Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts

Thursday, December 22, 2011

View The Great Barrier Reef In A Mini Submarine

Are you looking to "View The Great Barrier Reef In A Mini Submarine?"
Looks like a great deal of fun and its yellow so it matches to Beetles Song!
I also provided a video for you to see too!

Submarine in Great Barrier Reef
This video was shot from a submarine at the outer Great Barrier Reef, 90 minutes into the ocean.

Great Barrier Reef mini-submarine
The new mini-submarine explores the coral around Wilson Island. Picture: Supplied
Great Barrier Reef mini-submarine
Two passengers and a pilot can fit inside the cockpit. Picture: Supplied
TOURISTS on the Great Barrier Reef will be able to get a fish-eye view of the marine life with the introduction of new mini-submarines.
Great Barrier Reef Submarines has begun offering the experience at Fitzroy Island, a 45 minute ferry ride from Cairns in Queensland.

Two passengers and a pilot can fit in the 4m wide, 1.8m high mini-submarine, which was designed in Canada.

 English: A variety of corals form an outcrop o...Image via Wikipedia

Passengers enter the cockpit through an opening in the back of the hull guided by a safety diver and met are inside by the pilot.

Once inside they sit on window seats either side of the cockpit cabin.

"The cabin is cosy but it's surprisingly roomy for three people,'' Great Barrier Reef Submarines owner Richard Chapman said.

"You duck dive into it and sit up to your waist in water but your upper body is in fresh air.

English: False Clown Anemonefish Great Barrier...Image via Wikipedia
"You're in a bubble of air.''

While the mini-submarine is capable of going as deep as 40m, you only have to go 6m to get to the bottom of the reef in the area it is used.

Passengers have to equalise when the submarine dives or ascends, similar to scuba diving.

Tours will be conducted during the day and at night and cost $150 for 30 minutes.

A pocket of air is trapped inside the cockpit of the sub, like an upside-down cup traps air when pushed underwater.

The air is replenished from the scuba tank supply.

The IVC Corp Resort Submarine travels at a maximum speed of 7.5km per hour.

It works on an ambient pressure design, so the air pressure inside the sub is the same as the water pressure outside.

No certified pressure hull is required because there is no danger of the hull collapsing as no differential pressure is being exerted on the hull by the water.

This allows for the use of a light and durable fibreglass hull.

The submarine is driven by electric thruster propellers which move the sub forward, backwards and up and down, which makes it easier to manoeuvre than traditional ballast tank and propeller submarines.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/fish-eye-view-of-marine-life-with-new-mini-submarine-on-great-barrier-reef/story-e6frfq80-1226228533766#ixzz1hKq1gpwV

I hope you enjoyed this blog post "View The Great Barrier Reef In A Mini Submarine"?
Remember to keep a good eye on this blog, share it with others and click the resource links to find even more cool content!
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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Great Barrier Reef Partition Success!

English: A variety of corals form an outcrop o...Image via Wikipedia Great Barrier Reef Partition Success!  Good news isn't it!
I just received this email from Getup and wanted to share it with my readers!
For those who signed this partition thanks you, because without each and everyone of you it couldn't of been a success!
Read the email from Getup below

Dear Marty
Just a quick email to update you on the campaign to save the Great Barrier Reef. Amazingly 74,938 people have signed the petition. Thanks to Lincoln, it has been delivered to the UNESCO head offices in Paris - your voice is being heard!

Lincoln is a a GetUp member who now lives in Paris. Lincoln grew up in Adelaide but moved to Tasmania in 1982 to take up the fight to save the Franklin River. He ran The Wilderness Society's legal campaign which ultimately saw a High Court Victory which resulted in the Franklin River being saved. Like the Great Barrier Reef, the Franklin River now has World Heritage status.

Like many people Lincoln rightly thought that the Great Barrier Reef was safe for all time following its protection and was shocked to hear that dredging is now occurring within the World Heritage Area - damaging an already fragile ecosystem.
Deutsch: Tauchen am Great Barrier ReefImage via Wikipedia
That is what motivated him to take action on your behalf. Earlier this week he toured the World Heritage sites along the Banks of the River Seine in Paris, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower and Louvre museum, with a representation of the petition you signed. It was a creative way to make the point that it would be unthinkable to damage those World Heritage sites, yet here in Australia our government is allowing it to occur.

Lincoln then met with senior UNESCO staff to explain how significant the Great Barrier Reef is to Australians and that our community is hoping that UNESCO can step in and stop the dredging of the World Heritage Area.

Click here to read how it went and see the photos!

