tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41717223888736135882024-03-05T17:45:18.796+10:00REEF QUEEN CAIRNS - A BLOG FROM THE TROPICS!Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef, in and around Cairns along with a bit of social distancingTAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-86928445510744058192020-04-13T14:21:00.000+10:002020-04-13T14:21:07.819+10:00THE BEST TIME TO COME TO CAIRNS<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Being in tourism, people often ask me what is the best time of year to come to Tropical North Queensland and visit Cairns. Well.... we are approaching one of those times of year as I write this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>The shoulder seasons</b> are the best time to visit for many reasons. These are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>May </b>- After the Easter school holidays have finished</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>October/early November</b> - After September/October school holidays have finished and before the silly season in December</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Cairns has 2 distinctive seasons. A wet season and a dry season. Cairns is located in the tropics of Australia in the state of Queensland. We are 1884 kilometres (1171 Miles) south from the equator in the Southern Hemisphere and above the Tropic of Capricorn. To put that in perspective for you... Orlando, Florida is 1972.43 miles from the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere. See the map below.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQjJgLo6eVCNnHkht_yvS2Qx_PCqni7bMUAT6uGmqrDQzncqw67DnBb1zUDcuumLWTgHip-LV12FQuDjZVc9GyNckG7_iHSvi7sFgdc9F18PnZ3NzhuGrBdOrf7DLqZgtE2HFeM89JYM/s1600/Australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="450" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQjJgLo6eVCNnHkht_yvS2Qx_PCqni7bMUAT6uGmqrDQzncqw67DnBb1zUDcuumLWTgHip-LV12FQuDjZVc9GyNckG7_iHSvi7sFgdc9F18PnZ3NzhuGrBdOrf7DLqZgtE2HFeM89JYM/s320/Australia.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Wet season technically runs from November until April/May (our <b>"Off Season"</b>) and the dry season in the other months. When the country is in winter, especially in the southern states in <b>June/July & August</b>, because of our warmer climate in those months we are a very attractive holiday destination for Australians and are very busy (our "<b>Peak Season"</b>). We are particularly busy in the Australian June/July school holidays with lots a families visiting us. Our temperatures in the winter months are very agreeable to most. Those visiting from the south leave their winter world behind and in one flight are magically transported to spring/summer like days. For us locals, it's the one time of year we can wear our jeans! Check out the below stats. 👇</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRoHgr6iLaqIwHT0PmOFQZsoAzEZsgVsV0BLIvGw_sFsBc5WFnjb8e1k9MkS7J8XgxvOwi80G0ALTCL-oIinP3LwrGz_pQVzXR1jRcj_vmecL-5zh-dtFFBF0mnzMYwGdeOk35azuwWY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-04-13+at+1.29.41+pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1320" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRoHgr6iLaqIwHT0PmOFQZsoAzEZsgVsV0BLIvGw_sFsBc5WFnjb8e1k9MkS7J8XgxvOwi80G0ALTCL-oIinP3LwrGz_pQVzXR1jRcj_vmecL-5zh-dtFFBF0mnzMYwGdeOk35azuwWY/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-04-13+at+1.29.41+pm.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>In May</b>, we have cooler days & nights than in summer and mostly sunny days. The sea temperature is still warm if you are visiting the Great Barrier Reef. In tourism, it is traditionally one of our quietest months so all tour attractions are quieter than usual and hotels offer cheaper room rates. There is also an abundance of cars and campers to hire where as in other busier months they can be scarce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The same goes for <b>October/November</b> (outside of the Australian school holidays). Days are warming up and are nice and sunny. The sea temperature is much cooler (it feels cold top us locals!) with very stable weather conditions overall.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RB_g7Sf5HzkX4iFp-ajNNIXmG9IpwLt0at0J1b0QFvb96tsdLXsvMB0DFUvTOW_RdsyHtSnKxbnIfox47oAswjsLXibtMicqp-q4NhV22XCQSkeHcIBHucuRszqTnw2Eyh-INfLWPpY/s1600/C05E6D15-09DC-4361-99E6-4204A249BAAA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RB_g7Sf5HzkX4iFp-ajNNIXmG9IpwLt0at0J1b0QFvb96tsdLXsvMB0DFUvTOW_RdsyHtSnKxbnIfox47oAswjsLXibtMicqp-q4NhV22XCQSkeHcIBHucuRszqTnw2Eyh-INfLWPpY/s320/C05E6D15-09DC-4361-99E6-4204A249BAAA.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*This collage of pics was taken not long before the pandemic hit and we all went into lock down. It's photos of the beautiful Cairns swimming lagoon, shaped like the state of Queensland we are in. Warm sunny days with fewer visitors.Just beautiful!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now, I know I know... you can't get here right now during the pandemic... this is for your next trip next year 😜 You better start planning!</span></div>
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<br />TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-41390999820536563522020-04-07T15:19:00.003+10:002020-04-07T15:19:47.311+10:00 A GREAT BARRIER REEF STORY - LIVING & BREATHING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Imagine growing up on the Great Barrier Reef... nothing quite like it anywhere else on earth. You can even see it from space!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRs2MRBGhleknPkp8scXfQrZ_iJxCZtG2TFWfVvlM-U7MgehtEE3WtmNO1mHjD8x02xadL2D02NyM7BTIqiWbgbYIXa4A3xfgiDP8nlsGcJpsDIM8mkox45n5a-jolaZP50odNurJhiSE/s1600/GBReef+RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRs2MRBGhleknPkp8scXfQrZ_iJxCZtG2TFWfVvlM-U7MgehtEE3WtmNO1mHjD8x02xadL2D02NyM7BTIqiWbgbYIXa4A3xfgiDP8nlsGcJpsDIM8mkox45n5a-jolaZP50odNurJhiSE/s640/GBReef+RGB.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Around 2300 kilometres long (that's 1400 miles for the metric system challenged) from Cape York Peninsula on the tip of Queensland right down the coast to around the town of Rockhampton. See the above picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not a Marine biologist so I am not about to give you a full detailed multi page blog of the reef... if you are interested in learning more you can click the below 👇👇👇</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/the-reef/reef-facts" target="_blank"><b>http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/the-reef/reef-facts</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am here... posting my first blog during self isolation/social distancing/interesting times, with so much sadness being broadcast on TV 24/7... to post something a bit more light and fluffy, and downright enjoyable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hayley is a Marine Biologist on board Quicksilver Groups mother ship of a reef product, located around 35-40 kilometres from land (accessible by a smooth schmick catamaran for a 90 minute journey from Port Douglas). For more information on that cruise option.click the link here 👇👇👇</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://quicksilver-cruises.com/" target="_blank"><b>https://quicksilver-cruises.com</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>*Please note during the COVID-19 crisis due to health and safety of our customers and staff and for visitors inability to travel into Australia or within Australia Quicksilver Group has temporarily suspended all of it's vessels with the exception of Green Island day trips - as of March 2020.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now... back to Hayley! This little movie was part of the latest Tropical North Queensland Tourism campaign earlier this year. In her own words, Hayley describes the first time she experienced the Great Barrier Reef, her sheer wonderment that eventually led her into a lifelong passion and love for the reef.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not going to tell you any more... just watch it! It will only take a moment of your time however during the current circumstances I am sure you have loads of that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Check out the video via Quicksilver's Youtube Channel.</b></span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ev60k1ouU&t=4s" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ev60k1ouU&t=4s</span></b></a></div>
TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-80514318390828623262020-04-06T16:01:00.002+10:002020-04-06T16:34:10.449+10:00NEW BLOGS SOON...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCmIGxpA7kvJryEIKSv5pSIqluIqSyP8Mrg1EKiROjPxCgx_9-to4Z14R3ioNHMXjayIFR6gGsi4spih0u4TEe1KQraRwcWdKryJQOys0L6fNJAcZZbZC8asKBGFqS7H6weIuqIep06Q/s1600/1_mwXHpdt6CTQHxH78dwc6NA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCmIGxpA7kvJryEIKSv5pSIqluIqSyP8Mrg1EKiROjPxCgx_9-to4Z14R3ioNHMXjayIFR6gGsi4spih0u4TEe1KQraRwcWdKryJQOys0L6fNJAcZZbZC8asKBGFqS7H6weIuqIep06Q/s320/1_mwXHpdt6CTQHxH78dwc6NA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>We live in some interesting times and with more time spent at home due to COVID-19 I thought it time to bring back my blog after a 3 year hiatus. I'll be blogging about cool facts and adventures about this region and my life in Cairns, general rambling and how I fill my time during social distancing. Most importantly writing about my company's products and all the wonderful ways you can experience the Great Barrier Reef so, that when the boarders open again and we have kicked the virus to the curb... you can come and visit us 👍I will warn you now... I did not got to university, my grammar is crap and my spelling is shocking! You have been warned...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stay tuned...</b></span></div>
TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-10556641616435791132017-05-01T19:21:00.000+10:002020-04-06T16:24:01.139+10:00 OCEAN SPIRIT - GREAT BARRIER REEF - BE AWE INSPIRED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitStzFOQ8PxdoX-DYTn8oYMtjp3fsO3f2sZVbi5hzk1tX9O7ceWAGEsv0LtOxpVnWq8KD51aRmr-GuvTT3pPDS_v2_JbkaOP3Fs3gaEURhI6WY3EzMyAqn8BV05dmvl7q7t9wsTth5aBA/s1600/ocean-spirit-great-barrier-reef-sailing-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitStzFOQ8PxdoX-DYTn8oYMtjp3fsO3f2sZVbi5hzk1tX9O7ceWAGEsv0LtOxpVnWq8KD51aRmr-GuvTT3pPDS_v2_JbkaOP3Fs3gaEURhI6WY3EzMyAqn8BV05dmvl7q7t9wsTth5aBA/s640/ocean-spirit-great-barrier-reef-sailing-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoe5URUKOm6RsLJNk702dPPDxyryDIq48NzIiSKTaUDConIiCQU5oadbGWx5KapQIzysvmEtpEtX_jXKsxEwt-M0Fpzz0QOroKuLR5iRmfQBBOl8Tj5wME0jxbepykcG-ANoY-aD-T0Q/s1600/TheGreatBarrierReef5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoe5URUKOm6RsLJNk702dPPDxyryDIq48NzIiSKTaUDConIiCQU5oadbGWx5KapQIzysvmEtpEtX_jXKsxEwt-M0Fpzz0QOroKuLR5iRmfQBBOl8Tj5wME0jxbepykcG-ANoY-aD-T0Q/s640/TheGreatBarrierReef5-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I wrote the following when I was an agent selling tours...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shhhhh! I've got a secret!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am going to be honest with you, I am writing about this Great Barrier Reef experience almost a year after it happened! I know, I know... the shame! I started to write about my Cairns tour experiences shortly after I went on this boat (April last year) and I forgot to write about little ole' Ocean Spirit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are many different Great Barrier Reef operators which can frustrate and confuse you to no end when trying to book online. It can leave you dazed and confused when confronted with a wall of brochures and options in a tour shop in Cairns as well. Believe it or not, these reef options all have their differences and highlights and Ocean Spirit is one of those unique options!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/mrw-reddit-comment-tJeGZumxDB01q">via GIPHY</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The vessel is a luxury catamaran that visits Michaelmas Cay, a sandy coral cay surrounded by reef and is home to many migratory birds. There are now only 2 boats that visit the cay with overall low passenger numbers. The site is vast and shallow making it an excellent choice for relaxed swimming and snorkelling (and also the nervous snorkeler). You have snorkelling included in your day with 4 hours out at Michaelmas Cay to explore. There is also an included 1/2 hour semi-submersible boat tour that explores the deeper sections of reef. This option is great for those not snorkelling at all and want to see what's going on down below. You can also pay a little extra to do a scuba dive for the very first time or join the guided snorkel tour. The staff shuttle you over to the cay from the catameran in a tender craft and can spend as much time as you like there. If you're not snorkelling you can be sunning yourself, checking out the birds and their cute chicks, making sandcastles with the family and having a little paddle. You can return to the boat anytime and catch some rays on the large front deck there instead or take a break in the air-conditioned saloon... you are on holiday after all! It's all about rancho rela</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">xo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Some activities on the boat. My iPhone photos.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Michaelmas Cay. Photos with the Canon G16.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the relaxing journey out to the cay we witnessed a fish feeding. You will be surprised how many big fish hang out around the cay, for example Giant Trevally, Red Sea Bass and Bat Fish. Get your cameras out ready to film for this one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We jumped on the Semi-sub tour first up as we opted to stay dry for the first part of the day. The tour lasted half an hour and was extremely informative. We passed through some great walls with a large variety of coral species of all colours of the rainbow. We even spotted Mr Turtle having some dinner and many fish species. We followed this by enjoying our included buffet lunch. The lunch is served on the boat and remains open for awhile so everyone has time to come and enjoy it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Loads of hot & cold dishes to choose from... and those prawns...YUM!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was now time to head over to the island and partake in our guided snorkel. This does cost extra however it comes highly recommended! This is the best way to see stuff you can easily miss snorkelling on your own. The Marine Biologist pointed out so many things to us and explained it all. The highlight would have to be our encounter with Nemo's (a true Clown Fish) in their little anemone. Unfortunately due to a very hot past summer the anemone was bleached somewhat but having the Nemo's living in there is a sign their house is on the mend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Images from the Canon G16 hired from Calypso Cameras.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Images of Nemo (Clown Fish) taken with the G16. *This anemone was bleaching st the time I took the photo. It has recovered since then.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Snorkel Tour went for an hour. Once it was done we still had a further hour to explore the site. My friend and I are die hard snorkelers... so off we went exploring and snapping pictures. We were in our "happy place". Your happy place may be laying on the sand or returning back to the boat to relax and have a beer or wine... it's entirely up to you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Colourful Giant Clams. Taken with the G16.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Images from our second snorkel. Photos from the G16.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Michaelmas Cay is so shallow all the good stuff is so close to the surface you are almost guaranteed to get great photo's. I have been to this site many times before and you usually see at least one Green Sea Turtle or even a Black Tip Reef Shark (They eluded us on this day...*sigh*).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can hire cameras like the G16, Lumix or a GoPro from Calypso Cameras, located at the Reef Fleet Terminal. Or check them out here>> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; text-align: center;" target="_blank">http://calypsoproductions.com.au</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The amount of time spend at Michaelmas Cay is perfect. It was time to head back to the boat and enjoy the afternoon tea service. The relaxing sail back to Cairns is the perfect way to unwind from the day. You even get to indulge in some cheese and crackers and a included glass of bubbles as you enter Trinity Bay.... my kind of heaven! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you like the sound of this reef trip, you can book online directly with QUICKSILVER by finding them here>>></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://oceanspirit.com.au/index.html" target="_blank">https://oceanspirit.com.au/index.html</a></span></div>
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Times:</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">08:30am to 5:00pm (Check in from 07:45am Reef Fleet Terminal)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em; text-align: left;">
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not so good swimmers to good swimmers</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Non-swimmers & elderly</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those wanting a slower paced relaxed day</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Families with children</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First time scuba divers</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 💪 💪 </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time of year:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All year round (Stinger season is from October through to April)</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Lycra suits provided </span> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Price:</span></span></div>
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<li style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Please see Quicksilver Groups website for pricing. </span><a href="https://www.oceanspirit.com.au/">https://www.oceanspirit.com.au/</a></li>
