Moments in Australia: The Great Barrier Reef from above

Flying to North Queensland as a part of our exploration of the Great Barrier Reef in a propeller plane. There are only a few passengers on board and it almost feels like a private jet, champagne not included.

Pristine blue waters and pieces of land here and there are a pretty view, but I hope for something more, something better. My wish is to fly over the Great Barrier Reef and to capture its beauty on camera.

The flight is short – just 1.15 hours. As time goes by, I start getting used to the thought that we are probably flying too close to the coastline and chances to see the Reef are nearly non-existent. Suddenly, one of the passengers starts pointing at something on the horizon. I look down through my window and freeze in awe: a huge ring of the bluest blue I’ve seen emerges below the plane. We are flying over the Great Barrier Reef! Like a handful of scattered opals, individual reefs shine in the sunlight. I am determined to take photos of every single reef out there and I don’t need long to figure out that this won’t be an easy task.

Coral reefs become more and more and compete for our attention and camera lenses on both sides of the plane. Who needs a belt in such a moment? I ignore the rules for flying and quickly run between both sides of the plane; I change seats and take ridiculous poses in order to capture the Reef. My craziness is contagious and other passengers follow suit. Soon I begin to feel like paparazzi in illegal circumstances. Every moment the crew will scold me to return to my seat and fasten the seatbelt. Until then, let’s take a few more photos!

However, the flight attendants not only don’t bother us, but they are also partners in crime. The understanding smiles on their faces say it all and I feel encouraged by their willingness to let us enjoy the glamorous sight.

There are a few more moments during our Australian trip when cabin crews contribute to our travel experience. While I think about this courtesy, a characteristic part of the Aussie culture, we arrive in Cairns.