Great Barrier Reef

A day on the Great Barrier Reef

One of my days whilst at Airlie Beach, was to go on a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. I had booked the tour well in advance, I wasn't coming all this way and missing out on an opportunity of a lifetime. It was one of Cruise Whitsundays tours, that leave from the Port of Airlie every day at 8am. I had no idea what to expect, but packed my camera, swimwear, sunscreen, towel and hat. It was a beautiful clear morning - which was hard to believe, as a cyclone was supposed to be hitting that area later that day - I kept expecting the day to be cancelled.







I boarded the catamaran and decided to make the most of the fine weather - sitting outside on the top deck. The ship was very well equipped; you could sit inside, outside, or up to a table in air conditioned lounges; you could help yourself to tea, coffee and water and there was even biscuits and light snacks put out - and a bar where you could buy extra refreshments, alcohol and soft drinks. After 30 minutes we reached Hamilton Island where we took on more guests. As we approached the island the water around the marina looked wonderfully calm and picturesque.







Once we left Hamilton Island, the ship picked up speed and it was invigorating sitting up on top - several people lost their hats in the breeze!



We passed many of the Whitsunday Islands, a collection of varying sizes and shapes, inhabited and not - as we made our way out towards the Coral Sea.  There are 74 islands that make up this world famous area, that were once settled by the Ngaro, a sea-faring people, and the Gia and Juru Clan. Captain Cook sailed his ship the HMS Endeavour, through the passage between the islands and the coast on Whitsunday – and gave them the name Whitsunday Islands.  

We were all given a talk on what was going to happen once we reached the reef, what activities we could take part in, what signals we had to use whilst in the water, the equipment we had to use and what time lunch was! An hour or so out of Hamilton, as we approached the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the water changed to a luminous turquoise colour - absolutely breath-taking! 

Once we arrived at the spacious floating Heart pontoon, at Hardy Reef, we had 4 hours to please ourselves - there was plenty to do. Whilst still in dry clothes, I decided to go on the semi-submersible submarine tour first - this felt nerve-wracking enough (but I needn't have worried).



I climbed aboard and went down the steps, where there were seats on both sides of the submersible in front of huge windows. The engines started and we began our trip around the edge of the reef. Unfortunately the movement of the water and sand disturbed the ocean floor and it made visibility difficult for some of the time.



It was fascinating seeing the underwater world along the edge of the reef wall, with magnificent corals and colourful marine life - but due to the light inside the submersible or colour of the glass - my photos didn't come out as well I expected. It was interesting listening to the Reef Interpreters tell us all about the corals and fish that live here on the Great Barrier Reef and how endangered they are.

Next it was time for what I had come here for, to go snorkelling on the reef. I have to admit to being terrified, I am not the bravest swimmer and when I have snorkelled in the past - I have had a rubber ring to hold onto - and I couldn't see any of those available to people who were not actually drowning! But there are some things you just have to do - and this was one of those things. So, I put my swimwear on and then went in search of a stinger suit that would fit me................

Then a mask and snorkel, life jacket .........................and a pair of flippers. It was exhausting getting ready!

Then I found that we could have a polystyrene woggle to hold on to - that could be my bouyancy aid! And I wasn't the only person who wanted one - I didn't feel so bad then. So I was all kitted up and had to walk down onto the metal platform, have everything inspected, tested the hand signals and in I went. There was a rope to hold onto, I would be fine..........................and I didn't intend being in the water very long................Look at all those fish!



There were crew members watching everyone in the water, checking with us all the time, incase we needed any help or to be taken out - it was very reassuring. I have never used flippers before, but as the current was really strong - we weren't allowed in the water without them. Remember the rope I was supposed to be holding, what rope! I forgot about that very quickly and was happy floating around on top of the water marvelling at everything below. I wish I could have captured it, but it will have to be always in my memory - the starfish, the coral, the multicoloured fish ...........

..................and the huge one! I turned around and there he was - a giant groper. I tried not to touch him but he seemed insistent on getting as close to me as possible. The ship's photographer was just there at the right time and got these amazing shots.

