Western Australia is the path less traveled, but it is well worth a visit. People tell me that to meet the gentle giants of the underworld Ningaloo Reef is better than visiting the famous Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. It is 1000 miles north of Perth, so fly into Exmouth. Less expensive than Queensland and fewer tourists.

The gentle giants are great whale sharks. They pass Exmouth every year from April until June, drawn to the Ningaloo Reef to feed on krill, not the tourists. Humpbacks visit between July and November, and turtles come ashore to lay their eggs between November and February.

Having snorkeled in some of the world’s most spectacular reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef, Koh Sanui, French Polynesia, and the Maldives, I would have to say Ningaloo is right up there with the best. The reef is never more than four miles from the coast, making it easy to get to. In some places, you are only a few kicks away from the most amazing marine life. Better still, there are no poisonous jellyfish to contend with.

Take the Indian Pacific train from Sydney, one of the world’s most interesting journeys.