"I’m thrilled that so many GetUp members signed the petition and feel as passionate as I do about the importance of protecting the Great Barrier Reef from overdevelopment. It’s rekindled my links with the country I love so much." - Lincoln.
 Deutsch: Tauchen am Great Barrier ReefImage via Wikipedia


Stay tuned for next steps on this campaign in 2012.

Thanks for all you do,
Justine, for the GetUp team.

To be honest I was really stoked to receive this email after signing the partition. 
Take care and see you at my next blog post!
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Saturday, December 10, 2011

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012

 Hi and welcome to my blog post "Audi Hamilton Race Week 2012"
If you haven't heard of this race before then I have placed an article below that I found online at Sail-World.com
It's great to see these sailing races being promoted for Hamilton Island and I will do my best to cover these events!


Audi Hamilton Island Race Week invitation for superyachts
'Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012'    Rob Mundle



Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012 is being held from 17 to 25 August. Sailing superyacht owners are invited to experience the unique on-water and party pleasures that have propelled the event to a point where it is ranked amongst the world’s best regattas.

The Superyacht Division will be a key element in the 2012 series, which will be staged at a venue that is the centrepiece of what is becoming the world’s latest superyacht playground, and Australia’s answer to the Caribbean. 
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, AustraliaImage via Wikipedia


Yacht owners and their guests will experience an exceptional racing agenda, one which will see them engaged in stimulating competition over courses that take in many of the 68 uninhabited Whitsunday Islands that are in close proximity to Hamilton Island.

Back on shore, the party schedule for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012 will set new standards for what is a truly world class regatta. There will be more stunning fashion, delicious food, fine wine, wellbeing and camaraderie throughout the entire week.

Luxury carmaker, Audi, returns as the main partner for Race Week in 2012. The German premium brand will offer a range of high-end events on the island for yacht owners and guests to enjoy. 


Hamilton Island, Queensland with Whitsunday Is...Image via Wikipedia

Such is the status of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week that the America’s Cup made an appearance at the 2011 event, and the man who brought it to the island from San Francisco – America’s Cup legend of 30-years, Tom Ehman – returned home quite amazed by what he had experienced: ‘Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is the best kept secret in the world of yachting. The organisers of any major race week should look at how Hamilton Island makes this more than a sailing event: it’s also a social and cultural happening. Through resources, imagination and hard work it has really come into its own.’ 

View original article here 

There you have it, even the top legends in the sport give the thumbs up for the yearly race event!
Who knows in the future it just may become a part of Hamilton Island culture!
It sure sound like lots of fun with plenty of fashion and top class food!
Who knows I just may see you there!
Marty
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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Great Barrier Reef Holidays Video

I really like this Great Barrier Reef Holiday Video, so I though I would share it with you!
Enjoy, it's a lot of fun!


<a href="http://www.linkedtube.com/Gsxm25cIAzMaeb2b6afd6f21aa9e7a2ff5e4f0df2d0.htm">LinkedTube</a>

I know it's only a short blog post today, but it sure is well worth it! In many ways I can't wait for the Aussie winter to get amongst it!

Below are some more blog posts all about the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, Whitsundays and more!

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Sea Trek Videos for The Great Barrier Reef

Welcome to a very cool video blog post! "Sea Trek Video for The Great Barrier Reef"

Sea Trek - Episode 4 - Great Barrier Reef part 1
Featuring a Loggerhead Turtle and Green Sea Turtles laying eggs. Brief encounters with Grey Reef and White Tip Reef Sharks. Episode 4 is mostly focused on reproduction. Part 1 of 3, Episode four of the documentary series: Sea Trek, with Martha Holmes...

Sea Trek - Episode 4 - Great Barrier Reef part 2
Featuring Potato Groupers, Remoras, Anemone, Parrot Fish and Giant Clams. Episode 4 is mostly focused on reproduction. Part 2 of 3, Episode four of the documentary series: Sea Trek, with Martha Holmes and Michael deGruy. One of the far more obscure s...

Sea Trek - Episode 4 - Great Barrier Reef part 3
Ship wreck dive with Bull Rays, Green Turtles and Snappers. Ends with the mass spawning of coral at night. Episode 4 is mostly focused on reproduction. Part 3 of 3, Episode four of the documentary series: Sea Trek, with Martha Holmes and Michael deGr...



I hope you enjoyed the video series above Sea Trek Videos for The Great Barrier Reef! They really are wonderful videos!
I hope you enjoyed it?
See you again soon!
Marty
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Monday, November 21, 2011

Hamilton Island Accommodation Resource List

Welcome to my blog post "Hamilton Island Accommodation Resource List"!
Below I have compiled a list of different links that point to a wide variety of accommodation article and reference links.
If you are looking to getaway to a tropical destination of the Queensland coast of Australia then this is definitely for you!

