Why this website?

Hi and Welcome.

My name is Lisa Paterson and I am the proud new web master of "The Great Barrier Reef Experience".

Firstly, I would like to thank Pete (see below) for all the work he has done in putting this site together. I won't repeat what he says nor will I alter his wonderful introduction below.

But I would just like to say, that I will continue on in Pete's tradition and provide real factual information on the reef, drawn from my own experiences.

My family loves holidaying at the reef and we hope you too, will expereince this for your self some day. Until then enjoy our site.

And don't forget, if you've already been lucky enough to visit this very special place, please share that experience by dropping me a few lines via the form on this submission form (don't worry it opens a new page on a different site) and I'll gladly add your story or stories to this site!

Regards
Lisa Paterson

Hello!

My name is Pete Carpenter and I'm responsible for this website,
The Great Barrier Reef Experience.

That's me, taking the photo below, with "Wally" the Maori Wrasse (the vertical fish!).

I'm not an Australian - I come from the southern coast of England but ever since a child, the fascinating country of Australia has always held an interest - I remember that I used to study the place names on my dad's globe when I was very young, and can remember the astonishment I felt when I first saw the name "Gulf of Carpentaria" written along the Australian coastline - so similar to my surname!

A trip to Australia was always going to happen for me, one day.
That dream came true in the early 1990s (a long time ago now!) and a visit to the Barrier Reef was of course inevitable.
Then again, several years later, I was fortunate enough to be able to go there again - this time armed with a bit more knowledge and information with which I could use to explore the Reef and surrounding areas more thoroughly.

For me, the Great Barrier Reef is a very special place and I long for the day when I can return to it once more. Anyone who has ever seen the Reef first hand will know the magic that it holds; so much to see and do, not to mention the awe that one experiences just being able to marvel nature at its best!

By writing this website I can keep enjoying the Reef as well as sharing some information with you; information that you'll hopefully find useful either just as background reading, or perhaps to help you plan an upcoming trip there.

I aim to share my personal experiences too, with stories and photos. Hopefully by doing this, the Great Barrier Reef will become as real to you as it has been for me on two separate occasions!

Please enjoy this website, The Great Barrier Reef Experience!