5 Ways to See The Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World which people come all over the globe to visit. Luckily it is in your backyard and a perfect holiday destination for the whole family. There are so many ways to enjoy this iconic wonder either on water, in flight or on land.

Skydive in Cairns

If you want to see the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie then a Tandem Skydive is a perfect combination.

This 11,000ft distance will be the jump of your life and unforgettable. You see a full birds eye view of this natural gem and all its glory during the 40 second free fall. The spectacular view spans around 14km capturing the surrounding World Heritage Rainforest.

Accompanied by a professional instructor you will be in the safest hands to ensure everything is secure and sound. Prior to take off you will undertake training on all the basic rules and intrusions to ensure you understand the process and no experience is necessary. 

Skydive in Cairns over the spectacular Great Barrier Reef

Catamaran Cruise

For a more adventurous but tranquil experience of the Great Barrier Reef take a cruise with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises.

This day trip takes you to the idyllic and crystal clear waters of Green Island which is the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest growing on it!

You can discover the coral and fish life, unwind on the pure sandy white beaches and explore the walking tracks leading through the National Park.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy on water such as scuba diving, helmet diving, boat snorkel tours, or hire canoes and beach lounge chairs. If you prefer, there is always the option of staying on the air-conditioned catamaran and breath the fresh air and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. 

Catamaran Cruise with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

High above in a Helicopter

For the best seat in the house to see the Great Barrier Reef  a helicopter ride is definitely is in order.

Departing daily, this is the best relaxing way to see Cairns and truly appreciate all the scenery. It covers the famous sites of Green Island, the jewel of the reef, the vastness of Arlington Reef and the delightful Vlasoff and Upolu Sand Cays. Whilst up in the air spot the local marine life and pick the perfect place to land for an unforgettable lunch.

This is the perfect opportunity for the photo enthusiast to capture magical snapshots.

Helicopter Ride above the Great Barrier Reef

Scuba Diving

For the ultimate Cairns experience a scuba dive with Calypso Reef Charters is the answer.

This tour takes you on a private charter around the sites of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. You can explore and get an up close view of the marine life and the magnificent coral reefs.

You have the opportunity to learn how to scuba dive with a professional PADI Dive Instructor who will explain all the safety and skills required for this memorable dive. There are multiple levels to accommodate for children and beginners, and depths to discover. For the more advanced there are shipwrecks where it is a highly likely to spot turtles, gropers, sea snakes, giant turtles, lionfish and barracuda.

The enthusiastic helpful staff with educate you with fun and history facts about the Reef and its evolution over the years. On board is a tropical lunch buffet for you to enjoy.

Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef

Kayak like a King

If you have ever dreamt of swimming and getting close with the marine life then what better than on a kayak.

Travel at your own pace around the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island and take your time to appreciate the panoramic natural wonders. You can discover the marine wildlife and private beaches.

Once complete you can explore on land the rainforest walks, continue snorkelling the fringing coral reefs, have a jump on the ocean trampoline or just relax. A catamaran transports you to and from location for you to circumnavigate the preeminent pristine waters.

A tropical picnic lunch is catered for so you can enjoy more time exploring. 

Kayaking, Tropical North Queensland

Hayman: The Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef

Hayman is a world class island resort offering luxury 5 star accommodation, a range of free activities, wellness-orientated spa treatments and unique culinary experiences. 

Hayman

An extensive restoration in 2010 has seen the development of Beach Villas, each with their own private plunge pool. Relax on your balcony on a day bed overlooking the Coral Ocean while enjoying the exclusive Beach Butler service. 

Beach Villa, Hayman

All other rooms still provide wonderful views from their balconies and the lovely Pool Access rooms give you effortless access to the Hayman Pool from your private balcony.

Pool Access Room, Hayman

The dining options on Hayman extend from the beach views and contemporary buffet breakfast at Azure restaurant to the casual bar menu at Beach Pavilion, the Italian and Mediterranean style La Trattoria to the Asian specialist Oriental and Australia’s signature resort restaurant Fontaine.  

Azure Restaurant, Hayman 

Dining options continue with Hayman’s signature experience – The Chefs Table. This is a weekly event hosted by the island’s top chefs, where guests participate in the gourmet experience backstage, learning the food pairing concepts and conversing with over guests over carefully selected wines. Finally don’t miss the chocolate room and kitchen tour – a behind the scenes experience to Hayman’s popular Chocolate Room.

Oriental

Activities on the island cover romantic desert island escapes to family activities including the Hayman Kids Club ranger program. To enjoy the surrounding Great Barrier Reef book a cruise or scenic plane flight to the outer reef where you can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving.

Hayman Pool

Hayman Spa offers guest more than pampering, it has an extensive menu of wellness-oriented treatments to compliment the traditional favourites. Each treatment is programmed to indulge the senses, restore and rejuvenate. Couple treatment rooms are available plus a vichy shower, sauna, steam rooms and the popular ocean massage. 

Ocean Massage, Hayman

For this signature experience a floating massage table is taken out to waist depth water for a floating massage in calm water surrounded by tropical fish. 

Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is situated in Tropical North Queensland. This modern city is famous for being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, making it the perfect base to explore Australia's natural, wildlife and cultural attractions.

Great Adventures – Great Barrier Reef and Green Island Cruise

The World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is as diverse as it is beautiful and should be on your 'must see' list. There are many day tours available from Cairns such as the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island Cruise with Great Adventures. 

Book an optional Helmet Dive

On this day tour the morning starts with a pick up from your Cairns accommodation in the morning with transfers to the marina where you will board your vessel. Enjoy 2 hours on Green Island to take in coral off the beach, underwater observatory or visit the crocodile farm. Then re-board the vessel to travel out to the Great Barrier Reef pontoon to enjoy 3 hours of swimming, snorkelling and a seafood buffet lunch. The day ends with return coach transfer back to your hotel.  

