LIM College

It had to be around 3 o’clock in the morning after a long day of Uni. I was sitting around with some friends listening to music and talking about what the last few weeks in Australia were going to be like.

There was no time to waste! I looked over at my friend Merri, who nodded at me that she was ready. So, we quickly bought our tickets to Queensland!

For those who don’t know Queensland it’s home to the Great Barrier Reef, which is made up of thousands and thousands of marine life creatures. 

Once we got off the plane I was greeted by a hint of the sunshine and warm air, and I knew we were no longer at the peak of Melbourne’s winter at RMIT. It was a quick settle in to the hostel, and then straight to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.

The Great Barrier Reef - Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Going to the Great Barrier Reef the next day I set my alarm for five am and we hopped on a boat that would take us there. On the boat we passed different islands like Fitzroy and Green Island. I even spotted a few dolphins swimming about in the distance.

When it came to snorkeling and scuba diving, I won’t lie, I was a bit scared. The idea of being out in the water, one that I’m not used to actually seemed terrifying. But, if there is anything I have learned from my time in Australia it has been, even if you’re afraid, do it.

Snorkeling was the first water activity on the list. The moment I saw the marine life, like clown fish, and star fish, I felt like I was looking at a moving postcard. I was absolutely surrounded by different colors and of species that I didn’t even know existed. There came a point where I just floated on top of the water and let it bring me back to the boat and just soaked everything in.

Scuba diving was next, and I was way more nervous for this activity than the snorkeling. I got geared up and followed my instructor to the end up the boat where he started to give me all the safety tips and procedures. He showed me signals and how to use the equipment to ensure my safety down under.

I didn’t last long scuba diving. Maybe this particular activity just wasn’t for me. Although, I was able to see the water at a different level and had the experience that I faced a fear and cross another item off the bucket list! 

If studying abroad is on your bucket list, check out all the places that LIM students can go to! Go to our Study Abroad page and check it out.