Hamilton Island Accommodation list


Poinciana Apartments

Once again welcome and thanks for dropping by to read my blog post Hamilton Island Poinciana apartments. If you are looking for a luxurious place to stay in Hamilton Island then these apartments could be the one for you.

The place is nicely settled in a very relaxing and rejuvenating view of pure nature, beauty and is a perfect place to stay for family, friends, and even lovers on a honeymoon or vacation. Why not just chill out relax and have a carefree time!
Hamilton Island Poinciana apartments

The Reef View Hotel

 Today, I will provide information about one of the best places to stay while having a vacation in Hamilton Island. The Reef View Hotel is certainly one of the fantastic places to stay. The name alone says its best feature. The hotel welcomes every visitor with the grandest of views.
The services and the facilities at this hotel are truly outstanding, as evidenced by positive reviews from those people who really stayed there during their vacation. The article below will provide you more exciting idea about the hotel.
Reef View Hotel Hamilton Island Accommodation

Qualia Resort Video

Below I found this wonderful slide show video with a real nice ambiance backing soundtrack!
I believe that this video really provides the feeling of the Whitsundays that Qualia provides.
So, sit back and enjoy!
Hamilton Island Resort Video Qualia

 

Accommodation on Hamilton Island


There is a wide range of places to stay on this part of the Whitsundays and they can range from the best luxury suites in the world to holiday houses and apartments.

Below I have compiled videos and links for you to view so you can organize your next holiday to this perfect piece of paradise!
Accommodation on Hamilton Island



South Molle Island Whitsundays

South Mole Island Resort Whitsundays

South Molle is situated right in the heart of the Whitsundays and the beautiful Whitsunday Passage. This Island has its own national park that is full of scenic beaches of alabaster-white sands and beautiful bays and inlets.
To find out more about South Mole Island Resort Whitsundays please follow the link provided.
South Molle Island Resort Whitsundays

Brampton Island Whitsundays

Brampton Island Queensland

Brampton is situated 50 km east of the coastal town of Mackay. It is the most Southern Island of the Whitsunday group. It is easily accessed from the airstrip at Mackay, and there are daily flights. TThis wonderful Tropical Island is also well known for its romantic settings and as a couples’ favorite getaway!
Would you like to find out more?
Brampton Island Queensland

I am quite sure you will find what your are looking for, reason being each one of these links takes you to separate website that is just jam packed full of content about the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays Islands, Cairns, Hamilton Island and much, much more!
Don't forget to bookmark them or follow the rss feed as there is plenty more on the way!
Happy Travels
Marty


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5 Star Accommodation Port Douglas List

Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, QueenslandImage via WikipediaHi Guys and welcome to my blog post 5 Star Accommodation Port Douglas List.

I can't believe how popular this blog is becoming now!
I want to thank you all so much for coming back and reading the articles that I provide.
I really do try my best to bring quality content!

Are you looking for 5 Star Accommodation Port Douglas? If you are then just may of come to the right place!

Below I have provided  links to get you on your way! This part of the world sure is set apart from the rest of the and being so close to rainforest and the Daintree, well I think you get my drift!

There really is a great range of accommodation available from living in the tree tops to luxury hotels!

Enjoy!
Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) at Port Douglas...Image via Wikipedia
Port Douglas Resort - Thala Beach Lodge Envirotv

Port Douglas Accommodation at Thala Beach Lodge was featured on Envirotraveltv. Winner of 2008 Best Luxury Hotel in Australia and 2009 Best Luxury Hotel in Australia and 2009 Best Romance hotel in Australia awarded by Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Awa...

Tropical northern Queensland Thala Beach Resort is set amongst beautiful trees and offers a wonderful view provided by something only nature can provide!
View 86 Port Douglas Hotels
Below there is a link that will direct you to 86 Port Douglas Hotels!

Here you will find reviews, prices photos and an option to book if you find something that you like!

Review and Book with a choice of 86 hotels in Port Douglas!

Click the link here now to view videos and get access to the list and deals right now!
5 Star Accommodation Port Douglas List
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Saturday, November 19, 2011

The Great Barrier Reef Information World

A Barrier Reef Anemonefish (Amphiprion akindyn...Image via Wikipedia Welcome to my blog post The Great Barrier Reef Information World!
I wanted to share this with you, as I believe many of you may of missed my main website Great Barrier Reef Holidays that is just loaded with awesome content!
Click the links below and find out for yourself !


