Barrier Reef Scapes
Discover. Dive. Dream.
Meet Duncan: Passionate About the Great Barrier Reef and Coastal Life
Hi, my name is Duncan and I've always been a coastal guy. I grew up by the sea, lived by the sea, and honestly, I can’t imagine life without the sound of waves crashing somewhere nearby.
I was raised in Durban, South Africa, just a stone’s throw from the Aliwal Shoal—one of the best dive spots on the planet. The ocean was my backyard. You’d wake up, inhale the salty air, and if the surf was up, well, nothing else really mattered.
Now, I’m living the coastal dream on Australia’s shores. Not exactly on the Great Barrier Reef, but close enough to feel its pull. I’ve always loved sun, sand, and the thought of island life. There’s something about the connection between land and sea that just clicks with me. But here’s the twist: even though I’ve spent my life near the water, I only recently discovered the Great Barrier Reef. And wow, it was love at first sight...
The Reef and Duncan: A Love Story for the Ages
So here’s the deal: Some people spend their entire lives studying the Reef. They’ve got marine biology degrees, stacks of dive certifications, and probably a pet fish named Jacques Cousteau. Me? I’m more of a “jump in and figure it out” kind of guy.
I have served extensively in two defence forces. I am also a qualified school teacher, having earned an Honours degree in Information Systems, and other postgraduate qualifications to teach both Biology and Science as separate subjects. While my background isn’t specifically in marine science, I’m no stranger to learning new things, tackling challenges, and adapting to whatever life throws my way. When I first visited the Great Barrier Reef, it felt like stepping into another world—one that I knew I had to explore further .
The first time I snorkeled over the Reef, I thought I’d landed on a planet made of colour. Fish darting past like underwater confetti, corals that looked like a mad scientist’s creation, and a sea turtle casually gliding by like he owned the place (spoiler: he probably does). It was a jaw-dropping moment. I’ve been to plenty of beaches and reefs, but nothing came close to this. That was it—I was hooked.
Making Up for Lost Time
Since that first visit, I’ve been on a mission to make up for lost time. Every trip back to the Reef is an adventure, another chance to learn more and discover new wonders. I’ve dived into the ecosystems, studied the creatures, and marveled at how everything fits together in this underwater wonderland.
And the more I learn, the more I realize just how precious the Reef is—and how much it needs people to care about it. The Great Barrier Reef isn’t just a pretty spot for tourists; it’s a living, breathing marvel of nature. But, just like the rest of our planet, it’s facing challenges. Climate change, coral bleaching, pollution—there’s a lot going on beneath the surface, and it’s not all sunshine and clear waters.
Which brings me to why I started this website.
Why This Website?
Simple: I wanted to make learning about the Reef as fun, easy, and real as possible. No stuffy science lectures or confusing jargon—just a straightforward look at one of the world’s most incredible places.
Maybe you’re like me—someone who’s always loved the ocean but never quite understood what makes the Reef so amazing. Or maybe you’re planning your first trip and want to know what to expect. Heck, maybe you just wandered here by accident and now you’re wondering if you should book a snorkeling trip (spoiler alert: yes, you should).
Whatever your reason for being here, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned, what I’m still discovering, and why the Great Barrier Reef is worth exploring, protecting, and falling head over heels for.
And it’s not all about diving and snorkeling (though those are epic). There are boat cruises, island escapes, glass-bottom tours, and accommodation options for anyone who wants to wake up to the Reef’s beauty every morning. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or prefer to take it slow, there’s something for everyone.
The Journey Continues…
I’m still a newbie in this underwater world, still discovering new things with every visit, and I love that.
The Reef isn’t something you just see once—it’s a place that keeps surprising you and drawing you back in.And I’m not on this journey alone.
I’m married to Elizabeth, a café owner who serves up some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste. Between her delicious brews and my ocean obsessions, we make quite the team. Together, we’ve got five amazing kids: Hayleigh, Cameron, Dawie, Marina, and Lienkie. They’re a handful in the best way possible, always reminding me to balance my love for the Reef with a bit of family fun.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of the Great Barrier Reef, stick around. I’ll be sharing the best spots to snorkel, fascinating Reef stories, and everything I’m still learning. And who knows? You might just fall as in love with the Reef as I have.
Because trust me—once the Reef gets under your skin, there’s no going back.