Working On Boats In The Great Barrier Reef

Sophie's Trip Index: Getting there Boats and other accommodation Food On and in the water Highlights Tips & rating More on the Great Barrier Reef

Getting There

Flew to Sydney with STA travel and then took a last minute domestic flight North.

Boats and Other Accommodation

Went on the Romance, Madison and worked voluntarily on The Habibi.

My sister was already up there working on Romance. We saw Habibi in the marina and asked for jobs. A friend was running Madison for a while.

Habibi is a relatively large boat, taking around 30 passengers; chiefly shared cabins, very simple; 5 crew members; gorgeous bbq/buffet food; basic facilities - there was no scuba diving, just snorkelling. Music playing, which the dolphins were attracted to. Live music from various passengers.

I also stayed onshore at Airly Beach, and at Harvey Bay, though I'm not sure if that counts as Barrier Reef territory. At Airly Beach, I slept in boat and stayed in a grotty hostel that has now been closed down. Harvey Bay I stayed in a Koala Hostel. That was nice, although it wasn't designed for the colder time that we were there. Rooms were spacious though, and staff were nice.

There were meals supplied on the boat. Pretty basic for lunch, but BBQs in the evening that were just gorgeous. It was bring your own booze and drinks; some soft drinks were supplied; all of it was thrown into a cooler on deck.

I saw a Great Wrasse called Elvis, lots of different, smaller fish that I can't remember the names of, dolphins, turtles, giant starfish. It was snorkelling, not scuba diving.

I wish I'd have gone scuba diving, but all the places on boats were booked up.

Weather and Sea Conditions

Weather was calm, but not warm - sun was out though; visibility wasn't great, but I didn't swim far out. Some people did, and the visibility got better.

It was July, so it was pretty cold for most of it, but the sun was warm. Very cold at night.

I didn't get sea sick while working on boats, but various others did, and just lay down for a while.

To the Barrier Reef: the atmosphere on the boat. Skipper got the guitar out and taught us Ozzy songs which we all sang late into the night.

The pictures I got to take of the most amazing views of blue water with nothing in the way.

Don't take bananas in your supply packages. Take enough cigarettes and alcohol to last you a few days, if that's going to be something you'd want - there are no shops.

The most useful item in my luggage was hairbands!

Great Barrier Reef Trip Rating:

8 out of 10 : )