New 7 Wonders - Great Barrier Reef featuring Andy Ridley (Earth Hour), Part 1
Andy shot a series of videos on Green Island, Middle Cay and Norman Reef driving people to vote for the Great Barrier Reef as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. This video is day one of his three day visit to Green Island on the Great Barrier...



As you may or not know this Australian reef that fringes the north east coast of Australia is the largest reef of its kind. The reef is a relatively new and just over 1000 years old, but did you know that it has built itself on top of a very old reef?
Yes, the base underneath is hundreds and thousands years old and has provided the perfect base its relatives.

The Great Barrier Reef Info Center

If you are looking to find more information from within the list provided just follow the links and you will be guided to even more solid content!

Great Barrier Reef Age The Great Barrier Reef Age – Yes, this reef is steeped with mystery, but science is slowly unwrapping and solving some puzzles. Scientist are digging deep into the reef and discovering some of the oldest known coral reef that has existed on this planet.
Find out more here The Great Barrier Reef Age

Fish in the Great Barrier Reef Fish in The Great Barrier Reef - There are over 1500 species of fish that live on the reef that resides off the Queensland Aussie coast and virtually all of them depend on this coral reefs health for their survival. Actually one of these fish can live to more than 50 years of age. Find out its name and more here!
Fish in the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef for kids thumb The Great Barrier Reef Info for kids - Yes coral reef can be just like a wonderland to children and there is also lots that they can learn along the way, while having a great deal fun, especially if your kid loves nature and the great outdoors. Maybe they are an indoors computer kid? But that could easily change with an awesome holiday? To find out more follow the link to the resource page The Great Barrier Reef Info for Kids

 

Great Barrier Reef Food Web Great Barrier Reef food web - Yes, everything eats everything. Sharks here on the reef would be at the top of the food chain, but when you take a closer look at what humans do to sharks? Mmmm, this really is interesting.
Find out more about The Great Barrier Reef Food Web here!

information about the Great Barrier Reef Information about the Great Barrier Reef- Would you like to know more about the corals and marine life that live and breath the Great Barrier Reef?Follow the link below to get a greater understanding!
Information about the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef History Great Barrier Reef History - There is more to history on this famous reef than just its age! What about shipwrecks? Captain Cook and his views on the reef? And also evolution! Find out more about Great Barrier Reef history here.
Great Barrier Reef History

Great Barrier Reef Map Great Barrier Reef Map - Are you looking to find your way around the reef, surrounding Islands and Australian north east mainland? Follow the link provided here to download the map! Great Barrier Reef Map

So, how cool are all these links that I have provided within this article The Great Barrier Reef Information World?
Actaully there is so much content here that I really think you should bookmark it, pass it on to your buddies and family online, and heck why not even Tweet it right now!
And if you haven't already make sure you watch the video up the top too!
Happy Holidays
Marty

ps: I also placed a massive link links below for you to access even more content! YE HAH!
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Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Best Hotels and Resorts in Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach, Queensland - Abel Point MarinaImage via WikipediaWelcome to my article about The Best Hotels and Resorts in Airlie Beach which is perfect for those who definitely love the beach and travelling! These places are perfect destination for a grand vacation with your family to enjoy with while doing some serious R&R.

 Airlie Beach is a great place to visit when you aim to travel the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands in Australia.

 The town is a great place with a large selection of fun activities during the holidays. The exciting activities that you can enjoy at this place are skydiving, diving, snorkeling, Island sailing, trips to the barrier reefs, etc. 

One of the best hotels and resorts in Airlie Beach is the Club Crocodile Resort, which is situated in Whitsunday. The resort offers reasonable prices to various tourists.

They provide ocean and pool views to all 160 rooms. This relaxed haven is suitable to all who simply would like to enjoy and relax a bit from the daily stresses of their life.

Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach, Australia Copy...Image via Wikipedia
photo right: The view from the Coral Sea Resort!

The resort has a cool ambiance and is well-liked by most visitors. On the other hand, the Coral Sea Resort is composed of a wide range of superior suites, apartments and penthouses with excellent amenities for those who like to stay in this place.

Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach Accommodation, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef

Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach Accommodation, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef. Positioned on the absolute ocean front and just a short stroll via seaside boardwalk to the enchanting Airlie Beach resort village; with its relaxed atmosphere and collect...



The Water’s Edge Whitsunday Resort is also considered as one of the best hotels and resorts in Airlie Beach and definitely must be considered as an option.Airlie Beach, QueenslandImage via Wikipedia

There is a tropical garden within the city and visitors will surely enjoy being close to The Whitsunday Islands and The Great Barrier Reef

Water sports activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and even fishing are suitable can be booked easily from many of the tourist centers and booking agents.

Also guests won’t get bored when on tour and can easily entertaining themselves with various activities in the resorts and hotels.

Another great place to enjoy is the Grand Mercure Azure Sea Apartments that also have admirable amenities such as private balconies that are strategically placed in each room that allows the guests to have a view of the gorgeous sea, a television set, internet access, personal bathrooms and kitchen complete with appliances.                

Aside from that, visitors can truly enjoy the best of Airlie Beach with another  the stunning Marina Shores Apartments!

 This place also provides excellent accommodation for their guests while they are on vacation

The only difference is that, they have a BBQ area, Spa, salon and fitness center.

Thank you for reading my article about The Best Hotels and Resorts in Airlie Beach.

 If you would like to know more, just click on any of the links  above for further information.


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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The Great Barrier Reef Battleplan

Hi, and welcome! One of my clients who I have been teaching blogging to just emailed this article to me!
I talks about watching the showon the ABC and some of us may be a little late to see that after reading this!
Anyway check the article below and see what maybe you could do?
Like sign the partition!
Thanks
Marty

 Save the reef!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dugong with fishes, Australian Marine Conservation Society
Millions of cubic metres of sea floor is being removed from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area right now. It's the largest dredging project ever undertaken in Australia, making way for massive new coal seam gas export facilities.

This massive industrial activity is damaging the Great Barrier Reef and threatens its status as a World Heritage Site. Sign the emergency petition now!
  • The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world and is recognised as a global treasure, due to the amazing biodiversity which it sustains and it's unparalleled beauty.
  • The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World.
  • The reef brings in billions of dollars of economic activity every year and supports tens of thousands of jobs in tourism and the fishing industry.
  • The largest dredging project ever undertaken in Australia was approved to occur within the Great Barrier Reef WHA, at Gladstone Harbour, and is slated to remove a total of around 50 million cubic metres of soil.
  • The ecosystem of the GBR is already very fragile and is facing total collapse with the added pressure of the dredging, which releases toxic chemicals into the sea.
  • In the past 6 months (the first stage of dredging) there has been a steep increase in deaths of endangered marine wildlife - 6 dolphins, 10 dugongs and 231 turtles have washed up dead near Gladstone on the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Fishermen and their families have been getting sick and have noticed that many of the fish have washed up with a strange flesh disease.
  • The Australian government failed to inform UNESCO of the approval of the gas facilities in the Great Barrier Reef WHA.
----- Original Message -----
From: GetUp!
To: Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 7:20 PM
Subject: On your TV tonight

Click here to add your voice

Breaking: tune in to ABC's Four Corners at 8:30pm tonight - and sign the emergency petition to stop the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef now.


If you tune in to Four Corner's tonight you'll see a truly shocking story about the destruction of huge swathes of our Great Barrier Reef. Not to spoil the plot, but... Millions of cubic metres of sea floor are being drudged up from the Great Barrier Reef to make way for massive new coal seem gas export facilities. No, we're not kidding.

It's the largest dredging project ever undertaken in Australia, and one that has the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) so alarmed they're warning the Reef could lose its iconic world heritage status. We've created an emergency petition to stop this. Sign here, tune in and spread the word now.

SIGN THE PARTITION CLICK THE LINK BELOW NOW 

www.getup.org.au/dredging-the-reef

As The Age recently put it- what's of primary concern is the "vast dredging program" associated with the construction of three coal seam gas plants located inside the reef's World Heritage area. "The Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) has approvals to dredge 46 million cubic metres from within the harbour boundaries, inside the World Heritage area, over the next 20 years...a volume equivalent to 27 Melbourne Cricket Grounds." 1

Environment Minister Tony Burke has so far refused to stand up for the Reef, a priceless and fragile site of significance not just to Australia, but to the world. Imagine if the Pyramids were being bulldozed or the Grand Canyon mined -- the global community would be furious. Well UNESCO is furious. They're sending a special delegation in March to inspect the mining sites at the Reef, but that's too late to stop the damage happening now.

Meanwhile, UNESCO are being lobbied hard by the insatiable coal seam gas industry. And although they failed to even tell UNESCO about the project, the state and federal governments would have us simply trust them to monitor and regulate this crazy project -- claiming it's possible to dredge up 46 million cubic metres of reef inside a world heritage site provided there's sufficient environmental oversight. If the Australian Government won't stand up for the Great Barrier Reef as it's ripped up for corporate profit, we will.

That's why we've created an urgent petition, as we prepare to launch this campaign on the global stage.

www.getup.org.au/dredging-the-reef

The fragile and unique ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef is already under intense pressure due to earlier floods and a changing climate. We've witnessed a steep increase in the rates of death of endangered marine wildlife this year -- including dolphins, dugongs and turtles. The massive development for the coal seam gas industry may well prove too much for it to handle.

