welcome to
island life: Saltwater DNA
Let's face it: we're Australians. We live on the world's biggest island, and with almost 90% of us living within 50 kilometres of the coast, if you feel most comfortable operating 20 metres underwater, It’s no wonder you feel like you're exactly where you should be.
This issue is your masterclass in cashing in that blue-water obsession. We’re trading the daily grind for a life powered entirely by tides, sunrises, and the absolute freedom of the ocean.
We meet the Legends who have made the sea their schedule: the elite spearfisher who uses stillness as science, and the skippers who rule the Whitsundays on ex-racing yachts. Inside, you'll get the zero-waste reef experiences, legendary island getaways, and the cheat sheet for staking your claim on the remote beaches where a 4WD is the only required key.
The saltwater is in our DNA - time to set your watch to island time.
Before this issue was pixels on your screen, it was just the schedule we run on:
Sand in the car, endless swell, and countless sketchy channel crossings. We start the issue right at the source - with a first-hand account from co-creator Ben on how the Island Life rhythm defines the only way we know how to chase a decent adventure.
BETWEEN THE TIDES
Growing up on the Sunny Coast, you didn’t really plan days… They just happened somewhere between the tides. Mornings were for checking the swell, arvos for finding new excuses not to be indoors, and nights for getting as high up as you could to watch the sky turn gold over the headland. I spent more time barefoot than not, and the ocean felt less like a place to visit and more like a mate you couldn’t go a week without seeing. Days on end with sand in the car, wax on the floor, even weeks without a leggy because you were too young and broke to afford a new one. It all felt normal. Still does… Island time starts early here, whether you notice it or not.
Every chance we got, we’d shoot north and get lost in Airlie on countless trips that blurred together in the best way. The Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef was always the backdrop, stretching endlessly, always reminding you how small you really are out there. It’s wild, unpredictable, and completely free to roam. One minute you’re anchored in turquoise glass, the next you’re watching the weather turn on a dime. You don’t fight it, you just roll with it. Before you know it you’re drifting over the reef, stalking a parrotfish that’s flashing beneath the hull. And soon to be anchored off a quiet beach no one’s claimed yet. It was perfectly simple. Island time lives in those slow, effortless moments, where the length of days seem to stretch just for you.
Then there were the sketchy arvo channel crossings back to the marina when the easterly decided to pick up a little earlier than expected. Getting punished by two-metre swells slapping the side of the boat. You’d hold your breath between waves, laugh when it passed, and pretend you weren’t a little rattled. That’s island time in its raw form. A perfect mix of chaos and calm that keeps you coming back. It’s not about rushing or checking the clock; it’s about letting the sea decide the pace, and somehow learning to love it.
Airlie wasn’t a home away from home. More like a familiar playground where we kept finding new ways to get into trouble. That’s the magic of this country’s coastline. It teaches you rhythm, patience, and a healthy respect for the elements. Sure, life pulls you back to the mainland, but when the swell’s on, you go. Because the ocean doesn’t wait, and honestly, neither should you. Salt fixes more than coffee ever will, and every time you slip back into island time, you remember why it was worth chasing all along.
The watch is on Island Time. Now that you know the rhythm, let's meet the Legends who set the pace.
We're going straight to the source and diving into the schedule of those who are saltwater to the core - starting with the Great Barrier Reef's most dedicated storytellers.
The ocean is my office
Meet the Master Guide Redefining Reef Life
For this issue, we went straight to the source: the legends who are saltwater to the core. Meet Michelle Barry. Based in Cairns, she’s not just an eco-tourism advocate; she's spent over a decade living and working on the Great Barrier Reef - first as a dive instructor, and now as a strategic leader. She knows the rhythm of the water better than most.
She is one of the Reef's most dedicated storytellers, and her mission is simple: she's here to ensure you care enough to fight for the future of the Reef.
a day in the life
For Michelle, no two days are ever the same. She started out running dive and snorkel operations - hands-on, in the water. Now, as Marketing Manager at Sunlover Reef Cruises, she applies that raw, practical insight behind the scenes, refining the entire guest journey.
The payoff? "Seeing people’s faces light up as they experience the Reef for the first time... that’s the best part of the work."
the mission: making every trip matter
Michelle’s work is driven by a powerful concept: turning tourists into lifelong advocates. She is a Master Reef Guide, trained in communication and conservation by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
The core lesson from her training? Great guiding isn't just about facts - it's about fostering empathy. When guests connect emotionally, they stop seeing a holiday backdrop and start seeing a fragile ecosystem they need to protect.
This philosophy is what she embeds into Sunlover's operations, leading a revolution toward sustainable tourism and ensuring every trip delivers "both joy and stewardship."
