Queensland, Australia is inviting aquatic travelers to explore the Great Barrier Reef with Oceans Away Vacations, creative dive-inspired vacation packages launched by French explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau in partnership with Stella Travel Services USA (Islands in the Sun, Travel2, Qantas Vacations and Travelscene).

Cousteau, eldest son of Jacques Cousteau, believes that working with Stella Travel Services and promoting the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland as his first Oceans Away Vacation destination will help spread his message.

“This collaborative relationship will inspire tourists to feel empowered to learn all about the natural and cultural beauty of Queensland and through responsible tourism, they will ensue a healthy productive ocean to enjoy now and into the future,” said Cousteau.

“The partnership, which includes Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and Air New Zealand, will see a series of Jean-Michel Cousteau endorsed Queensland itineraries promoted via Stella Travel Services in the US,” said Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Jann Stuckey.

Rated as both Australia’s and one of the world’s top scuba-diving destinations and home to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland was a natural selection as the first featured destination for the Oceans Away Vacations. The Great Barrier Reef, a breathtaking natural wonder of Queensland, is a bucket list destination known for having some of the best dive spots of the world.

With over 2,900 reefs, 900 islands, and hundreds of diving locations, there is an endless diversity of marine life including coral, fish, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and sharks waiting to be discovered.

A full listing of packages can be found at islandsinthesun.com/divingvacations

Visit Queensland, www.visit-queensland.com