Tag Archive for Australia

Some Info About The Barrier Reef

2011/12/30 / manu / No comments

The Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world stretching from the northernmost point of Australia to just north of the border. It’s coral reefs stretch over 2000km along the eastern coast.

The Barrier Reef is home to well over 1200 fish species, dolphins, dugongs and turtles. Many different types of birdlife can be found on the reef.

The coral which creates the reef itself is also a living thing. When it dies it turns white, and creates the basis for further reef growth. Different varieties of coral grow at varying speeds, while some are very quick to grow, some take well over a 100 years to reach maturity. The vivid colours are not formed by the coral but by the growth of algae living on it.

The barrier reef needs a tropical climate as it requires on warm shallow water for optimal growth. Clean water and lots of light is required to keep the coral healthy.

With 100′s of 1000′s of square miles of reef it is a watersports mecca. Various day tours are available from the communities right along the coast. Even if you don’t swim you can see the marvels of the reef through reef viewing tours.

The reef is heritage listed and vast areas are restricted from fishing and removing coral from the reef is prohibited to protect it for our childrens children.

The colourful and exciting capital of North Queensland, Cairns is alive with life and charm. Located in the centre of some of the most awe inspiringly beautiful and environmentally important areas in the world, Cairns is the natural doorway to the natural riches of rainforest, tablelands, outback, and The Great Barrier Reef. The CBD itself has many attractions – great shopping, theatres, cinemas, museums, botanical gardens, a casino, and fine international dining. Cairns is firmly established as one of Australia’s leading visitor destinations, being the departure point for all the best water based adventures. Cairns reef tours are definately the most popular for most tourists, however the area is quickly becoming recognised as the extreme sport capital of Queensland.

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A Selection Of Cairns Diving and Snorkelling Trips

2011/11/24 / manu / No comments

The Great Barrier Reef, best visited from Cairns Australia is the world’s largest coral reef and home to an amazing variety of marine life. There are a large number of tour operators that depart from Cairns, below is a short selection.

Reef Encounter is an unique floating hotel offering 1 night or several nights surronded by the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef in style snorkelling, scuba diving and learn to dive packages are all available

Compass Cruises is Cairns best value budget trip to the Great Barrier Reef price is $60.00 plus $20.00 for levies, cruise includes snorkelling equipment, lunch, afternoon tea, boomnetting, 2 spectacular reef locations Local Family Owned and Operated.

Tusa Dive are a specialist dive boat, but also take snorkellers. They take a small number of guests to the two best dive sites depending on the day’s weather. If you’re a certified diver, they come highly recommended.

Ocean Spirit have two vessels – one that goes to Michaelmas Cay and one that goes to Upolu Cay. If you’re looking for an inexpensive snorkelling day cruise, the Upolu Cay tour is good value for money.
Michaelmas Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $179, Child (4-14yrs) – $87.50. Introductory dive: $98 (additional).
Upolu Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $119, Child (4-14yrs) – $75.50. Introductory dive: $9 (additional).

Passions of Paradise is a modern catamaran that goes to the reef and Michaelmas Cay and is another inexpensive option. This company recently won the Cairns Tourism Award for Adventure Tourism. Traveling to two different uncrowded destinations you can be sure of a high quality experience.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $169, Child (4-14yrs) – $89, Family (2A & 2C) – $407. Introductory or Certified dive: $70 (additional). These prices include $10 reef levy.

Pro Dive Cairns has boats departing tours non-stop to various places on the reef, catering to divers of all experience levels. They have 3 boats running 3D/2N liveaboard cruises to the Great Barrier reef, as well as expeditions from 3-7 days in various combinations visiting other famous GBR sites such as Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. Outer Barrier Reef 3D/2N (leaves every day except Tuesday) prices are $609 for certified divers / $507 snorkelling only. This includes all gear hire, accommodation and food/drinks while at sea. Dive courses are available from introductory diving to professional level training, and run on the liveaboard trips, check the website for further information.

Deep Blue Divers Den This is an overnight vessel that can best be decribed an a floating 4 star hotel. she is surprisingly spacious. She moves around Norman, Saxon & Hastings Reefs; and visits three sites a day. There are daily transfers to and from the vessel every day so you can stay for as little as one night or as many as you want. A perfect boat for both divers and snorkelers .

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A Few Australian Nasties And An Unique Way Of Finding Out About Them.

2011/11/16 / manu / No comments

People in Australia like to reassure visitors about the safety of the wildlife and landscape whilst at the exact same time warning of its deadliness. It comes out sounding funny, leaving you unsure whether you should be relaxed or worried for your life. Some Variations I have heard:

“Don’t worry while you’re snorkeling: reef sharks are pretty harmless. Unless you get between them and food”

“Don’t Worry There’s no sharks there………….the crocodiles finished them off”

“You’ll be OK if you stay inside the stinger net, apart from the Irukandji’s, they’re small enough to get through.

“Spiders? Ah, spiders won’t hurt you! They don’t even bite. Well, except for that one. But otherwise, harmless.”

“Hold this snake! It might bite, but it doesn’t look poisonous, so that’s okay.”

“No-ones ever been left behind while diving on the Great Barrier Reef, except that American couple, but they faked it.”

“Cairns is a safe city……………..just don’t walk alone at night.

“Kangaroos can’t hurt you. Well, unless they rear up. Then you’re pretty much dog food.”

Oh, and did you know that koalas, despite their looks, aren’t the most cute and cuddly creatures. They can in fact get pretty nasty, which is why it’s more difficult than you might think to find a place that will let you pick them up.

I will either leave Australia with a healthy respect for animals or with plenty of food for bad dreams. Though seeing as how I have already gone swimming with reef sharks, stingrays and crocodiles, I think I’ll be okay. I even enjoy holding snakes, though I do insist on guarantees that it won’t bite me, even in a non-fatal way. Spiders are where I draw the line. I’m fairly certain my arachnophobia is permanent, and I’ve no plans to change in that respect.

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