As you can see from the article above this truly is shocking stuff!
Me I am flabergasted at how they could even consider this!
I am off to sign the partition and I hope you do too!
Happy Travels
Marty
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Saturday, November 5, 2011

Experts Predict The Extinction of The Great Barrier Reef!

A variety of corals form an outcrop on Flynn R...Image via WikipediaHi, and welcome to my video "blog post Experts Predict The Extinction of The Great Barrier Reef"!
Is it true, will one of the 7th wonders on the planet crumble around us during our lifetime.
This article below says that maybe the whole thing has been greatly exaggerated.
Maybe?
Me is am not a scientist, but I do have a passion for theis wonderful underwater nature land!
View the article below from the Telegraph UK and see exactly what these guys have to say!
Great Barrier Reef - Giant Clam
Playing with a Giant Clam on the Great Barrier Reef at Michaelmas Cay. This was on March 25 on Ocean Spirit Cruises.



Australia: All's well on the Great Barrier Reef

Experts predict the extinction of the Great Barrier Reef but the planet's largest living organism is holding up well, finds Cameron Wilson.

The Great Barrier Reef exists in a kind of public relations purgatory, as almost every conference on global warming, every estimate of rising sea levels and every warning about coral bleaching includes the pronouncement: "the Great Barrier Reef could be extinct within our lifetime!" The planet's largest living organism has become a 1,300-mile underwater canary-in-the-coal mine, predictions of its demise shorthand for environmental Armageddon.

In spite of this, I embarked on my first visit to the reef in eight years optimistic that the fish, corals and other marine life had not heard the news and were swimming, feeding and procreating much as always.

It's an odd fact that most of the two million people who travel to see the reef annually go in winter (June-August in Australia), but the reef is actually at its best just before the summer monsoon when calmer seas bring exceptional underwater visibility.

Similarly, because Cairns is well known as the gateway city to the reef, it's assumed to be the place to stay. But unless you fancy backpacker bars, Port Douglas, an hour up the road, may be a better option. Accommodation ranges from modest to lavish and several top-notch reef trips leave from here, too.

 IMG_4137.JPGImage by gnomeza via Flickr

One of these is Poseidon, and I booked myself on for a day's diving to check the state of things on Agincourt Reef. There were 38 other passengers on the trip and 10 of us paired off to dive at a site known as Stonehenge, after a cluster of coral plinths that poke out of the waves. Some of the coral bomboras (offshore wave breaks known as "bommies") we drifted over were largely barren, while others bristled with soft and hard corals and sea fans in an array of greens, blues, reds and yellows. This mix of the bare and the colourful was much the same when I last dived Agincourt Reef nearly a decade ago.

Tropical reefs in Australia and elsewhere can often be disappointingly bereft of giant clams, but at Stonehenge they were everywhere – some more than 5ft across, with fleshy lips in royal shades of purple and green or else creamy browns flecked with yellow. Myriad tiny fish in electric blue, green and yellow darted among gardens of staghorn coral, and I spotted a colony of anemones with 20 or so inhabitant clownfish, the first time I'd seen these endearing little "Nemos" in such numbers.

Lunch was standard fare for the better reef tours: chilled prawns, cold meats and salads followed by tea and coffee with muffins and brownies. Satisfied with both the diving and the food, I settled in for the journey back to Port Douglas, chatting with my fellow divers about their experiences of visiting the reef.

While everyone had seen corals blooming with health and others less so, the biggest surprise for most had been the time taken to reach the outer reef. Most tour boats will travel three hours round-trip in order to spend four hours moored by the coral. This can make a live-aboard trip an appealing option, as you get more time snorkelling or diving relative to time spent in transit. But it does mean committing to a set number of days at sea – which can be a pain if the weather turns or you're not much enjoying the boat.

 Satelite image of the Great Barrier ReefImage via Wikipedia

A more flexible alternative is Reef Encounter, which can accommodate guests for one or several days, as its sister vessel Reef Express ferries passengers to and from Cairns daily. My two-day "Top Deck" package with Reef Encounter included my own dive-guide and valet – a peppy English girl named Lucy. The moment I stepped on board it was apparent Reef Encounter pulls off that trick some boats do of being roomier inside than they appear from the outside. My cabin had a comfortable double bed and a compact bathroom cubicle (there was also a plate of fresh fruit and glass of champagne). Lucy outlined the boat's amenities and dining schedule and then switched roles from valet to dive guide, ensuring I had a properly fitted wetsuit and scuba rig.

