My Way Dives Into The Great Barrier Reef

Tune in for a special episode of My Way as science and tourism come together when we meet four inspiring reef guides on a mission to celebrate and protect the Great Barrier Reef, this Sunday at 5.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

We first meet adventure-fuelled James Unsworth, skipper of Whitsundays Ocean Rafting and Master Reef Guide who takes visitors on high-adrenaline boat rides through the Whitsunday Islands. Initially coming to the region for a holiday from the UK, he fell in love with the Reef and made his stay permanent. James is now dedicated to educating tourists about the science behind the Reef and sharing his passion for the World Heritage-listed wonder. He knows that with passion comes protection. 

Michelle Barry from Entrada Travel Group left behind a corporate career in the United States to dive into a fresh start in Cairns as a scuba instructor after longing for a more fulfilling life. Fast forward more than a decade and Michelle is now a qualified Master Reef Guide and a Dr Dolittle of sorts, with a broad knowledge of marine creatures gleaned from having more than 7000 dives under her belt. When not diving at the outer Great Barrier Reef, Michelle leads tourists from all over the world through the amazing reef experience at Frankland Islands, encouraging them to learn what they can do to assist in its preservation.

At the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, marine biologist, Master Reef Guide and underwater photographer Jacinta Shackleton is helping visitors to learn more about the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef through guided tours of the gem-toned waters surrounding the tiny island. After starting behind the bar, ocean-loving Jacinta got into snorkelling. Today, her passion for photography, which she shares with a healthy following on social media, helps inform others about the incredible marine life inhabiting the Reef and encourages people to come and see it for themselves.

Finally, we drop in on John and Jenny Edmondson from Wavelength Reef Cruises in Port Douglas, who are among just 14 business owners honoured in the Ecotourism Australian Hall of Fame. The diligent duo specialise in preserving the Reef by outplanting specially grown coral fragments onto one-time bald patches and allowing ecosystems to flourish. Their life’s work is proof that a strong partnership between science and tourism is one of the best ways of protecting our stunning natural wonder. 

The national encore edition of My Way will go to air on Saturday, December 10, at 2.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

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