Oprah visits the Great Barrier Reef

Photo: © Tourism Australia


In the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The reef is formed when coral polyps secrete limestone.

Oprah in a helicopter


Oprah takes the "scenic route" to a barbecue on Whitehaven Beach, a pristine location in the Whitsundays, a group of 74 islands off the coast of Queensland.

Great Barrier Reef

Photo: © Tourism Australia


The Great Barrier Reef is more than 1,000 miles long and 100 miles wide. It's the largest living structure on the planet—you can even see it from space! "It's one of those things you've heard about and read about and saw in school and saw on the Discovery Channel, so to be this close to it is really...the word amazing is appropriate," Oprah says. "It's nature in all of its splendor."


Heart Reef


Brad, Oprah's helicopter pilot, hovers over Heart Reef, a coral formation that has naturally taken the shape of a heart, so Oprah can get a closer look. "That is so cool," she says. "That made my day."

Watch this amazing moment over the Great Barrier Reef. Watch

Gayle at the Great Barrier Reef


Later, Gayle meets up with some Ultimate Viewers in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef at Reefworld. Offering some of the best snorkel, scuba and sea-life adventures in the world, this floating oasis is located 40 miles from shore.

Ultimate Viewers Regina and Robin


It's jellyfish season, so everyone who jumps in the crystal-clear water must wear a protective "stinger suit." Regina and Robin, a mother and daughter from Detroit, are taking the plunge and snorkeling for the first time. "When [do you get] the opportunity where you can say you snorkeled in Australia?" Robin asks.

"This is our adventure!" Regina says.

Blake's underwater proposal


Before arriving in Australia, Blake, an Ultimate Viewer from Oklahoma City, planned a big surprise for his girlfriend of four years, Sami. He arrives at Reefworld with more than sunscreen and a swimsuit—he brought along a diamond engagement ring! "My mom gave up her spot so Sami could come with me," he says.

After a 20-minute scuba lesson and a little help from Gayle, Blake asks Sami to marry him.