</ul>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-16957572340123298192017-04-17T20:38:00.001+10:002017-04-17T20:38:21.615+10:00A GREAT GREEN ISLAND & REEF EXPERIENCE WITH GREAT ADVENTURES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Green Island is around 6000 years old and is 45 minutes by boat away from Cairns, Queensland.Over time, waves and currents dumped sand on top of coral gardens and with a little help from bird droppings, eventually vegetation grew leaving us with lush tropical rainforest, it is one of a kind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Because Green Island sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is so close to the mainland it is a very popular day trip for families, tour groups and non-swimmers wanting to experience the reef without getting wet. Your ticket can include a glass bottom boat tour or snorkel equipment (take the boat tour, you will see more and have better luck spotting turtles). There is a small resort on the island, shops, restaurant & dive centre. Marineland Melanesia & Crocodile Habitat is a small zoo/museum with Melanesian & Polynesian artifacts, aquariums with fish & turtles and the largest crocodile in captivity resides there, Cassius. There are rainforest boardwalks on the island with information panels and you can walk along the beach around the whole island in around 40 minutes. Scenic helicopter flights are also available as the island has a heli pad and the patrolled beach has equipment you can hire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Today my co-worker and myself were visiting Green Island and also the Outer Reef. YES! You can do this easily in one day... the ultimate package fantastic for the time poor. You spend 2 hours in the morning on Green Island (45 minute journey) and then get a 55 minute transfer over to the platform at Moore Reef.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Once on the island we headed strait to Marineland. We put our stuff into a locker and paid the entry fee to check out all the animals. Cassius is clearly the star! He is over 110 years old and still rejuvenates his teeth (usually at that age they loose them all and have a gummy smile).He is over 300kgs and is 5.48 meters long and in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in captivity. </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Images of Mainland Melanesia. </span></b></i><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">The mighty Cassius, the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">If you have the stomach for it, check out the Gruesome alley section with articles on croc attacks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Following the zoo we made our way back to the jetty to go on the glass bottom boat 1/2 hour tour.Your ticket will have an allocated time for this if you have it as your inclusion. These boats are the best way to see the reef surrounding Green Island, the better stuff isn't easy to snorkel to. The skipper was very informative and we saw a few turtles and different coral species. They also do a fish feeding so there are plenty of large fish to see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Images on the glass bottom boat taken on the Go Pro Hero 5.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">So it was eventually time for phase two, to head out to the Outer Barrier Reef to the activity platform. Morning tea was handed out, a piece of chocolate or carrot cake. The passengers next to us clearly were enjoying their day, documenting every moment with a gazillion selfies. They decided we needed to be in their pictures (the token Aussies that we are) Ohhhh....So hot right now 😎</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">It took awhile to get on and off all of the boats on this day so you have to be a little patient. Due to the clientele on this reef option the line up for the semi-sub boat tours was constant so we opted to skip that and not spend our time waiting in line. Platforms are always a good option for families and non-swimmers. We didn't mind not getting on the semi-sub as we wanted to snorkel and check out the site. On arrival we made our way to the sundeck, away from the crowds where there was plenty of room and settled into our spot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The platform and semi-sub boat.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">With limited time out on the platform we decided to go for a snorkel first up and check out the site.We donned our included Lycra suits (it is jellyfish season in summer months)and armed with a Go Pro... it was time to explore...YEW!</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">The afternoon was fining up to be spectacular conditions with great visibility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Another draw card to this platform option is once again, perfect for those who don't swim. They have an underwater scooter product called "Scuba-Doo". You aren't alone on the scooter, you have a scuba diver guiding you around and if you're lucky, Wally the Maori Wrasse might come and say hello.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Check out the little video of the Scuba Doo in action when Wally comes to visit>>>> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbqC1Gvdm9Y&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbqC1Gvdm9Y&feature=youtu.be</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">The site was beautiful loaded with fluorescent colours across a wide spectrum, but alas, this isn't good sign as it is a sign the corals are bleaching. This is a large bleaching event effecting large portions of reef close to the surface all over the Great Barrier Reef, not just at Moore Reef. Hopefully soon we will get cooler water temperatures so it will slow the process down and give them time to recover before they die. Fingers crossed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Images on the Go Pro Hero 5.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">After our exploration we headed back in to have some lunch. It is a hot and cold buffet with plenty of options. The hot dishes are a Japanese Curry and excellent Potato Bake (amongst other options). To accompany this is sushi, fresh prawns, an array of salads and platter of fresh fruit. It was all very delicious and even nicer was being able to eat our lunch Al Fresco up on the top sundeck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">After letting our food settle we were back in the water once more on a guided snorkel. Thankfully the snorkel went to part of the reef site we didn't explore earlier. Guided snorkels are always a great way to see stuff and learn about stuff. The guide tells you all about Clown Fish (Nemo) giant clams, Mushroom corals and more. The highlight for me was the fish feeding. Most of the platforms have resident fish and the most famous resident fish is called Wally, the Maori Wrasse. He is timid and very used to people and doesn't care if your right there when he is getting fed. You can never tire of wally prancing and dancing around you! I am pretty sure he is just showing off his striking facial markings and big lips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Wally and the guided snorkel. Go Pro pics.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">There is also an underwater observatory, scuba diving and helicopter scenic flights available at the activity platform. There are loads of activities to suit everyone in the family or group however bare in mind the time frame out there(3 hours).It is advised to pre-book your activities to avoid missing out and disappointment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">By the time we had finished our snorkel it was already time to return back to Cairns. If you want a sleep in because you are on holidays you can skip the visit to Green Island and just visit the platform, the boat departs Cairns at 10:30am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">With wine in hand, cheese and crackers in a little napkin on my lap seated outside on the back deck of Reef King we departed. On the journey back we stopped via Green Island again for passengers staying on the island to alight. The resort on the island is part of the same company so you can head out to the platform directly from there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">As the summer storm clouds build we cruised into Trinity Inlet with the Cairns hotels and Mcallaster Rangers on the horizon. It's always lovely to cruise back into Cairns and a lovely way to finish the day. The Carins Marina is located at the Cairns CBD so it's very easy to get back to your hotel on foot for that long awaited shower to wash the salt off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Massive thanks to Jake & Great Adventures for hosting us on this day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Also... much thanks once again to Calypso Cameras for the hire of their new Go Pro Hero 5. What an awesome little camera for all adventures! Visit them at >>> <a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/" target="_blank">http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/</a> or visit them in store at the Reef Fleet Terminal, where the boats depart from in Cairns.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">You can book this awesome package and all it's upgrade options with the Reef Information Centre <a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.reefinfo.com.au/</a>or in the shop, 34 The Esplanade (also right near where all the reef boats depart and cruise liner terminal).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Check out the fun Go Pro movie I made >>>>>>>> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS_kPpCD_Mw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS_kPpCD_Mw</a> it's full of funky toons and an entertaining way to see what the day with Great Adventures is all about!</span><br />
