Lizard Island - 26 - 30 November

After our out and back on the Great Ocean Road we left Melbourne to fly to Cairns and then on to Lizard Island.  This resort, on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, was our favorite place when we came in 2003.  It's especially nice if you dive, since it is an easy day trip to several sites that can normally only be reached on a live aboard.

One of these sites is the Cod Hole where the dive operators are allowed to feed giant potato cod.  The practice is so well established that the cod are like large underwater dogs.  They follow the dive master as soon as he or she hits the water and demand their treats.

Unfortunately the red bass in the area also know the drill, and they can occasionally bite.  I guess they are ill-tempered sea bass.  Thankfully we didn't have any mishaps.

Here's a picture of me, playing the part of the Cod Whisperer:

Image courtesy:  Jennifer Hodges

The following were all taken during a snorkel during our last day on Lizard:

And if you didn't spot the octopus above, here's some (admittedly shaky) video: