A group of 190 Year 7 students and teachers from Catherine McAuley College have experienced the Southern Great Barrier Reef in a way few ever do, learning not just about the reef, but directly within it.
Delivered through the Reef Subsidy Program, the two-day immersive experience on Great Keppel Island (Woppa) brought together a powerhouse collaboration of regional operators, led by Keppel Dive & Water Sports in partnership with Funtastic Cruises, Keppel Konnections and Great Keppel Island Hideaway.
At the heart of the program was the Be A Marine Biologist For A Day (BAMBFAD) initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Students took part in a floating classroom experience before heading into the water with the Keppel Dive team to conduct real-world reef health surveys, contributing valuable data to the Authority’s Eye on the Reef app.
From identifying coral species and marine life to surveying for reef predators like Crown-of-thorns starfish (none were spotted), students were actively involved in citizen science, building both knowledge and a deeper connection to the reef environment.
Another group explored the island by sea with Funtastic Cruises, uncovering the stories, history and natural highlights that make the Keppel Islands so special. The experience was rounded out with lunch at the Hideaway Bistro and seamless transport and classroom support from Keppel Konnections, with the group staying at Coolwaters Caravan Park.
Ollie Heales of Funtastic Cruises said the program showcases what’s possible when operators work together with a shared purpose.
“This is what the Capricorn Coast does best – bringing people together to create meaningful, hands-on experiences.”
“Seeing students step into the role of marine scientists, learning directly from the reef, is something they’ll carry with them long after they leave.”
As a High Standard Tourism Operator, Keppel Dive & Water Sports is uniquely positioned to deliver these curriculum-aligned reef education programs, supported by both the Reef Authority and the Federal Government, opening the door for more schools to access transformative learning experiences on the Capricorn Coast.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said the initiative highlights the region’s strength in delivering immersive, educational tourism at scale.
“This is a powerful example of our operators working collaboratively to deliver experiences that are not only memorable, but meaningful.”
“Programs like this position the Capricorn Coast as a leader in educational and sustainable tourism, connecting the next generation with our reef in a way that inspires care and understanding.”
With more school groups already booked, the program is set to grow, continuing to inspire young minds while showcasing the Capricorn Coast as a destination where learning, conservation and connection come together.