Leading the Reef Revolution
Michelle is actively leading by example, proving responsible tourism doesn't mean compromise. She’s revitalising Sunlover's product, ditching imported disposables for sustainably made, Australian-owned brands like reef-safe SunButter Skincare and Wallaby Water.
"It’s exciting to see sustainability shift from being a checkbox to becoming a brand identity," Michelle notes. Her work proves responsible travel means supporting Aussie businesses leading the way in conservation.
Words of Advice: Your Ocean Life Starts Now
The hardest part? "Balancing the realities of marine tourism with environmental responsibility." But her focus is always on inspiring action, developing digital strategies to reach the next generation with fun, relatable content. For anyone dreaming of a life connected to the ocean, Michelle has clear advice: Passion is your best credential in this industry.
"You don’t have to be a marine biologist to make a difference; you just need to care deeply and act consciously. Respect the ocean, listen to its stories, and share them with purpose," she advises.
Sure, our coastline holds world-class island escapes
But sometimes the ones worth chasing are always off the radar. This location? Ultimate solitude unlocked.
the safe haven
Why Reece Fearnside Calls Middle Percy Island the Seafarer's Best-Kept Secret
Most people book a hotel room to escape a storm. But if you’re Reece Feanside -a Whitsundays Adventure Skipper, spear-fisherman, and self-proclaimed coral nerd - you anchor up in a remote island bay and wait out the wind with new found mates and a feast of fresh fish.
reece's life has always revolved around the water
Growing up on North Stradbroke Island, he honed the arts of spearfishing and navigation, a passion fueled by his upbringing with a dad who collected aquarium fish. That deep knowledge and a subsequent job collecting coral for aquaculture sparked a love for everything underwater, culminating in a life spent traversing the Queensland coast by sea.
We asked Reece for his greatest "Hidden Gem," and he pointed straight to a tiny oasis: Middle Percy Island.
The Yacht Club in the Coconut Tree Line
Middle Percy Island is the definition of a safe haven. Reece calls it a "paradise for when the wind won't back down," a crucial stopover point for yachties and adventurers traveling the QLD coast. Reece's crew often found themselves anchored up for two to five days in the protection of West Bay, often alongside numerous other boats seeking the same reprieve.
On the edge of the sand in West Bay, the only real structure is the legendary Percy Island Yacht Club - a shack tucked casually into the coconut tree line that doubles as a communal hall for adventurers.
"One of the things that amazed me was all of the plaques and memorabilia that have been made over the years, with vessel names and people aboard. You can only imagine how many stories have been shared, and memories made on that island."
Because it's so secluded, the marine life is extremely healthy. Reece and his crew would spend the afternoon spearfishing, then organise a communal dinner in the Yacht Club for everyone - the crew would supply multiple kinds of fish, and everyone else would bring a dish. It’s a special place built on generosity and a shared love for the sea.
get out there
Middle Percy Island isn't just for sailors. If you want to experience the island life:
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Stay Local: There is a treehouse available to rent, which is popular with travelling fishermen looking for a short stay.
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Volunteer: You can also volunteer your time to help out the island's caretakers.
a skipper's word of advice
Middle Percy is a pristine gem that relies on the respect of its visitors. Reece’s guidance is simple and direct:
1. Always clean up after yourself.
2. Respect other people's belongings and space.
3. Generosity and a helping hand in any regard are always appreciated.
This is a place that will always have a spot in his heart, and he’s happy to share it - as long as you treat it right.
Drop anchor and hide from the world? Done. Now for the real chase.
We're trading the safe haven for the raw action, meeting the photographer who's all in: sharing the deep with apex predators for the ultimate money shot.
Eye to eye
Inside Australia's Apex Ocean Photography Game
Forget the tranquil reef photo. Gold Coast photographer Josh Blank doesn't just dip his toes in the ocean; he throws himself into the deep end, often sharing the water with feeding apex predators. His work isn't about luck - it's about relentless research, a specialized kit, and a sheer refusal to sit on the sidelines.
Based on the Gold Coast, Josh got his start the way most legends do: with a serious case of envy.
"It all started after seeing a crazy video of kayakers paddling off the coast when a large orca surfaced beside them," Josh recalls. "I was super jealous that nothing like that ever happens to me. I quickly had to laugh at myself - I had literally never put myself in a position for any such experience to happen."
That moment was the switch. Soon after, he made a promise: he would cast any fears aside and start getting out there. After learning to scuba dive at Julian Rocks, Byron Bay, he invested in his first professional underwater system in 2016. Today, his passion is a professional pursuit: meticulously researching new locations and seasons in his hunt for rare, big animal encounters.
Moment of Truth: Eye-to-Eye with the Kill
Josh's dedication to putting himself in the right place paid off in a way no YouTube video could ever match. His most memorable moment happened while searching for giant schools of Mobula rays in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico.
"As we were headed offshore, we spotted a tall, black dorsal fin. It was a male orca hunting a bottlenose dolphin," says Josh.
They watched the entire, intense hunt from the boat as the orca worked the dolphin until it was exhausted. When the kill finally happened, eight other orcas appeared instantly to share the meal. That's when Josh and his crew took the plunge.
"We slowly entered the water and experienced what was the most insane 30 minutes of my life. The orcas surrounded us while feeding, with some approaching within one to two metres."
The most surreal detail? "One of the orcas approached me with a sea turtle flipper between its teeth, as if to directly show me what it had recently killed."
It’s an encounter that confirms Josh's philosophy: to get the shot, you have to get in the water, even when the scene is raw, brutal, and utterly unforgettable.
The Golden Rule is Simple: Time in the Water Trumps All
Josh's advice for anyone wanting to get into this field is simple: spend as much time as you can in the water.
"The photographers that are willing to put up with being uncomfortable, things like the cold - will eventually experience those very special encounters."
Forget the gear race. Small compact cameras are incredibly capable now. Focus on mastering the basics of photography first, and you'll be surprised how far persistence can take you.
gear
check
Josh’s gear is specialized for the heavy-duty conditions of big animal encounters.
Camera Body: Nikon Z8
Housing & Lighting: Ikelite underwater housing, often paired with two Ikelite DS230 strobes (used mostly for colour and texture on reef-based encounters).
Lens: 8 - 15mm fisheye lens for wide-angle views of huge subjects.
Extras: Always has his Insta360 Ace Pro 2 or X5 (360-degree camera) mounted for capturing high-action video content.
Throwing yourself into the deep end for the photo is half the battle.
Balancing adrenaline and discipline is something Josh knows all about. Let's dive a little deeper into the mindset of the legends who push these boundaries to break world records.
Deep Pursuit:
World Record Spearfisher Erin McGinty on the Science of Ethical Hunting
When you talk about living an Island Life, few people embody the sheer dedication and deep knowledge of the ocean quite like Erin McGinty. This isn't just about a world record; it's about a life dedicated to understanding and ethically sourcing from the marine environment.
We caught up with the marine scientist, hunter, and spearfishing legend to chat about how lobster diving led to a 61kg Bluefin Tuna by spear, why calmness is key, and the crucial role of sustainability in her sport.
Marine Science Meets Selective Hunting
Erin's journey into the deep started simply: scuba diving for lobsters on the south coast of WA with her dad and brother. That early connection to the water sparked a passion that became her career path in marine science.
For Erin, spearfishing is the ultimate selective method for sourcing food - a continuation of a hunting ethos learned both on land and in the ocean.
"To me, spearfishing is a method to select exactly what fish I want to take home and how many."
This is the core of the sustainability aspect: unlike net fishing or line fishing, spearfishing allows for 100% species selection, ensuring nothing is wasted, and only what is necessary is taken. It’s a pursuit that challenges her physically and mentally, providing something new and fascinating every time she slips beneath the surface.
pushing depth, conquering fear
For Erin, achievement in the sport isn't about accolades - it's about setting and smashing personal goals. And she sets the bar high.
Her recent achievements include pushing her limits to spearfish at greater depths, diving impressive wrecks in 40 metres of water, and landing her personal best: a massive 61kg Southern Bluefin Tuna.
But a key memory for her wasn't about her own record - it was about sharing the knowledge. She recalled teaching her friend Emily to spearfish and helping her overcome a profound fear of sharks. After starting out drifting in 60m of water with the constant presence of multiple sharks, Emily gained the confidence to address her fears, successfully spearing a large Spanish Mackerel as her first-ever fish.
the calmness key to success
Thinking about dropping into the big blue with a spear? Erin's advice is simple: learn from the best, and prioritize your inner state over your gear.
The real key to spearfishing, she says, isn't how deep you can dive, but your calmness in the water. That state of mind gives you a better breath hold, allows fish to relax in your presence and swim closer, and crucially, keeps the sharks calm around you.
Erin’s non-negotiable advice for anyone wanting to thrive in the sport is to embrace total independence: "Make the effort to really learn how to do everything for yourself." That means mastering boat driving, knowing how to be a reliable and safe dive buddy, operating all your gear, and learning to hunt different species. Being self-sufficient, she explains, ensures you’ll never miss out because people will always want you on the trip.
Trust Your Kit: Erin's Dive Essential
Whether you’re just starting out or have 20 years on the water, Erin trusts the gear that's as reliable as her knowledge. “The most reliable and accurate gear I have used is Riffe.”
Erin McGinty proves that the deepest adventures start with the calmest mind. Get out there.
Erin McGinty proves that the ultimate hunt is a science of stillness. Now, we go deeper.
When you swap the spear for the line, the pursuit of a world record becomes an internal game of radical focus. Meet the legend who traded high-energy synchro swimming for the profound silence of 81 metres below.
For elite athletes like Amber Bourke, the pursuit of mastery never truly ends. After an injury prompted her to leave the Australian synchronised swimming team, she didn't quit the game - she just changed arenas, finding her perfect new frontier in the intense mental and physical demands of freediving.
We caught up with the Brisbane-based legend to chat about the radical shift from intense, high-energy competition to the profound mental mastery and stillness required to become one with the ocean.
81 metres below
The Mindset Mastery of Amber Bourke
achievements and the pursuit of ocean silence
Amber’s natural love for the ocean was amplified by freediving, which offered a unique kind of immersion: the chance to explore the underwater world with minimal equipment and maximal intention. It quickly became more than a sport - it was a deep-dive into meditative silence.
Her dedication has earned her some serious stats: she holds a Guinness World Record for the longest distance walking underwater and has snagged 17 Australian freediving records, with her deepest official dive hitting 81 metres.
This mental mastery led her to the world stage. Her most memorable moment was competing at the renowned Vertical Blue Freediving competition in 2023 - yes, the one featured in the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. The event takes place at Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas, a 200-metre-deep, jaw-dropping marvel of nature. Amber says the atmosphere - a powerful mix of high-stakes intensity and deep camaraderie - is something she hasn't experienced anywhere else.
The Dive: Your Next Step to Ocean Immersion
Amber has one simple, direct piece of advice:
Stop thinking about it and go: "I highly recommend signing up for a beginner freediving course! No experience necessary, as long as you know how to swim."
She stresses that you shouldn't worry if you think you can't hold your breath for long. It's truly amazing what your body and mind can learn with the right techniques. The reward is profound: the ability to find total stillness, push your mental boundaries, and discover the underwater world on its own silent terms.
CONNECT WITH the deep
Amber is currently preparing to compete at the Blue Element Freediving competition in Dominica this November, where she is hoping to surpass her previous personal best and dive deeper than 81 metres.
GIVEAWAYS
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World records and deep-water discipline are the ultimate flex, sure. But the Island Life isn't just for the pros.
The real mission is carving out your own freedom on the coast, whether you've got two weeks or two years. Time to shift focus: this next section is your blueprint for getting out there and making the absolute most of our coastline.
Your 101 Guide to
MAXIMISING THE ADVENTURE ROSTER
We’ve all romanticized the idea of torching the nine-to-five and pointing the 4x4 west. But for one highly motivated Queenslander, the ultimate adventure is achieved without quitting the day job.
We recently caught up with the ultimate time maximiser, Amber, to chat about trading a high-stakes roster for high-reward downtime. Her job? She’s a Rescue Crew Officer - she’s literally the one getting winched down from the chopper. Her downtime? Pure, intentional coastal adventure. Her story is the ultimate blueprint for anyone who wants to live the Island Life without a permanent change of address.
From Sand To SAR (Search And Rescue): The Art of the Intentional Break
Amber’s obsession with adventure started with a game-changing trip to Fraser Island in 2019, which quickly evolved into challenging 4x4 missions to the Cape, Tassie, and the High Country. Now on a FIFO roster, she uses her breaks to accelerate straight to freedom.
She's not a "hardcore 4wder," but a strategic one. For her, the rig isn't a hobby -it's the required ticket to those epic places not many others can reach, instantly turning a short break into a genuine escape.
Her downtime is defined by raw, stunning coastlines: Ningaloo Reef - the gold standard for beach camping, where she witnessed turtles hatching -and Kakadu, her favourite national park, praised for its unmatched water holes.
the golden rule: don't over-complicate it
For anyone looking to maximize their downtime without upending their life, Amber’s biggest tip cuts through the noise of expensive builds: Don’t try to have the perfect set up straight away.
"Add to it as you go and learn what works best for you along the way. Main thing is to get out there and work with what you can."
Amber stresses the need to keep it basic: a water tank, a dual battery for the fridge, and a good old swag. The core mantra? "Don’t over complicate it!"
The Side Hustle:
DizzieBox Fly Screens
Amber’s resourceful attitude even spawned an authentic side hustle. After posting a photo of a simple fly screen she had made for her canopy, people "went crazy" asking to buy one. She built a business around it - the perfect, genuine side hustle she runs alongside her career, born out of a real need discovered in the field.
If strategically fitting adventure into the nine-to-five isn't your speed, there's only one move left:
Torching the conventional plan entirely for the full-throttle, unfiltered reality of life on four wheels.
