The Great Barrier Reef with Kids
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most famous natural wonders of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is also the world’s largest living structure, it consists of around 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands.
I found our excursion on TripAdvisor through QuickSilver with a pickup from our hotel in Port Douglas, Australia. The excursion took you on a ship out to a platform in the middle of the reef full of activities to do throughout the day. They literally had something for everyone to enjoy! You have the option to go on an underwater submarine tour, walk down the steps of the platform to an observatory deck and view all of the underwater life without getting wet, scuba diving, ocean walkers, snorkeling, and even an optional helicopter ride (this requires an additional cost)! Both lunch and a light breakfast were also included in the purchase of the excursion.
When we first arrived on the platform me and Laila decided to grab lunch, which consisted of an all you can eat buffet with chicken, rice, vegetables, pasta salad, and an assortment of breads and fruit. Next, we got fitted for our stinger suits made of lycra. Jellyfish season is November through May in Northern Australia and the Queensland area, the stinger suits help provide snorkelers and swimmers with protection from the stings of harmful jellyfish. We decided to check out the underground platform to see what was in the reef at a comfortable pace for Laila. It was like being at an aquarium, but we were seeing each creature in their natural habitat. Next, we took a ride on the underwater submarine which Laila really enjoyed and took a million pictures on. Honestly, this was my second time on an underwater submarine and I’m not really a fan, both times the rocking has made me feel nauseous and the space is too confined for me. I only go on them because Laila really enjoys the rides. Next, we went on the lower platform to get in the reef and see the sea life up close and personal. The fish freely swimming around the platform were HUGE! When I tell you my 4 year old child was not having it with those giant fish!! She sat on the platform bench with a charter employee while I stepped off the platform for 30 seconds just to get a glimpse. If I ever go back to the GBR with more family help, I can already tell I’ll be in the reef snorkeling for a while just to see how beautiful everything was again!
After all of these activities we took another break to get more fruit and to sit and rest. This is when we found out we could do something really cool and memorable. For a couple of dollars, we were able to buy post cards and mail them directly from the Great Barrier Reef! We bought two post cards and addressed them to both sets of Laila’s great grandparents. They took weeks to arrive to their destination, but how many people can say they received a post card that was post marked across the world from the Great Barrier Reef?!
The tour came to an end and we boarded the ship to head back to Port Douglas, Australia. Laila talked about all of the fun things we did that day while we settled in our seats and 45 seconds later, she was asleep. I think as parents we all know our kids had the best time when they’ve literally tired themselves out. If you ever get the chance to go the Great Barrier Reef, take it!