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">08:30am to 5:30pm (Check in from 07:30am Reef Fleet Terminal)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not so good swimmers to good swimmers</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Non-swimmers & elderly</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those members in a family group seeking adventure when others don't</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those staying on the resort on Green Island</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 💪 💪 </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time of year:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All year round (Stinger season is from October through to April)</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Lycra suits provided </span> </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Price:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$252/Adult levy SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$133/Child SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$637/Family SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$165/Adult Scuba Doo</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$62/Adult $32/Child Guided Snorkel</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$179 per person Helicopter Scenic Flight</span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-81788506723141319882017-04-15T23:41:00.000+10:002017-04-17T19:39:33.518+10:00POSEIDON REEF TRIP TO AGINCOURT RIBBON REEF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCXfaQPH9NWHKSlmEZn1Sysh9g2TTrqnwGVCV3CB9coBzoWnQhNaIttmetAWxbtoQ6oaEFUolekwQZyKDyKuhvB1M5yvxPmEsJa6PWZZHmmNNEjIH7GSK6IGMN5_LbVLuUuecGYCRgTg/s1600/poseidon-dive-snorkel-port-douglas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCXfaQPH9NWHKSlmEZn1Sysh9g2TTrqnwGVCV3CB9coBzoWnQhNaIttmetAWxbtoQ6oaEFUolekwQZyKDyKuhvB1M5yvxPmEsJa6PWZZHmmNNEjIH7GSK6IGMN5_LbVLuUuecGYCRgTg/s640/poseidon-dive-snorkel-port-douglas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="color: lime;">Photo from Poseidon's website.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">MY PASSION FOR POSEIDON!</span></h2>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>My photo from the water on the hired Lumix Camera.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">If you read my blogs on Cairns & Port Douglas tour options (if you can be asked 😜) you would have noticed I have written about the Great Barrier Reef boat Poseidon already. Yup... this was my second time with this boat (which is part of the Quicksilver Group). What amazing day ahead!</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Amazing conditions!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">So why on earth and I writing about it again? It is such an amazing day out on the reef I just had to tell you all about it and highlight why I feel it stands out from the rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">There is the right day out on the Great Barrier Reef for everyone and the style of day that Poseidon offers is right up my alley. This type of day trip does not suit a non-swimmer, for example. You might have a lovely boat ride and get some sun but you won't really see anything if you don't get in the water. There are other options (like an activity platform) that have other ways to see the reef suitable for the needs of a variety of people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Poseidon, like her sister boats Silversonic (Port Douglas) and Silverswift (Cairns) are some of the very few boats that visit 3 different reef sites in one day (most visit 1-2 sites). Poseidon leaves from Port Douglas Marina so you either take the scenic drive from Cairns yourself or book transfers. If you are staying in Port you can get a free transfer to the Marina.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Poseidon visits guaranteed Outer Reef sites on the edge of the Continental shelf. Here are some excellent snorkel and dive sites for those who love the water and are happy to jump in and give it a go.</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">So what do I REALLY like about this vessel? Here is my TOP 10 on Poseidon'</span><span style="color: red;">s best.</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">1) The boat layout and organisation!!!! Numero Uno! Everybody has their own area, snorkelers up top and divers down below. On arrival to the site the snorkelers have their own site briefing up on the top deck while down below, all the divers are getting in the water from the dive deck. All without getting in each others way! Boats can be very congested on their dive decks, this is an exception. This doesn't mean divers can't come up to the sun deck and catch some rays! This arrangement is also great when getting out of the water as the top deck is a "wet" area so you don't have to get out of your lycra/wetsuits on the dive deck on top of each other. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">There is also no lunch line as snorkelers eat first at the second site while the divers get away, then they eat after their dive. Woolah! No queue!</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: lime;">Introduction Dive briefings</span></i></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: lime;"> Dive Deck</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><b><i style="background-color: white;"> Easy entry</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><i><b> Sun deck Marine Talk</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">2) Fast travel time of 90 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">3) Less boats depart from Port Douglas so check in is fast and easy peezy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">4) The sites... Agincourt & Ribbon Reefs have a huge ensemble of coral species of all colours of the rainbow. Your almost guaranteed to see something cool like a Black Tip Reef shark and Clown Fish (for example) and a variety of fish species. On this trip I had never seen so many schools of fish... it was epic!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Schools of fish everywhere!</i></b></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> Hump Head Parrot Fish.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i> Nemos cousin.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Clown Fish.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">5) Less people crashing into you while snorkeling 😉 Lower passenger numbers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">6) The staff!!!! The whole vibe of the boat is relaxed and chilled. This is not a cattle call people, the boat doesn't even have a PA system so the staff all become your friends as well as the other passengers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">7) In-depth snorkel briefings at each site and included guided snorkel. The staff really inform you well on what there is to see and where, enhancing your experience. </span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Great Snorkel briefings.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">8) As a snorkeler you feel just as valued and respected as a diver. Sometimes you can feel a little second class, not on this vessel!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">9) Swim time! Loads of time to explore and check out the whole site. The divers cal also get a snorkel in at each site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">10) The food. Yummo...nuff said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I think that about sums it up! If you are a Certified Diver, please please please consider Poseidon! If you want to learn to dive for the first time on a Introduction Dive you will definitely see loads! And as a snorkeler... like me you feel just as important as the divers and see plenty from the surface and duck diving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Thanks again to Quicksilver and the Poseidon crew for having me. I'll be back out again with no hesitation! Check out the link to my Youtube video >>></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7VlR6S2kOY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7VlR6S2kOY</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Love the sound of this Reef trip? You can book with the Reef Information Centre in Cairns on <a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.reefinfo.com.au/</a>or visit the shop, 1/34 The Esplanade, Cairns.</span><br />
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-12275795929322052042017-03-27T17:53:00.000+10:002017-03-27T19:33:34.338+10:00HEADING OUTBACK WITH BILLY TEA SAFARIS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64TkB9nNyYfBpeH6PYiqRt0ItmDGY4wpyQor0I9JxUh5f-VNbBXc7NuosxeB7O-1aY2z5AwWJbOKtiHgz-ntuebuEDUMkdyaE5jCAcDm6Y8PvcDdNQb2lbUbx3hEqBlIMrySyRls0WP4/s1600/billy-tea-safaris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64TkB9nNyYfBpeH6PYiqRt0ItmDGY4wpyQor0I9JxUh5f-VNbBXc7NuosxeB7O-1aY2z5AwWJbOKtiHgz-ntuebuEDUMkdyaE5jCAcDm6Y8PvcDdNQb2lbUbx3hEqBlIMrySyRls0WP4/s400/billy-tea-safaris.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SEE IT ALL IN ONE DAY!</i></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">When you think of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland you think of Palm trees and all things "tropical". You think of lush rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef... right? Of course snorkeling and diving the reef and taking a walk through rainforest is a major draw card for the area (especially the Daintree Rainforest & Great Barrier Reef both being World Heritage Listed) and Cairns is the gateway to both. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Most visitors to Australia don't realise that the real "Outback" is not just exclusive to the Northern Territory where Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are. Many don't have time to fit this into their intineraries (Australia is massive, you know!) and what I bet you didn't know is that we have beautiful Outback easily accessible from Cairns in one day! There are so many tour options to do in and around Cairns it can be overwhelming however this adventure day tour is unique and different to all the rest. It really stands out and is different to any day tour I have written about thus far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Let me enlighten you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Billy Tea Safaris are a tour company running since 1981 and the tour to the Outback is one of it's kind and only available with Billy Tea. We were to be collected at our accomodations in Cairns before heading up over the Great Dividing Range away from the Tropical Coast to a real red earth experience!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">As luck would have it, we were a small group on this day. Usually you are on the 4WD small buses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Our friendly guide told us all about the different landscapes we passed through and the vegetation and history of the area. We left the Tropical Coast behind as we ascended up the Mcallistar Ranges to an area outside the country town of Mareeba. Our first stop of the day was Jabiru Safari Lodge. The Lodge is situated by wetlands where we were going to join a bird watching wetlands nature cruise . The Lodge is closed in the wet season and only opens for Billy Tea. Otherwise it is open to the public most of the year offering the cruise and more extensive bird watching and nature tours/experiences with accomodation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We were greeted by a mob of Emus on arrival which made for some great photos and then moved inside to grab some morning tea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Emus, morning tea at the Lodge.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After pouring ourselves a local tea or coffee (this part of the world is known for growing good tea and coffee as it is the perfect environment for those crops) and scooping up a hand made biscuit we boarded the small vessel for our half hour tour on the water. It was a warm still morning with clear blue skies. Our guide told us all about how and why the wetlands are there and about various bird species. We spotted some native Black Swans taking flight on the other side of the lake. So peaceful and tranquil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The beautiful tranquil wetlands at Jabiru Lodge.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The next part of the tour was pretty exciting! It was time for a real off road bush experience. We were to take the Douglas Track off the property which can only be done in a 4WD (and generally not in Wet Season so we were very lucky) however I will not lie and say I wasn't gritting my teeth at times and laughing nervously when we drove through mushy wet areas of the track. I know from my tour guiding days what it's like to get bogged (stuck) and I wasn't up for that! The scenery was stunning. Scattered throughout the drive were large termite mounds and for what is usually very dry and earthy there was a lot of tall grass from recent rains. You'll have to check out my movie on my Youtube channel to check out the drive on the track (the link is at the end of this blog).</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Giant Termite mounds along the Douglas track.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Phew! We got through in one piece! What a super exciting real Outback experience. The scenery continued as we travelled through small country towns on route to our destination, the small town of Chillagoe. There was never a dull moment out the window with ever changing landscapes. The roads were also a mix of highway and small country bitumen roads to gravel compacted roads to complete read earth tracks. Always changing, always different. The 90 minutes of driving flew past, especially with all the commentary our guide gave about the areas we were passing through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">As we neared Chillagoe (our main stop for the day, a small country town around 200kms from Cairns) we came across quarries of large white rocks, well, these 'aint any normal rocks, they were marble. Magnifico! Chillagoe was once a large thriving mining town. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">In our census in 2011, there was 197 people residing there (yup... now a tiny town). Nowadays there is only the Marble quarries and a small Zinc Mine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Chillagoe Marble.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The main buildings of interest in the centre of town is the Information Centre (The Hub), Old Post Office (now a guest house) Town hall, General Store and historical Post office Pub. We stopped here to have a look around and check out some large marble up close while our guide organised our tickets for our afternoon's entertainment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We didn't come all this way just to see a quaint 'ole Aussie Country town..noooooo. The highlight of this tour was what we were to see just outside the town in the Chillagoe-Mungana National Park. We were going to visit the famous Chillagoe Caves. Yeeessssss!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But first, time to visit the ghost town that once was one of those busy mineral mines back in </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">the day, the old Copper Smelter. It was in operation in the early 1900's. In 1901 the railway to Chillagoe was completed which bought industry and wealth to the area and at times the mines, railway and smelter offered employment to around 1000 workers. The conditions for them at the smelter were horrific and slavery was rife. There is information panels at the site and your guide will give you loads of information about it's hey days. The Smelter closed in 1943 and equipment actioned off in 1950. The buildings over time slowly weathered away and crumbled (making great pics for budding photographers). Billy Tea is the only tour that come here (unless you drive yourself). The place has a certain eerie feel to it, you can feel the history oozing from the smelter's walls and tall chimney stacks. You can hardly fathom the loss of life from such squalid working conditions today as it lays so peaceful. The landscape surrounding the smelter (which was built into a hill) is that very deep red rich mineral earth which is a stunning contrast to the bright blue sky in your photo's. It's a very pretty place. You have time to have a look around and check out the look outs. Unfortunately you cannot go into the buildings as it was not so long ago discovered to have some asbestos there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Chillagoe Smelter.</i></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Time to visit a classic country pub for lunch! We had already pre-ordered our meals (on this day a choice of Barramundi & chips or beef burger) and could buy a wine/beer from the bar. Like most country pubs they are usually a little quirky and a tourist attraction within themselves. The Post Office Pub was no exception... my crumbed Barramundi was delicious tucker as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A classic delicious Outback pub lunch.</i></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Heading out on dirt road slightly further west we gear up for our cave adventure. There are 3 main caves in the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National park and 3 smaller ones. You must pay for your ticket and book a tour for the 3 main caves back at the visitors centre (The Hub) in Chillagoe. The smaller ones you can explore on your own. The 3 caves are lit differently so you can visit all 3 in one day and experience something unique in each one. One cave is lit with coloured lights, another cave is viewed by hand held torches and the cave we were to visit, Donna Cave had LED white lighting to guide us. Donna Cave has an awesome steep staircase straight down into the main cavern. The cave has 440 all up including some ladder-style stairs so you have to be comfortable and have enough mobility to be able to do this. There are also areas you need to crouch down and mind your head. They classify this tour a moderate fitness level. We visited Donna on this day because a re-firbishment was being done on another cave Billy Tea visits, so expect any of the caves to be included in your day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Images from the National Park & Donna Cave.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So there is one area of the caves I got a pic of myself that is... well... it will either make you laugh or scratch your head. I let you decide!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After and hour it was time to unfortunately move on. The cave was beautiful and the stories and information from the guides intriguing and informative. If you don't come with Billy Tea Safaris and drive yourself, these guys will run a cave tour even for 1 person (run by National Parks).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After the cave experience we made a quick stop at an ancient indigenous classroom to look at some rock paintings. This is where the elders taught their children through art. The wall adjoins a rock shelter where there is evidence of a camp with a fire as there is soot stains on the roof. You don't always have time to visit the art so we were very fortunate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Paintings, The camp & National Park.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The rest of the day was spent driving back to Cairns. We were supposed to have an afternoon stop at Mount Uncle Distillery and sample some local spirits however they were closed on this day so we missed out on the booze (boooooooo!). We stopped at a park in Mareeba to have some afternoon tea before descending back down the Range back to the coastal tropics to Cairns.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I highly recommend Billy Tea Safaris to Chillagoe. Dedicated passionate informative guides, interesting scenery, wonderful stories and a darn good 4WD in the Outback. We were a very small group (even their bigger vehicles are classified a "small group") so you get a very personal service and a lot of one-on-one time with your guide if you have any questions. This is a nature lovers paradise! Throughout the day we spotted many different bird species (Kites, Kookaburra's, Emus, Swans, Jabirus, 2 Black Necked Storks... that was rare to see, a Spoonbill and more). We spotted a couple of Frilled-Neck Lizards (and tried very hard to not run them over) and checked out the Termites. You're almost guaranteed to spot something cool nature wise and your guide will be able to tell you all about it. Billy Tea Safaris is a must do... I absolutely loved it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Want to see more? Check out my movie on my Youtube channel! It's awesome!!!>>></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TxjnPFPfJs&t=13s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TxjnPFPfJs&t=13s</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Want to book this tour??? Head to the Reef Information Centre in Cairns (part of the Hilton building) or jump online our website to book>>><a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.reefinfo.com.au</a></span></div>
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">07:00am to around 6:00pm (varies depending on your hotel location)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Nature lovers & bird watchers.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Those who hold an interest in learning about our history & geography of the region</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Not suitable for those clostophobic (because of the caves).</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">If you bring children, it's best they are already good travellers and won't talk aver the commentary. Not suitable for young children.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> 💪 </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Time of year:</span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">All year round (subject to possible disruptions in wet season, December until April).</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Price:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">$230/Adult </span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">$220/Pensioner</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">$175/Child </span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">$675/Family </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>*Prices my change as of the 1st of April 2017</i></span></div>
TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-77643067349471182252017-03-17T19:51:00.002+10:002017-03-27T18:09:17.359+10:00JUST MAGIC WITH REEF MAGIC!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I was getting cold sweats and itchy flipper feet. It had been too long between visits, I yearned, I pined to immerse myself in the deep blue. My stinger suit hung up in my closet for far too long. It was time to dust it off and head out to the Great Barrier Reef!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It is Wet Season here in the tropics of North Queensland, Australia. It rains on most days, the ocean is the temperature of a warm bath which is filled with venomous jellyfish and there can be a potential cyclone on our doorstep. Great conditions for a snorkel out on the reef (said no one ever).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Thankfully we had stunning conditions forecast, calm seas and blinding sun. Last year was a fairly dry wet season and this season was shaping up to be the same. Not great news for the reef (as it is going through yet another bleaching phase) but good for me to scratch that itch and yearning for a reef day. Time to dust off that stinger suit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After checking in with the lovely staff at the Reef Magic desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal (Cairns CBD) we boarded the fast cat for the 90 minute journey out to Moore Reef. The usual things take place on the trip out there. Safety briefings, snorkel briefings, dive briefings and Seabob briefings. Seabob?!? What's that I hear you say? All shall be revealed down the track.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After the final brief on arrival to the activity platform at Moore Reef we were greeted by pristine calm waters and were ready to rumble. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We disembarked the vessel and staked a claim on a table and got ready for our guided adventure snorkel straight away. We were to head out of the usual swimming area with our Marine Biologist Eric for the hour Snorkel Safari to the outer reef wall. Finally... after a few months my separation anxiety from the reef was over and we were once again frolicking in the sea. This was an epic guided snorkel, one of the best I had been on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We started off with not the best visibility but this is because of the current. There were so many fish in that section! Eric says it's just at that time every morning and in another half hour the fish will be gone. We were shown a diverse range of fish species included a Grey Whaler shark.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Moving along the coral colours only intensified. This made for some amazing photos however it was with great sadness as this means the corals are bleaching due to our Northern waters being too warm. This event is not only at this particular reef site but all over the reef accessible from Cairns and Port Douglas. There was still an abundance of sea life however and Eric was so informative, he really knew all his fishy stuff! I highly recommend this great value option for those who love a good swim and snorkel away from the crowds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After an hour in the water (and some tired little legs) we made our way back to the platform for the buffet lunch. Hot & cold dishes, fresh prawns and salad. There was even sushi. Yummo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With our bellies full we disregarded the "wait half an hour before swimming" rule... (who ever made that up... really!) and jumped in the water to explore the site inside the swimming area. Word of warning, the entry point for snorkelling get's a little congested after lunch time, it seems everyone else had the same idea as us. Eventually we were in the water again. Peering through loads of legs and feeling like your in a game of dodge ball I did manage to </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">successfully</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> watch and photograph the fish feeding and capture Wally, the Maori Wrasse who was out to play.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Exploring, the fish feeding and Wally the superstar. All taken on my hired camera from Calypso.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Next up was something I wish I had a Go Pro for. Those who know me know I am always cash poor... so hopefully one day my dream comes true. I had hired an Olympus TG-4 from>>>>>> <a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/" target="_blank">http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/</a> which took fabulous underwater photo's with fast shutter speed to catch all those darting fish. It wasn't suitable for our next adventure however. It was time for.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">THE SEABOB!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Broom broom! A Seabob is a lightweight luxury sea toy that runs on water propulsion. It was simple to use with 2 speeds and a toggle in the right handle you gently squeezed to GO. If on the higher speed, you can do tricks, back flips and barrel rolls under water. I did attempt a back flip but failed. I ended up too deep with my ears popping and had to let go of my vehicle. Thankfully no one saw this. Always keeping it classy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So grab your Go Pro (or hire one from Calypso) and get amongst the reef in a whole new way. So much fun! Great for those adrenalin junkies out there.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBL_MN_tfzVfr8u3uG50aEZUL6C2YcDiC-ubJyLFTvU3ZFzL5gcLIz7-TFNU3cTJC1QLD3IFGSL4tBo12K6zbr4yCox_f12IXIcnH8hJV5vRwjVSDZRgkPLL0kRLQYKWwbGPdEJ8JDaQ/s1600/SEABOB_03_compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBL_MN_tfzVfr8u3uG50aEZUL6C2YcDiC-ubJyLFTvU3ZFzL5gcLIz7-TFNU3cTJC1QLD3IFGSL4tBo12K6zbr4yCox_f12IXIcnH8hJV5vRwjVSDZRgkPLL0kRLQYKWwbGPdEJ8JDaQ/s640/SEABOB_03_compressed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>How graceful you should look using your Seabob. Unlike me! Photo from Seabob-Ibiza website.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So it was nearing that time of day and our departure was imminent. Time flies when you're having fun as they say. But it wasn't all over yet...oh no. Not by a long shot. It was... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We were truely blessed on this day and had the opportunity to fly back to Cairns via helicopter. For a little extra you can include a scenic flight in your day or fly to or from the activity platform skipping the 90minute boat cruise. Fly with GBR Helicopters in style!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Some of the beauty from the air. Photos from my iPhone.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What an action packed fun-filled day! There is something for everyone on Reef Magic's activity platform, whether you swim or not. Aside from the activities we did, there is also an underwater observatory and semi-submersible boat tour. You can also take a certified or introductory scuba dive or even a helmet walk. If you want to give snorkelling a go but are a little nervous and not so confident, you can join a Coral Gardens guided snorkel. One thing is for sure, never a dull moment and loads to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Want to know more? How about checking out my little fun movie on my youtube channel???</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Click the link here>>> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iqmPC74GsY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iqmPC74GsY</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Thanks again to Calypso Camera hire (located at the Reef Fleet Terminal) and GBR helicopters. Of course, the BIG thanks goes to Reef Magic who looked after us so well from start to finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">WANT TO BOOK THIS TOUR??? HEAD TO REEF INFO HERE>>> <a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.reefinfo.com.au</a></span></div>
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">09:00am to 5:00pm-5:15pm (Check in from 8am Reef Fleet Terminal)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not so good swimmers to good swimmers</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Non-swimmers & elderly</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those who don't speak much English (announcements in multiple languages)</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those members in a family group seeking adventure when others don't</span></li>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All year round (Stinger season is from October through to April)</span></li>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$210/Adult levy SNORKEL</span></li>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$525/Family SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$125/Adult for first Introductory Scuba Dive or Helmet Dive on top of snorkel price</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">$45/Adult Adventure Snorkel Safari</span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-12218728719646963592017-02-17T23:37:00.004+10:002017-02-18T11:46:30.346+10:00FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD - FOOD TRAIL TOURS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2L9hy6BtceHwZD-T0JX-h0ceP4aD_d1nFUuSQZyPW5tSRS3oICnRXfKcrAxIIHVTw8m8J6AAyFIJUchhkzZIbn72dMAxa9DQFisOgybz6Qv4BqAwq90lo7xOWGLGwxUVGHO6-tMwPh6Y/s1600/Hero-montage-landscape-RGB-large_rs.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2L9hy6BtceHwZD-T0JX-h0ceP4aD_d1nFUuSQZyPW5tSRS3oICnRXfKcrAxIIHVTw8m8J6AAyFIJUchhkzZIbn72dMAxa9DQFisOgybz6Qv4BqAwq90lo7xOWGLGwxUVGHO6-tMwPh6Y/s640/Hero-montage-landscape-RGB-large_rs.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">ATHERTON TABLELANDS </span></u></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well" - Virginia Wolf</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>For someone who loves the quote "I love to cook with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food." It seemed appropriate I started this blog with food & wine quotes! I love food. I love wine. My idea of heaven is going on a wine tour and eating cheese all day. Wait a minute... my dream came true! I joined the FOOD TRAIL TOURS last week to sample what's on offer from our lovely Tablelands region.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>I cleared my schedule and skipped breakfast ready for a day of food. I was to be collected from a hotel in Cairns CBD at 7.30am. Normally you would get picked up in a small bus however numbers were low on this day so we got the VIP treatment in a comfortable car.</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Dave was our driver/guide for the day. Once we were in the car we were on our way southbound to take the Gillies Highway up over the Great Dividing Range. The Great Dividing Range is the 3rd longest mountain range in the world running almost the entire east coast of Australia. In the Cairns region it is close to the coast and the plateau at the top of the range is called The Atherton Tablelands. The Tablelands are diverse and complex comprising of many different landscapes from farmland, tropical rainforest, Savannah lands & Woodlands.It also was once a hive of volcanic activity thousands of years ago so the soils are rich volcanic soils perfect for growing crops. The climate is also cooler than that of the Cairns coast so crops that don't grow in the humid heat of the tropics can grow up there. This rich in minerals soil also makes for nice grass for cattle to eat producing beautiful dairy products.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">So with all of these elements combined it is the perfect place to sample local produce! After a stop at a lookout over the Goldsborough valley we arrived at the volcanic crater Lake Barrine.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzq7WiskV09jvxvSkSkfx_A5G9025-100dJUQLDsST_3ywJuMoGfB1GkFZ6Jb0nokcEP75lnnJ89XMsW3xmFbo0dI0nZjU7HYNg45jo0Q9Uhy04nH2yCnmRb-eCid20O71OVeX3859uU/s1600/IMG_7574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzq7WiskV09jvxvSkSkfx_A5G9025-100dJUQLDsST_3ywJuMoGfB1GkFZ6Jb0nokcEP75lnnJ89XMsW3xmFbo0dI0nZjU7HYNg45jo0Q9Uhy04nH2yCnmRb-eCid20O71OVeX3859uU/s640/IMG_7574.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>We went for a little rainforest walk to check out the massive Kauri Pine trees before taking a seat on the deck of the tea house for morning tea. The included morning tea are the Lake Barrine's Tea House specialty and are famous in the region. Freshly baked each morning with local jam, local cream and local tea or coffee. You can smell them baking from miles away.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>The Lake Barrine Tea House.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Twin Kauri Pines walk.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Included devonshire tea, award winning scones. Local Ulysses coffee.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The beautiful setting to take your tea.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>Next up on this day we visited the famous Curtain Fig Tree, a strangler fig tree over 500 years old for a little rainforest walk.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Dave in action telling us all about the Strangler Fig Tree.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>This tree is really THIS big!</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Images of the Curtain Fig Tree.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>With morning tea already a distant memory it was time to get back amongst the food, this time at Gallo Dairyland. It was time to talk cheese ,my kind of language!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Gallo opened it's doors in 2007 to visitors so they could gain an educational experience as well as purchase the Gallo products. Gallo is locally run by the Italian family (Giovanni Gallo immigrated from Italy in 1927 and currently son Frank runs the business) survived tough times such as the depression and war to become a local success story.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You can spy into their cheese factory as well as enjoy an educational movie on how cheese is made. The chocolate kitchen was going full throttle making chocolates for Valentines Day, you could press your nose up against the glass almost smelling the chocolate. Following the factory viewings we tasted 3 different cheeses and sampled more if we wished to make a purchase. I also got to munch on a couple of chocolates. I eventually decided to purchase Gallo's SILK cheese (Haloumi) to grill for dinner.This is a cheese perfect for BBQing as it keeps it's shape and holds an excellent </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">flavour when cooked. You don't have to worry about how your purchases can stay cool for the duration of the day.