LIFE'S TOO SHORT
GET OUT AND LIVE IT!
The Unfiltered Road to Australia's Edge
MEET THE COLLIERS
The suburban life of North Brisbane was comfortable, sure, but three years ago, a sudden loss shook the Colliers family. That moment became a wrecking ball for the conventional plan. Their conclusion? ‘Life’s too short, get out and live it.’ The highway, the Ram, the 22-foot van, and the boat were instantly calling.
We spoke to The Colliers about trading their stability for a toilet on wheels, the hilarious, unfiltered reality of life on four wheels, and the outrageous moments that prove the decision was the best they ever made.
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Life on the Road: The Honest Hustle and the Payoff
Life in a caravan isn't the glossy Instagram fantasy, and The Colliers are the first to tell you it's a brutal mix of magic and mayhem. Some days are pure gold - epic beach sunrises and fresh bread cooked on the fire. Other days? "You feel like you are refereeing a UFC match with 3 kids" while the weather app lies and it pours on your 12 loads of washing.
The reality of the "tin box" is a constant, hilarious grind:
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The Lack of Luxury: "You don’t realise how much you love your bedroom door until you don’t have one." Personal space is nonexistent, forcing "personal growth" as they learn to "breathe through each other’s moods and quirks."
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The Dirty Jobs: The less glamorous side includes emptying the toilet cassette regularly (because sometimes the kids are too lazy to use the park toilets) and constantly fixing something that the wife, the kids, or the dog has broken.
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Appreciating Simplicity: They've found a new appreciation for the essentials: toilets that don't involve a cassette, and being able to sneak a piece of chocolate without three kids being "RIGHT there ALL the time."Crucially, they’ve learned they only need three sets of clothes, and that food cooked on the fire always tastes better than anything made in a fully-stocked kitchen.
They've been "VERY bogged on a beach" and had "flat tyres in less than ideal places," but the constant conversation about power, water, and gas bottles is a small price to pay for the adventure.
All the hustle, the lack of privacy, and the repairs are just a small price to pay when you get moments like this. We asked The Colliers for their most memorable experiences on the water, and they didn't disappoint:
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Bucket List: Whale Sharks. They swam with whale sharks off Exmouth on every drop of their tour. "Absolutely incredible experience and we are still pinching ourselves that we got to experience them up close."
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Close Call: Saltwater Crocs. Up near Kalumburu, they were cast netting in their 3.71m tinny when they spotted a 2.5m saltwater crocodile sunbaking on the bank. They call the sight "a little intimidating."
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Ocean Ballet: Off Ningaloo, they got close to manta rays cruising inside the reef, describing the way they "glide through the water so majestically pretty special." They also encountered humpback whales off Coral Bay, often hearing them "blowing, splashing and breaching all around you" while fishing on calm days.
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Reef Encounters: They swam with turtles at Gnaraloo right off the beach. And when fishing off Ningaloo, they had sharks - sometimes four at once - come right up to the boat, attracted by the sound of the outboard.
Coastal Gems: The Beaches That Blew Their Minds
These are The Colliers’ absolute favourite coastal camps the places where the struggles of the road simply melted away:
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South Lefroy Beach, Ningaloo, WA: The absolute gold standard. Best beachfront camping where you can swim off the beach into the coral reef alongside dolphins, turtles, and even reef sharks.
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Bay of Fires, Tasmania: They spent six magical nights here, snagging a free camp site right on the beach at Cosy Corner North. Pure, accessible paradise.
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Smithy’s Seaside Adventures, Dampier Peninsula, WA: Where the "blue waters meet the white sands and red rock." Loved for its stunning combination of incredible sunrises and sunsets.
connect with the collier's
Ready to follow the real, unfiltered story of life on the road? Here’s where you can keep up with their adventures:
The chaos of the road delivers its reward, but even legends need an actual holiday.
Time to ditch the tent peg for the anchor.
Is this Australia's best reef sleep?
Welcome To Lady Musgrave HQ
You’ve seen the photos, but you haven’t lived the life until you wake up to a turtle nudging your bedroom window. Forget the crowded, high-impact reef trips - this is the new blueprint for an eco-adventure. We’re talking about Lady Musgrave Island and the ridiculously cool Lady Musgrave HQ Pontoon. This isn't just a day trip; it’s your exclusive pass to one of the most pristine coral lagoons on the planet. This is the ultimate low-impact, high-reward reef escape.
the hq: your luxury floating base
We’re talking about Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Musgrave Experience's ridiculously cool HQ Pontoon. The Pontoon is an absolute game-changer. Moored within the calm, 3,000-acre lagoon, the pontoon is a 100% solar and wind-powered, zero-waste, eco-engineered mothership. It features a 14-metre underwater observatory, snorkel platforms, and panoramic views that ruin all other sunrises.
The overnight stay is the real send:
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Underwater Bunk Beds: Literally sleeping below the waterline, watching residents (turtles, rays) cruise by your window (Groups 10+).
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Luxury Glamping: Queen beds on the upper deck, waking up to the ocean breeze and uninterrupted views of the coral cay.
ROAM TIP: If you're chasing the ultimate experience, plan your trip during the island's turtle season. Nesting runs from October to January, and the hatching spectacle lights up the shore from January to April. Stay overnight to book a marine biologist-guided night tour.
day & night:
The adventure rundown
The island and surrounding lagoon are home to over 1,200 species - from reef sharks and manta rays to the famous resident turtles.
Whether you're visiting for the day or staying the night, your trip is fully hosted and packed with action:
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Return transfers on the high-speed catamaran Reef Empress from Bundaberg.
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Snorkelling in the calm lagoon with sea turtles (gear provided, no fight for space).
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Glass-bottom boat tour and a guided island walk.
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All-inclusive catering and interpretive talks by the onboard marine biologists.
a word from the water
The crew lives and breathes the reef. For Mel, an experience Guide on the pontoon, it’s a constant show: “Each day brings something extraordinary, whether it’s watching manta rays gliding past, hatchling turtles emerging from the sand and making their way to the sea, or sharing the wonder of the reef with visitors. It’s a constant reminder of why protecting this place matters.”
the final word
If your idea of luxury is having exclusive access to a pristine natural wonder - watching the sunset, stargazing without light pollution, and getting a dive in before anyone else wakes up - this is your mission. Pack a bag, book the bunk, and prepare for one of the best marine experiences you’ll have in Australia.
One day surrounded by the magic of the Reef may not be enough.
If you want to trade the single-night stay for a deeper level of immersion, it's time to live on the water. We move from the basecamp to a two-night sailing escape across 74 islands of pure magic, where a bunch of strangers will become your best mates.
Ditch the pool side buffet:
Live the Island Life With Prosail Whitsundays
The Whitsundays might be famous for postcard perfection, but if you want to trade the resort buffet for an actual adventure - one where the skipper knows how to drop a sail and a good yarn - you skip the day cruises and head straight to Prosail.
These aren't your typical charter boats; they are three magnificent ex-racing maxi yachts - we're talking 24-metre, ocean-shredding machines - repurposed for adventure. We recently caught up with the team at Prosail to get an unfiltered look at what Island Life means when your accommodation has won a few regattas.
The experience:
Prosail doesn't aim for five-star luxury; they deliver pure, unadulterated sailing magic. It's built for adventurous travellers (mostly 18–35) who understand that swapping convenience for the unforgettable is always worth it.
Hopping aboard one of their vessels - the Hammer, Broomstick, or massive Condor is where the adventure officially starts. These are 2 Day / 2 Night liveaboard tours, offering guests the unique chance to fall asleep in a cozy bunk on a boat built for high-seas thrills.
The crew works the itinerary hard for maximum island impact:
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Whitehaven Beach Focus: While other tours rush the photo op, Prosail tours guarantee up to 3 hours exploring Whitehaven Beach and tackling the quick 15-minute trek up to the iconic Hill Inlet Lookout.
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Active Sailing: Want to relax? Go for it. Want to earn your sea legs? Join the crew to hoist the sails and feel the raw, untamed power of these former racing machines.
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Underwater Gold: The skippers navigate to multiple snorkel locations on the coral reefs, guaranteeing proper immersion in the Whitsundays' sea life!
And fuel for all that adventure? It’s all sorted. Expect freshly prepared meals made right on board (they cater for all diets, no drama), fresh linen, and all your snorkel gear. Just BYO your favourite celebratory drinks.
The crew:
run by sailors, driven by a mission
The authenticity of Prosail starts at the top, steered by local legend Josh Wilde. With ten years of maritime experience and a passion that ties together sailing, freediving, and breathwork, he and the crew simply know what works - delivering nothing but epic, knowledgeable tours.
The mission, however, goes beyond a great time; it’s about giving back. Prosail is partnered with Carbon Positive Australia, making every trip count:
"Prosail has planted 620 trees through their partnership with Carbon Positive Australia... Every tour with Prosail plants 20 new trees, fully offsetting their operational emissions and going beyond to make a lasting positive impact."