So much for not being in the water long - I was in there for over an hour without swallowing any sea-water, first time ever; I was so thrilled by the spectacular ocean that I had not panicked once - I could snorkel at last. And what a place to do it properly. I was absolutely ecstatic with all I had seen - especially my huge friend. What an unbelievable experience it had been. Back on the pontoon, it was time to get everything off and put then in their correct places - ready to be cleaned and for the next person to use.

If you're new to snorkelling, and are nervous like me, the crew were wonderful in encouraging everyone and keeping them safe.  I was so grateful that my experience had been so magical.

Now it was time for lunch, which was served on board the ship, there was an excellent choice of meats and seafood (local fresh prawns), salad, vegetables etc - just what was needed after all of that exercise.

I sat in the sun for an hour eating my lunch and watching everything else that was happening. You could book a helicopter flight to appreciate the reef from above, and to see the nearby famous Heart Reef. I was fascinated to watch the helicopters take off and land on what seemed to be the smallest floating pontoon.

...............And just marvel at the colour of the surrounding ocean. It was truly bliss!

One more thing to do before my time was up, and that was visiting the underwater viewing chamber.  

It did look a bit grubby going down there............

But, as in the submersible, the colours didn't seem as bright through the glass - it was far more vibrant when I was snorkelling.

It was time to say goodbye to the Great Barrier Reef and start the long journey back. 

The photographs that had been taken throughout the day were shown on the television screens and the crew also bought tablets around for you to look at; you could purchase a single photograph or a package. I just had to buy mine - not just for the memory - they were brilliant.

The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder of the world, it can be seen from outer space and it is under threat from pollution and global warming.

It is home to :-

1625 species of fish
133 species of sharks and rays
3000 species of molluscs
30 species of dolphins and whales
630 species of starfish and sea urchins
one of the worlds most important populations of dugongs
one third of the worlds coral species

What an amazing place! What an amazing day!

Whilst in this area, I had a few other fabulous days out, some with Cruise Whitsundays again - if you want a look, just follow these links :-

http://lynnemorley.blogspot.com/2019/05/airlie-beach.html

http://lynnemorley.blogspot.com/2019/05/hamilton-island.html

http://lynnemorley.blogspot.com/2019/06/whitsunday-island.html

Thank you for taking time to follow my adventures,

Lynne

These are my other blogs :-

http://lynnejmorley.blogspot.com

http://lynnemorleys.blogspot.com

http://morleysjourneytoozandback.blogspot.com

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach

From Proserpine airport it is only a 40-minute drive to Airlie Beach, affectionately known as The Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. I had booked a hotel in the town for a few days so I could do some exploring - in particular a few of the Whitsunday Islands and the Reef.

I had made reservations with Cruise Whitsundays for each of the day trips well in advance, and was so glad I had; as they were nearly all booked up when I arrived. All Cruise Whitsundays vessels leave from the Port of Airlie, although other trips also depart from Abell Point Marina and Shute Harbour. 

 

I was lucky that my hotel overlooked that Port and was easily within walking distance. The terminal is a modern building with a café, toilets, shop and a very efficient passenger enquiry and embarkation system. They can even arrange transport to and from wherever you are staying.

Apart from spending my days out on the Cruise Whitsunday boats  www.cruisewhitsundays.com it was very pleasant to explore the town of Airlie in the evening or on my free day. Airlie has a reputation of being somewhere tourists, especially back-packers, pass through, but it is a town with lots to offer as well as being a base for at least a few days. The main street is crammed with shops, where you get buy everything from swimwear, souvenirs, locally made jewellery and very special polished marble sculptures, some which were several feet high (I just had to buy a tiny one!).

There are numerous bars, restaurants, and take-aways – selling cuisine from all over the world – at prices to suit every travellers budget. Some of the classier restaurants in Airlie have fabulous views out over the ocean, such does Hemingways at Abell Point Marina – another beautiful spot.

There are several tourist information outlets where you can book varying types of accommodation, as well as many of the different trips that are on offer in this fabulously diverse region. Airlie isn’t just the place to go out onto the ocean and visit its neighbouring islands. Just a few minutes from here is one of the area’s best kept secrets - Conway National Park, where you can walk to scenic lookouts and along numerous trails that wind through the rain forest seeing the occasional seasonal waterfall and maybe an endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby. The Coastal Fringe Circuit is a flat, easy walk of 1.2 kilometres (0.7 miles). 

