An All-Australian Alliance

We are thrilled to partner with Australian Geographic in an alliance that brings together over 65 years of shared passion and experience for education, discovery, travel, and science. Together, we have developed a series of annual expeditions, which will be hosted by special guests from the Australian Geographic Society. Further, our collaboration extends to the curation of a program of scientific, cultural, historic, and nature projects, which will come to life aboard the Coral Adventurer throughout our partnership. Guest will have the chance to participate in these projects during their voyage. The Australian Geographic will be a patron of the Coral Adventurer, presenting unique and engaging activity housed in the Barralong Room – the onboard experiential, workshop, and exhibition space beside the bridge. Our partnership also supports the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year and the Australian Geographic Adventure Awards, inspirational pathways through which Australian photographers and adventurers are nurtured.

Your Australian Geographic Hosts

Dr Dean Miller

Dr Dean Miller is a scientist, multi-media professional, BBC television presenter and an Australian Geographic sponsored explorer. With a PhD in coral reef management, tourism and resource allocation and a wealth of scientific experience in the field from Antarctica to the Arctic and everywhere in between, Dean’s scientific research career has been rich and diverse. Having been involved in over 300 ocean expeditions on ships all over the globe, much of Dean’s life has been at sea in some of the most challenging environments known.

Dr Dean is the Managing Director and co-founder of the Great Barrier Reef Legacy, a non-profit organisation that crews and operates the only independent research vessels on the Great Barrier Reef to provide FREE and essential access for the best scientific minds and innovators, the most effective communicators and multimedia specialists, and build a platform for research, education and change. Essentially its science for solutions to save the Great Barrier Reef. Dean has also created the world’s first Living Coral Biobank project that is quickly becoming the largest conservation effort for coral reefs worldwide.

Chris Bray

Chris Bray is an award-winning nature photographer based in Australia who spends his time leading small-group photo tours to all the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth. An adventurer at heart, Chris grew up sailing around the world then leading various world-first Arctic hauling and sailing expeditions while starting what is now Australia’s largest photo tour company, ‘Chris Bray Photography’. Chris is founder and CEO of Conservation United, an organisation aiming to crowd-fund the world’s critical conservation projects, sits on the advisory committee for the Australian Geographic Society and recently created the new eco-accommodation ‘Swell Lodge’ on Christmas Island.

As our Australian Geographic Society host and a local of Christmas Island, Chris will share his deep insight into the region and deliver insightful and engaging presentations on wildlife photography to help guests get the best possible shots throughout their trip.

Presenting Partner: Nature Photographer of the Year 2019

Congratulations to all of the entrants and winners of the 2019 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer Of The Year Competition.  These amazing photographers are true explorers, capturing nature in all its beauty and rawness. See below some of the amazing photography from the category winners.

Overall winner, Fin Whale’s Demise, Mat Beetson
We look forward to welcoming overall winner Mat Beetson onboard for an expedition cruise with us soon!

Winner, Landscape. Barron Falls, Neil Pritchard (QLD)
With Coral Expeditions being Cairns-based, this photo is a staff favourite. Only 20 minutes away from our office, Barron Falls is a beautiful sight to be seen.

Winner, animal portrait. Decorator Crab by Ross Gudgeon (WA)

Winner, Threatened Species (threatened, rare, vulnerable or endangered species). Curious Encounter, Etienne Littlefair (NT)

Winner, Our Impact (depicting human impact on nature). The Watering Hole, Melissa Williams-Brown (SA)

Winner, Monochrome. Texture, Tracey Jennings (UK/MYS)

Winner, Animal Habitat. Small but Mighty, Richard Smith (UK)

Winner, Animal Behaviour. The Heat Run, Scott Portelli (NSW)

Winner, Junior (photographers under 18 years of age). In the Dark, Floyd Mallon (NSW)

Winner, Botanical. The Ghost of the Forest, Marcia Riederer (VIC)

Winner: Portfolio Prize (best portfolio of size or more images). Charles Davis, (NSW)