A note from the team:
"The best thing that's ever happened to me was making the move from country NSW to the Whitsundays. I stumbled upon sailing without any research and I've never looked back. Working my way up from a deckhand to a skipper, I've been fortunate to race world famous maxi racing yachts with my best mates. Every day is a school day and the learning never stops"
- Molly Stacey, Prosail Skipper
Your Whitsundays Voyage Starts Here
Whether you're craving the 2-Day/2-Night sailing epic (starting from $669) or planning a custom event, Prosail is ready to take you from Coral Sea Marina.
Dreaming of the Island Life?
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Protect what you love
Diving Deeper Than Just the Photo Op
Some people stumble into a job; others manifest a calling. For Tom Cannon - a professional wildlife photographer, videographer, and expedition leader from WA - it was definitely the latter. What started with a trusty GoPro on surf trips quickly became a full-blown mission to capture, and fiercely protect, the wild heart of the ocean. We caught up with the legend who went from a beat-up car on the way to Ningaloo to having his work featured in National Geographic, proving that passion, not portfolio, is the ultimate currency.
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from divemaster to deep sea hustle
Tom’s true curiosity for capturing the underwater world sparked while he was training to become a divemaster. Suddenly, his casual way of showing friends how special the ocean was grew into something much deeper.
The real hustle began when he landed an underwater photography gig on the Ningaloo Reef - selling photo packages to customers on Whale Shark, Humpback Whale, and Manta Ray tours. Looking back, he admits his portfolio was probably questionable, but what he lacked in camera experience, he made up for in belief. Nine years, and what he calls "many a hard drive" later, he sold that successful business to focus full-time on his conservation company, Protect What You Love.
The Moments That Define the Mission
Unforgettable encounters
When we asked Tom about his most memorable experiences, we quickly realised we could have dedicated the rest of this issue talking about them, but these were our favourites:
Working a daily routine in one of the world's most pristine environments delivers a few unforgettable memories. For Tom, the rewards are immense, but they come with an essential dose of reality:
the whale shark freight train
After six years observing Whale Sharks, Tom was fortunate to witness a feeding frenzy out of this world. Hundreds of sharks and tuna were devouring a bait ball when the Whale Sharks arrived, powering past him "like steam trains" with mouths wide open. The resulting images captured never-before-recorded behaviour, landing him in his first scientific paper and, yes, his first National Geographic feature.
manta ray characters
His nine years on Ningaloo were spent capturing the spot patterns of individual Manta Rays. He learned so much about their behaviour, eventually understanding their unique, sometimes "quite charismatic," personalities.
orcas
Witnessing several Orca predations - on Tiger Sharks, Humpback calves, and Bottle Nose Dolphins - was a "very grounding experience." Watching life and death unfold in the waters he dives daily helped him truly realise humanity's place on this planet.
the ugly side of the surface
Tom has sadly seen horrific behaviour over the years, from people picking up turtles to diving onto Sperm Whales. This lack of respect - the polar opposite of his own ethos - is why he dedicated his life to his company, Protect What You Love.
protect what you love
The conversation ethos:
Tom founded his company in 2018 initially to redirect the negative narrative aimed at sharks. He grew up fearing them, but after countless encounters trying to photograph Tiger Sharks on Ningaloo, he realised our collective fear was irrational.
His photography became a powerful tool for change, allowing visitors to see sharks firsthand and take home an image that challenged their fear. The company started selling simple t-shirts with a clear message: ‘Protect what you love’. Now, his mission runs expeditions from the Maldives to Kruger NP in South Africa, with the ultimate goal of registering as a fully recognised charity by early 2026.
your guide to ethical photography
The golden rules:
For anyone looking to capture the natural world, Tom's advice cuts straight through the gear obsession:
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Passion Over Polish: "It doesn’t matter what equipment you have... seize the opportunity when it presented itself." Embrace the struggle; you'd get bored if it was easy.
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Normalise Missing the Shot: "I have missed the opportunity to take more photographs respecting the freewill of an animal than I can remember." We need to normalise letting some moments pass for the sake of nature. Sure, you might go viral, but you'll know you ruined that animal's day. Nature rewards respect.
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Shoot for You: "Comparison is truly the thief of joy when it comes to photography." Capture moments for yourself to cherish; enjoy the process.
As we were creating this issue, a common thread kept emerging: the simple, powerful act of protecting what you love.
Every Legend we spoke to is fiercely dedicated to preserving the places that make this life worth chasing. That shared commitment is the real engine behind every adventure.
MORE THAN A MAGAZINE
THE MISSION:
When the Roam Aus crew first put this magazine together, our mission was simple: Inspire, Experience, and make an Impact.
INSPIRE
Get you, the Legend, out there to make the most of this beautiful country.
EXPERIENCE
Offer the community the ultimate cheat code - discounts on over 4,000 adventure products and experiences.
IMPACT
With every single issue, we give back.
That last part is non-negotiable. Every time a new issue hits your screen, we use a portion of the revenue to back a selected charity or organisation.
Why? It's our way of helping protecting what we love and ensuring the landscapes and wildlife we chase stay thriving for the next generation.
Got a cause you care about? If there’s an organisation doing the hard yards that you think we should be backing, let us know.
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We talk about making an Impact - now let’s talk about the ultimate payoff.
What's the only thing better than finding the perfect, remote stay? Securing the entire island.
Forget booking a room...
book the entire island
You know the ultimate luxury travel goal? It’s not a penthouse suite; it’s not an infinity pool. It’s silence, privacy, and a genuine, unplugged connection to somewhere wild. And there is nothing more private than securing an entire island.
Enter Picnic Island, Tasmania. Eight hundred metres off the shore of Coles Bay, this tiny, rugged sanctuary is the definition of Island Life - reopening in January 2026 as a completely transformed, all-inclusive, luxury experience for a maximum of eight guests. Even if it’s just the two of you: book it out, and the entire island is yours.
where thread count meets tranquility
Co-owners Mark Israel and Elisa Yu acquired the island with a bold vision: "high impact for guests, low impact for the environment." Mark, a veteran of luxury retail, knows the market has evolved past material goods and into experiential travel. The resulting experience is a masterclass in sustainable luxury.
This isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a protected seabird sanctuary, home to a resident little penguin colony that has nested here for centuries. It’s a front-row seat to the staggering beauty of Freycinet National Park and the Hazards, with a chance to spot seals, dolphins, and migrating whales.
And forget the noisy generator. Picnic Island runs completely off-grid, powered 100% by solar energy, relying on rainwater collection, and managed with surgical responsible waste management. It's the ultimate stay that leaves no footprint.
no agenda, just absolute exclusivity
This is the ultimate, unstructured, all-inclusive experience designed for you.
Here’s what your private island power move includes:
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Arrival: Private boat transfers aboard the custom VanDiemen luxury vessel.
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Dining: A dedicated private chef showcasing Tasmania's exceptional, seasonal produce - often sourced right within sight of your dinner table.
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The Vibe: A personal island host available throughout your stay, premium Tasmanian wines, craft spirits, and daily curated experiences tailored entirely to your mood and the weather.
As co-owner Mark Israel puts it: "True luxury, to us, means having an entire island to yourself, sharing space with a little penguin colony that has nested there for centuries, and savoring a chef-prepared meal made from ingredients sourced in the bioregion, often within sight of your dinner table. It's about time - unstructured, uninterrupted." The only requirement is a three-night minimum stay -because anything less would be rude to the penguins.
If your idea of luxury is having an entire wild corner of the world to yourself, this is where you need to be.
Forget the crowded resort.
It's time to stay somewhere with its own address.
the final say
Island Life Hitlist
We couldn't end this issue without giving you the definitive Island Life Hitlist. You've seen the map; now it's time to choose your next location. Here are five of our absolute favourite, no-debate island getaways to start plotting your next adventure.
Moreton Island, Queensland
1. Tangalooma island resort
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The Vibe: Trading Brisbane's skyline for sand dunes in 75 minutes flat. It's the ultimate soft-entry point to the Island Life.
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Why We Go: Home to the infamous Wrecks (the ultimate snorkel spot) and enormous sand hills for full-throttletoboggan runs. It's pure, easy-access fun.
Queensland
2. lady elliot island
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The Vibe: This is the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, so it's all about the water. Forget the big resort—this is eco-stay, front-row reef access.
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Why We Go: The Manta Ray capital of the world. Seriously. If you want to meet the ocean's gentle giants, this is the one.
3. lord howe island
New South Whales
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The Vibe: Exclusive and pristine. They strictly limit the number of visitors, making it a true Legend's reward. Think lush greenery meeting crystal clear blue water.
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Why We Go: Hiking up Mount Gower (if you dare), plus it’s one of the only places on earth where you can hand-feed huge fish right off the beach.
4. rotnest island
Western Australia
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The Vibe: White sand, turquoise bays, and bike-powered exploration. It's the ultimate West Coast classic that demands a return trip.
Why We Go: For the stunning, sheltered swimming bays and, of course, the Quokkas—the happiest, most camera-ready locals you'll ever meet.
5. fraser island (k'gari)
Queensland
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The Vibe: Not just an island—it's the world's largest sand island and the ultimate 4WD playground. It’s raw, immense, and demands respect.
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Why We Go: Driving the 75 Mile Beach highway, swimming in the pure freshwater Lake McKenzie, and checking the tide on the ultimate sand driving mission.
until next time, legends
Your mission orders are simple: Shoes off, set your watch to Island Time, and forget every schedule that doesn't revolve around the tides.
Get After it.
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