After lunch, Lucy and I suited up and stepped off the boat's dive platform, sinking alongside the mooring line on to Hastings Reef. Reef Encounter shuttles between different sites on Hastings and Saxon reefs, so multi-day divers and snorkellers get lots of variety.

As at Agincourt Reef, giant clams were in abundance and while some bommies looked past their best, others teemed with life. We encountered dozens of parrot fish and a pair of hump-head Maori wrasse, each over 3ft long. Lucy spotted a loggerhead turtle on the surface, and we watched it dive past us to the bottom to fossick for food. Occasionally a white-tip reef shark would glide by, and when I found one resting on the sand, I was able to settle almost alongside it.

For my final water session off Reef Encounter, I abandoned the scuba gear and instead spent an hour snorkelling about the reef shallows. Anemones and clown-fish, more giant clams, a turtle and a cruising black-tip reef shark were among the sightings, along with forests of staghorn coral that glowed green, orange and blue.

On the run back to Cairns aboard Reef Express I sat topside with the skipper, who gave me the fisherman's view on the relative merits of coral trout, barramundi and Spanish mackerel as well as the grim outlook for ocean fish stocks.

In the end we agreed we don't know what impact global warming will have on the Great Barrier Reef, but probably no one else does either. It is to be hoped that in years to come, we will be able to say that reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated.
View original article here

Yes, I wish I was more of an expert on this subject.  The truth is I have watched the seas rise over the years and tons of sand taken away from many of our beaches on the east coast of Australia!
All I ask is that you be aware and try your very best to lower any impact that you have on the planet, to save not only the Great Barrier Reef, but many of Islands and natural resources.
I know this is a whole other subject, but we must act and play a small role each to make one BIG ONE!
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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Fun!

A scuba diver looking at a giant clam on the G...Image via WikipediaCAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 07:  Aerial views o...Image by Getty Images via @daylifeWelcome to my blog post "Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Fun"!
This place sure is natures wonderland and the Coral sea just may be the biggest on the planet!


Check out the video below if this true underwater paradise!

Exploring Oceans: Great Barrier Reef
The largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef spans more than 1200 miles (2000 km) of islands and submerged reefs.



I also cam accross this wonderful article and wanted to share it with you all!
Enjoy!

Coral Sea could be world's largest marine park

LABOR is considering proposals to establish the world's largest marine protected area with 972,000 square kilometres of the Coral Sea to be given differing levels of environmental cover.

The Age believes the draft proposal for the tropical waters between the Great Barrier Reef and the edge of Australian territory will place about half the total region in ''no take'' reserves, stopping fishing.

The rest of the Coral Sea will be made multi-use, single-use and wilderness conservation areas allowing recreational fishing, some commercial fishing, or both, to differing degrees.

The draft proposal is still being finalised before its release in coming weeks, but falls short of a campaign by conservationists for the entire Coral Sea to be declared a ''no-take'' reserve due to its largely unspoilt environment and military significance.

Director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society Darren Kindleysides said: ''The government has the opportunity to leave an environmental legacy of global significance by fully protecting the Coral Sea in a large marine national park.

''There have always been two important goals since the campaign to protect the Coral Sea began in 2008 - providing a very large safe haven for marine life and recognising the historic significance of the area.

''We'll be assessing the plan to see how it measures up against these two key tests once it is released.''

Environment Minister Tony Burke would not comment yesterday except to say ''a draft bio-regional plan for the east region, including the Coral Sea, will be released later this year and will be followed by a three-month period of community consultation.''

But in an article in Fishing World last week, Mr Burke said he wanted to minimise the effects on recreational fishers from the rollout of marine parks around the country, including in the Coral Sea.

Mr Burke said he wanted no-take zones to be primarily located away from popular recreational fishing spots and that ''exclusive catch and release recreational fishing zones'' could also be used allowing extraction of fish only for immediate consumption.
View Original article here!

Recently I was reading about the impact of fishing on the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea!
There really has been a large impact and many species are in lower numbers, as they are targeted as table fish.
Hopefully somehow they can get on top of this and do some serious studies on the impacts here!
Lets pray for sustainable fishing in this area!
Take care my friends and if you ever get a chance go and get some of your own Great Barrier Reef Marine park fun!
Happy Holidays
Marty
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Thursday, November 3, 2011

Hamilton Island Getaways Whitsundays Queensland Australia

Hamilton Island Swimming Pool, WhitsundaysImage by kevgibbo via FlickrWelcome to my video blog post Hamilton Island Getaways Whitsundays Queensland Australia
!
If you have been following my blog then you just may be planning your very next vacation to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef!

