gorges, rugged ranges, and stunning sunsets, making it a haven for hikers, photographers, and all those captivated by the raw beauty of the Australian outback.

Manu Manu Gorge at Cape Range National Park

So next time you are Down Under, think about paying this magical place a visit. Also check out the new documentary about Ningaloo made by the legendary Australian author, Tim Winton. Watch the trailer here.

What I’m Reading/Watching

I have to admit I’m a little conflicted over this one. I read the book by Gregory David Roberts a few years ago and was one of the few that did not enjoy it. But I have to say that I am liking the series produced by Apple TV+. Just be forewarned that the TV production is very different from the book. And let me know what you think of the book, if you’ve read it.

Until next month, stay happy and well 🙂