Things To Do In Cairns Australia.

Heaps of the very best diving destinations on the Great Barrier Reef happen to be within 25 miles of Cairns. Thatis the reason Cairns is world renowned as the departure point for diving within the amazing Great Barrier Reef . Whether or not you want to take a live-aboard, take a day cruise out or even learn how to dive, Cairns may be the destination for you. The Reef is over 2000km long and it’s the largest coral reef system on Earth. It is also the sole living thing seen from outer space. It really is truly an example of Mother Nature’s treats therefore we all must strive to protect it.

Cairns is actually a semi-tropical touristy town having plam fringed beaches, such as Kewarra Beach along with Ellis Beach, modern sea food restaurants, quite a nice salt water lake just perfect for a swim and the well-maintained Cairns Esplanade for a romantic walk looking over the beach. You can take a look at the palm-fringed beach villages Mission Beach and Port Douglas or perhaps go on a boat trip to the always popular Fitzroy Island. Away from the coast you could find amazing heritage listed rain forests, breathtaking waterfalls and crystal clear blue lakes. You may want to visit the communities Kuranda, Mareeba as well as the capital of the tablelands, Atherton. Definately do not miss the historic Crater Lakes National Park. Along with the much more famous Great Barrier Reef excursions you can find white water rafting trips, seakayaking tours, cable cars, jungle canopy treks as well as bungee jumping. Clubs, bars, restaurants and a wicked Cairns club landscape add to this already wonderful getaway option featuring activities and sights for all the family.There’s definately lots of things to do in Cairns.

The actual weather around Cairns is usually nicer throughout winter, from August to December, with a reduced humidity levels, but generally Cairns could be frequented all year long. Water temperatures in the low 30s, trip providers for all kinds of Great Barrier Reef visits and incredibly healthy and fish covered dive destinations make Cairns one of the best dive destinations on the earth.

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Pat, May 14th 2012 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized

Some Facts About The Barrier Reef

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 in the area.

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 all 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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Pat, December 30th 2011 | Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Gear

Some Cairns Great Barrier Reef Boats

The Great Barrier Reef, best visited from Cairns Australia is the world’s largest coral reef and home to an amazing diversity of marine life. There are a large number of cruise vessels that depart from Cairns, I’ve listed the best below.

Sunlover Reef Cruises offers the quickest travel time, longest play time at the Great Barrier Reef. Once tied up at their pontoon on Moore Reef, guests have over 4.5 hours to snorkel, take glass-bottom boat and/or semi-sub trips, enjoy a full hot and cold buffet lunch as well as afternoon tea on the cruise back to Cairns. Full day cruise$186/adult, $66/child or $426/family of 4.

Reef Experience is Cairns newest day cruise, one all inclusive price of $165.00 includes breakfast, lunch afternoon tea, express boat cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, 2 pristine reef locations, 6 hours at the Great Barrier Reef, clients choice of guided snorkel, certified dive or introductory dive, city transfers, wetsuit, glass bottom boat, Marine Biologist Reef Presentation, Local Family Owned and Operated

Vagabond Cruise & Dive is a 65′ luxury yacht designed for diving, sailing and entertaining for a maximum of 11 guests operating out of Cairns. The tour is two days and one night which is spent aboard the boat out on the reef.

Reef Magic moors at a ponotoon on the Great reef with the smallest passenger numbers on the market, giving you 5 hours in which to spend doing what you like. Included in the cruise is semi-submersible tripcruises, an underwater observatory, all snorkelling equipment included and offer scenic helipcopter flights and diving (not included in price).
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $169, Child (4-14yrs) – $84, Family (2A & 2C) – $415. Introductory dive: $85 (additional).

Passions of Paradise is a fast 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 unique uncrowded destinations you can be sure of a personalized high quality experience.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $149, Child (4-14yrs) – $87, Family (2A & 2C) – $405. Introductory or Certified dive: $70 (additional). These prices include $10 reef levy.

Pro Dive Cairns has boats running cruises non-stop to various places on the reef, catering to divers of all experience levels. They have 3 boats running 3D/2N liveaboard trips to the Outer 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. Great Barrier Reef 3D/2N (leaves every day except Tuesday) prices are $608 for certified divers / $506 snorkelling only. This includes all gear hire, accommodation and meals/drinks whilst on board. Dive courses are available from introductory diving to professional level training, and run in conjunction with the liveaboard tours, check the website for further information.

Reef Quest This is a live aboard vessel that can best be decribed an a floating 4 star hotel. she is incredebly comfortable. She moves around Norman, Saxon & Hastings Reefs; and visits three dive sites a day. There are transfers everyday to and from the boat daily so you can stay for as little as one night or as many as you fancy. A great boat for scuba divers and snorkelling .

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Pat, November 24th 2011 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Destinations

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

People in Australia enjoy reassuring tourists about the harmlessness of the wildlife and landscape whilst at the exact same time warning of its deadliness. It comes out sounding funny, leaving you undecided 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”

” There’s no sharks around here………….the croc’s finished them off”

“Stingrays are like pancakes with tails: they can’t harm you. Just.don’t go near them.”

“Go ahead and swim with the freshwater crocodiles. They don’t hurt people.at least, most of the time.”

“Hold this snake! It might bite, but it doesn’t look poisonous, so you’ll be right.”

“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 .

“Kangaroos won’t hurt you. Well, unless they get angry. Then you’re pretty much finished.”

Oh, and did you know that koalas, despite looking otherwise, aren’t the most cute and cuddly animals. 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 nightmares. 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 prefer guarantees that it won’t bite me, even in a non-lethal way. Spiders are where I draw the line. I’m positive my arachnophobia is incurable.

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Pat, November 15th 2011 | Tags:
Posted in Destinations