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Assignment Journal

Photo Galleries

Tips from the Pros

Zoom to Discover

By Land, Sea and Air

Low Light, High Drama

Incredible Islands

Doing Great Things

By Land, Sea and Air

Witness the Great Barrier Reef's unparalleled environment from racing sailboats, gliding seaplanes, underwater explorations, & wilderness mountain trails.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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The massive size and scope of Australia's Great Barrier Reef can best be appreciated by air. On its outer edge lies pristine Moore Reef, seen here from a bird's eye view.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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Australia's Moore Reef seen from high in the sky. The Great Barrier Reef's gradation of colors range from light blue and tan in shallow seas to much darker hues in the ocean depths.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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Out for a rocky ramble, John Burcham jumps a gap at Zoe Falls on Hinchinbrook Island, Australia. The island's mountains generate ample rainfall that feeds the landscape's diverse ecosystem.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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What a day for a sail! Setting off to explore the remote beaches, coves, and reefs of Australia's Whitsunday Islands, at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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Guaranteed stress relief. Carried through the blue by a 20 knot breeze with Australia's Great Barrier Reef below and pristine Whitsunday Islands all around.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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Sun, clouds, and sails en route to the Whitsundays, a 74-island archipelago at the heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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Taylor Simpkins parts a school of parrotfish as she explores Blue Pearl Bay off Hayman Island, Australia. Tourists have fed fish in this bay for years, so when humans appear below the waves, a bounty of eager sea life emerges.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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Taylor Simpkins checks out a curling maze of coral in beautiful Butterfly Bay, Australia.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

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Not all of the Great Barrier Reef's diverse ecosystem lies below water. Here a hiker explores the above-ground grandeur of Whitsunday Island, on the trail up Whitsunday Peak, Australia.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details from iconic coral formations to intricate underwater creatures to remote island corners.

Video: Epic Odyssey

A mid-air dive into Angel’s Pool. A glimpse of bone-chilling cheetah teeth. Rainbows glowing…and gone. See the shots that catch the action.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

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