Aerial view of waves breaking over Hastings Reef, Queensland, Australia
Multiple valuesHastings Reef 30 nautical miles out from Cairns, during the last ice age some 15,000 years ago is where the Australian coast line resided and it was here the reef began to grow. This is the preferred location for corals, well away from the coast and the effect of the rivers and streams; out here on the very edge of the Pacific Ocean is where the corals thrive. Of course with the healthy corals there are many dynamic and colourful fish. Hasting is a typical outer reef, on most days a line of breakers marks where the deep ocean swells break onto the reef wall. The reef itself is shallow on top, with steep sides reminiscent of cliffs falling away into the surrounding water. here you can experience the true wonders of this Outer Edge Reef, there are the coral caves, coral overhangs, deep water drop offs, coral canyons, swim throughs and shallow coral bays that are only metres from the side of the Seastar. Along the steep edges there are swirling schools of small fish, colourful parrot fish, turtles, giant clams, “friendly" little reef sharks, bright yellow butterfly fish, pairs of rabbit fish, countless varieties of brightly coloured damsel fish and of course, Nemo.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Hastings Reef, Queensland, Australia
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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