You can book countless trips to various places from Airlie both south – such as Bowen or if you want to go further north up the Queensland coast, you can go to Magnetic Island, Townsville and Cairns. If you fancy taking to the air, there are many scenic flights out to see the reef, some of which will land on secluded beaches. You can experience the ocean in so many ways - from diving, kayaking, thrilling jet boat rides or relaxing by cruising on sailboats – not only just for a few hours, but for several days. There are various companies that specialise in sport fishing, taking customers out to try their luck catching barracuda, tuna, sailfish or even marlin – I would love to have had the time to try that! Each of the days I had booked to go out with Cruise Whitsundays were all very special; a day on the Great Barrier Reef, a day on Whitsunday Island and one on Hamilton Island (details can be found below).

But my final day was spent exploring Airlie itself, from the famous Blue Heart at the top end of the main street and passing where the market is which is held every Saturday on the esplanade (with locally made jewellery, clothes and crafts).  

If you look down the side of the buildings, you may find a surprise, as wall-art is becoming increasingly popular in this area.

Between the main street and the beach is a huge man-made lagoon that is surrounded by immaculately kept parkland with shaded areas and free barbecues. It is free for everyone to enjoy, no matter where you are staying – like having you own private swimming complex. The friendliest lifeguards are on duty, keeping the separate lagoons safe for everyone to enjoy during daylight hours. 

It was early in the morning, there was hardly anyone about and the calm, clear, safe water was a refreshing change from the nearby ocean - which is full of things that can kill you in an instant. There are several colourful blocks with toilets and changing areas – it has been very well designed with plenty of amenities close-by. 

It is a delightful walk along the esplanade each direction from here, palm trees fringing sandy beaches, (where you can hire paddle boards), colourful marinas full of millionaire’s boats to admire; and little cafes and bookshops to stop at and while away the hours. 

  

The only downside to this tropical paradise, as mentioned earlier, is that no matter how inviting the ocean looks, it is a perilous world full of deadly beasts. As well as sharks, rays and crocodiles, marine stingers may be present in these waters all year round, with October to May having the greatest risk. 

When taking part in any organised tour in the Whitsundays, all operators have protective stinger suits available for its customers - for snorkelling, swimming and diving; but when walking along the beach by yourself – I felt it was too risky to go in the water even for a paddle. Apparently, in the summertime when the water is warm, calm sheltered sandy bays are somewhere of particularly high risk from poisonous jellyfish, and as they are my favourite sorts of places - I found that frustratingly disappointing!

There are 2 main types of 'stingers' in this area, the Irukandji Jellyfish and the Box Jellyfish. Irukandji are a group of small jellyfish whose stings can cause serious illness but there have only ever been 3 recorded deaths. Irukandji species have small, box-shaped bodies, ranging from only 1cm wide, which are transparent and virtually impossible to see in the water, having 4 tentacles, 1 on each corner. The less common Box Jellyfish are larger 10-30cm, transparent again but with numerous tentacles. Their stings cause immediate severe pain, especially if the tentacles are left wrapped around the body, and need to be immediately neutralized by vinegar, as substantial stings covering half of one limb can be fatal. All beaches along this coast have vinegar to treat stings whilst waiting for urgent medical attention.

Don’t let what is in the ocean put you off visiting the North Queensland coast and Airlie itself, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the ocean without being put at risk. It is one of the most picturesque areas with so much to offer and if you are ever in this part of the world – make sure you reserve a few days here to explore. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Airlie Beach and everything that I did whilst staying there.

http://lynnemorley.blogspot.com/2019/06/great-barrier-reef.html

http://lynnemorley.blogspot.com/2019/05/hamilton-island.html

http://lynnemorley.blogspot.com/2019/06/whitsunday-island.html

Thanks for following............

Lynne

Please check out my other blogs :-

http://lynnejmorley.blogspot.com

http://lynnemorleys.blogspot.com

http://morleysjourneytoozandback.blogspot.com