   

Snorkelling at Green Island, Great Barrier Reef

In Cairns there is so much to see and do so its worth while to stay at least 3 nights to  explore its beautiful sights and visit the many attractions. There is a range of accommodation from 3 star backpackers and motels, city hotels, apartments and luxury resorts in the near by beach side suburbs of Trinity Beach and Palm Cove. If you prefer to be in the heart of town, walking distance to the city's attractions then consider Shangri-La hotel, situated right on the marina or stay at Mantra Esplanade located in the restaurant precinct. 

Top 10 things to do in the Whitsundays

10. Try a new watersport or learn to dive.

Jet skiing in the Whitsundays

9. Enjoy a cocktail against a perfect island sunset backdrop.

Cocktails in the Whitsundays

 7. Rejuvenate at an island Day Spa.

Hayman

 7. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded beach.

Whitsunday Island

 6. Snorkel fringing reef straight off the beach of a Whitsunday island.

Snorkelling off Whitsunday Islands

5. Follow walking tracks through cool forests and national parks located on the Airlie Beach coastline and Whitsunday national park islands.

Hiking the Whitsundays

4. Sail or cruise around the 74 Whitunday islands.

Sailing in the Whitsundays

 3. Swim, snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef

2. Take a day trip to the pristine Whitehaven Beach - where the sand is so pure you can clean your jewellery on it. 

Whitehaven Beach

1. See Heart Reef from the air on a scenic flight over the Whitsundays. 

Heart Reef

To book your holiday to the Whitsundays, click here.

A Taste of Townsville

The capital of Tropical North Queensland, Townsville has 300 days of sunshine a year, making it the perfect destination to visit all year round. There is plenty to see and do in the city between the North Queensland Cowboys NRL games;  food, fashion and music festivals; the Townsville horse races; day trips to Magnetic Island, snorkelling and scuba diving tours including to the SS Yongala wreck, exploring the rainforests and waterfalls of the hinterland and relaxing along The Strand.

Sports

Townsville is a proud supporter of the NQ Cowboys and play in front of enthusiastic home crowd at least once each month until August. Townsville encourages the younger generation to get excited about sports too with the Sanitarium Weet-bix kids TRYathalon which will be held at Townsville’s Riverway on the 20th of May. June and July are the months for cars with the outback car tour, Motoco RV Dam Fine Rally and V8 supercars. July brings the races to town – the local ladies get their fascinators, dresses and shoes organised for the Townsville Ladies Day Races on the 14^th and the if one day isn’t enough the Townsville cup is on the 21^st.

Festivals

Groovin’ the Moo Music Festival is Australia’s only touring regional event, featuring Public Enemy, 360, crowd favourite Bluejuice, Kaiser Chiefs and Australia’s premier hip hop group Hilltop Hoods. Be sure to discover the upcoming Australian acts including Matt Corby and Perth’s San Cisco. Townsville is also home to the Townsville Fashion Festival, Townsville Food and Wine Festival, Full Noise Festival and the Xstrata Greek Fest.

Magnetic Island

Known affectionately as Maggie by the locals, it is a suburb of Townsville with around 3000 people, many whom commute each day from Magnetic Island on the regular ferry service. The journey with Sunferries only takes 25 minutes; where as Fantasea’s vessel takes both cars and passengers on a 40-45 minute trip. There is lots to do at Magnetic Island, visit the numerous swimming beaches, waterfalls and lakes; cafes, restaurants and pubs; book an adventure tour, scenic flight, enjoy golf and water sports including sailing and snorkelling, fishing and snorkelling, diving, jet skiing, Kayak tours, yachting and reef cruises.

Snorkelling and Diving

There are numerous snorkelling and diving opportunities from Townsville and Magnetic Island. Yongala wreck is a must do dive site which offers divers an incredible experience to view bull rays, eagle rays, sea snakes, turtles, sharks and numerous schools of colourful fish that patrol the wreck. If you don’t like swimming, snorkelling or diving don’t be disheartened; Townsville is home to the largest living coral reef aquarium, Reef HQ. The Reef HQ has many different exhibits including an interactive island where you can discover, explore, touch and play.

Snorkelling in Townsville

Hinterland

Alligator Creek falls, Crystal Creek and Paluma range are all in close proximity to Townsville CBD, and provide a perfect day trip location with picnic areas, swimming and hiking options. Only six kilometres north of Townsville’s city centre is the Townsville Town Common Conservation Park, a bird lover’s paradise. Home to as many as 280 bird species, this is the perfect place to visit the six observation points and take the walking track for views over the park and the coastline.

Townsville Hinterland

Restaurants

There are many different restaurant areas featuring delicious meals of seafood, steaks and international cuisine. Walk along Palmer Street to take in the myriad of cafes and restaurants where beautiful scenery compliments delicious meals. Flinders Street offers bars and restaurants in close proximity to the city’s nightlife.

Dining in Townsville

The Marina

Home to Jupiters Townsville Hotel and Casino, this is the gateway to Magnetic Island. Offering incredible views out to the bay and islands, the area is home to restaurants, bars and entertainment. The casino puts on regular musical performance such as The Country Rock Superhits Show and special touring shows like Manpower. For those wanting to place a bet, the house offers Texas Hold’em Poker, Roulette and Blackjack. 

Breakwater Marina

The Strand

This fantastic beachfront promenade features long pathways perfect for walking, rollerblading and bike riding; a jetty, recreational parks, a free water park, swimming pools, picnic areas and numerous different restaurants, cafés and bars. On the fourth Friday of every month The Strand holds the night markets and each year it hosts the Carols by Candlelight for Christmas and fireworks on New Years Eve.