The Whitsundays is probably one of the safest tropical Island vacations sites in the world as it resides in the country of Australia.
Unlike other tropical locations it is free from disease and parasites such as Malaria!
The best time to visit here would definitely have to be in the Australian winter.  Just remember to pack your sun cream and not to forget your swimmers!
qualia - Hamilton Island 2011


CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL ACCOMMODATION LIST ON HAMILTON ISLAND

Hamilton Island, Australia - Visit for a Great Vacation

So you have taken my advice and decided to vacation on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, but first a little more information would be of great help.
First is getting there, with flights from all the major airports in Australia, it is easy to get to Hamilton Island, which has the only airport of the Whitsunday Islands.

For those who prefer, not to fly, they can take the Ferry from Shute Harbour, it only takes 30 minutes. Once on the island, getting around is easy as there is a free shuttle service, or hire a golf buggy.

On the island there is a variety of accommodations to suit everyone's pocket book, even a range of self- catering properties.
Guests can choose from a range of rooms and suites at the 4-star Reef View Hotel, among its amenities is a 35-metre swimming pool, restaurant and Lounge bar.
Then there is the Beach Club, a beachfront resort exclusively for adults, where all rooms have a private courtyard or balcony looking onto palm-fringed Catseye Beach and the Coral Sea.
Guests staying at either of these properties receive complimentary use of the island's gym, spa, sauna, tennis and squash courts, catamarans and other non-motorized equipment.

Palm Bungalows are designed for couples and families, with a limited budget, surrounded by lush tropical gardens they are near the island's main swimming pool and the shops and restaurants in the Marina Village.
Guests staying here have access to the "kids eat and stay free program". There are also holiday homes, for rent, scattered across the island, all with access to swimming pools and a complimentary 4-seater golf buggy.

 Photo right: A rainbow lorikeet in a Coral tree on the island!Rainbow Lorikeet in a Coral Tree, Hamilton IslandImage by GlobalCitizen01 via Flickr

For those seeking a more luxurious holiday there is "Qualia", on the island's secluded northern tip, offering 59 one bedroom windward and leeward secluded pavilions with private sundecks and infinity-edge plunge pools over looking the Coral Sea.
The 60th Pavilion is a 2-bedroom Beach House, with it's own guest quarters, private swimming pool, and a 10-person dining room. Guests staying at "Qualia" have exclusive use of Pebble Beach, complimentary kayaks, 2 Catamarans, 24-hour chauffeur service and daily ala-carte breakfast.

The gorgeous weather, azure waters, white sandy beaches and the Great Barrier Reef opens up incredible opportunities for a world of activities, both on the ocean and on land.
Snorkle and dive the translucent waters of the Coral Sea with clear visibility and dramatic coral canyons, just a short paddle from Catseye Beach.
Enjoy fishing trips in the abundant waters of the Great Barrier Reef; go jetboating, sail on a high-speed catamaran or get a thrill jet skiing or wakeboarding, behind a high powdered speed boat.

On land there is even more to do, go Off-road on a quad bike or go-kart, discover the island's pristine bushland with a walk on one of its many trails, all the time seeing the flora and fauna and wildlife native to this part of the world - white breasted sea eagles, wallabies, Peregrine Falcons, crested cockatoos and peacocks to mention just a few.

One of these many trails goes by Mangrove Flat, a perfect example of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, where a wide variety of birds and other marine life can be seen. The trails also allows for beautiful views and the opportunity to climb to the highest point, at Passage Peak, for spectacular views of the Whitsundays. The Trails are open from 6:30am to 5:30pm and no one should venture forth without a Trail Map, comfortable shoes and insect repellant.
 Catseye Beach Panorama, Hamilton Island, Great...Image by weberwithoneb via Flickr
 Photo right: Catseye Beach panorama, doesn't get much bluer than this, right?

For the less adventurous and those who prefer to meet the wildlife, but not in the wilds, there is the Animal Wildlife Park which houses, not only the creepy crawlies but the local koalas, kangaroos, birds and even a crocodile. The Park is open 7:30am to 5:30pm and has the unique distinction of being one of the few places you can "cuddle a Koala"

After all that exertion it is good to know there is a large choice of pools in which one can cool down and unwind, or if you are like me, you haven't moved from one of the clean white sandy beaches that can be found anywhere on the island.
View original article here!

If you want to see reviews, photo's and check a full range of accommodation on the Island then !click here now

I hope you enjoyed my video blog post Hamilton Island Getaways Whitsundays Queensland Australia and enjoyed the videos, photo’s and article.
If you are planning a vacation here and looking for a variety of accommodation options please click the link below to view today!
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