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> Dave had an esky (cool box) in the car so your purchases won't melt in our tropical heat.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Cheese tasting.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> Many delicious varieties to choose from.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Tantalising chocolates.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>It may not look like much but my grilled Chicken with Asparagus spears, Kale and GALLO SILK cheese was a real winner!</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>After visiting some animals to say hello we headed north to a Macadamia Nut plantation just outside the town of Tolga. This was a private farm, not set up for the tourists called Wandaree. Dave gave us a private tour of the Wandaree plantations and we learnt everything that is involved from planting, harvesting to shelling and distribution. Most people don't know this but this nut is a true blue Aussie, a native plant to Australia! We were able to sample different flavours the farm produces and can purchase small or large bags to gobble all on our own.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The Wandaree Farm & Macadamia Nuts.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Harvesting the nuts.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i> The flavours.</i></b></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The tastings.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The purchasing.</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'courier new', courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After the farm we stopped at a traditional Queensland country pub for lunch. Served was a plated meal of lightly crumbed Spanish Mackerel, local prawns, salad and tropical fruits. Any booze you wish to consume is at your own expense. It's a lovely chance to sit down and get to know the other passengers on your tour and have a chat. The meal was super yummy also!</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The included lunch at Tolga Pub.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">As we were all in a food/wine coma after lunch a little pick me up was needed. Perfectly timed, we pulled up at Skybury Coffee. Throughout most of the year this tour will stop at a larger, more commercial Coffee plantation which was closed the month I went on this tour as it is the off season. This didn't make a difference to the tour, I really enjoyed my time at Skybury. We could order whatever coffee we wanted! After been shown the machinery and videos on the harvesting process we took our coffees out on their large deck with stunning views out over this part of the Tablelands. Magical!We were also treated to fresh paw paw, Skybury produce Paw Paw's and when I make my favourite Thai Paw Paw salad at home... it's a Skybury one!</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As far as the eye can see, a beautiful view.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>My Piccalo Latte with Dave looking on in the background.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Skybury produce.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Random Drawf Paw Paw plants at Skybury.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>After our pick-me-up we were fortunate enough to witness how they roast their coffee beans.</b></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Coffee beans on the plant.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Coffee ready for roasting.</span></i></b></div>
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<i style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Turkish coffee roasting machine.</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>All Done! Roasted coffee.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>As we neared the end of the tour our last place to visit on the Food Trail was a winery. It was definately wine o'clock when we arrived at De Bruey's winery. Again, this is not a mass tourist place with only a small handfull of visitors there. We were to sample 12 (yes 12!) fruit wines. The Tablelands climate and soil is not suitable for growing regular grapes for making red or white wine. These were all made from the many tropical fruits that grow under the tropical sun from Mango and Passionfruit to Bush Cherry.I enjoyed the drier Jaboticaba, a Brazilian grape as it tasted closest to regular red wine. The further down the tasting list we went, the stickier and sweeter the wines got. If you love your dessert wines or your Baileys on ice after a meal in the evenings then the De Brueys range of wines will suit you to a T.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Excited for a wine tasting.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>The wine range at De Brueys.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sadly, the time had come to make our way back to Cairns, this time driving down the Kuranda Range. We made one last stop at a lookout before getting dropped back at our accommodation.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>What a great way to see the Tropical Tablelands! Dave was such a chilled out legend... I am in awe of how much knowledge these driver/guides retain. If you love food and are interested in how they get the items from paddock or farm to plate then this tour is for you!</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Even if you are vacationing here, picture yourself seated on your hotel balcony at the end of the day with a local cheese platter with a sprinkle of macadamia nuts with a local glass of fruit wine in your hand. Perfect way to end your day!!!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Want to know more? Check out my awesome little video from my foodie day >>></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxj3_9kwl8E" style="font-family: 'courier new', courier, monospace;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxj3_9kwl8E</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">
<b>Want to book this tour? Visit the below link >>></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'courier new', courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.reefinfo.com.au</a></span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">07:30am - ish pick up from your hotel in Cairns CBD.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">17:00pm - ish return back to your hotel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em; text-align: left;">
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Food lovers</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Wine lovers</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Nature lovers</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> 💪 </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Time of year:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">All year round on selected days (Bring a brolly in wet season). </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Price:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">$195AUD per Adult</span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-17763252357293396082017-02-13T22:49:00.001+10:002017-02-14T11:23:58.219+10:00FRIENDS UNDER WATERFALLS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">WATERFALLS & RAINFOREST WITH</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I felt like I hadn't had enough fun lately (LOL) and I was having withdrawals from lack of swimming out on the Great Barrier Reef. Tragic.... what to do? With wet season in full effect the air is sultry and muggy, rain is falling, the rivers are flowing and our waterfalls in the region are pumping. Time to get the togs on, grab the inflatables and get amongst the action! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">There are a few tours to the Atherton Tablelands departing from Cairns. On this day we were to head up there with On The Wallaby Tours. For the first time in my life I was late for a tour... the rain was hammering down in the morning (and had been all night) and traffic was epic causing much a delay. I earned the nick-name of "Princess" by Bart, our friendly driver/guide for the day. Awesome, thanks Bart... grumpy mood alert!!! Thankfully grumpy gave way to smiles not long into the tour as I was stripped of my title when my friend was caught putting make up on.😆</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">With Bart at the helm our small group departed Cairns CBD towards our first site-seeing stop for the day. This was a chance for our international guests to get up close with wallabies in the wild on farmland in Cairns southern suburbs. After a morning loo and snack break at a service station shortly after (they have many hot breakfast items to choose from at your own expense) we hung a right off the Bruce Highway to travel through the Goldsborough Valley to begin our ascent up the Gillies Range. This section of road heading up the mountains has 19km's of 263 hair pin turns. The history of how they pioneered this road is fascinating and you will learn all about it from your driver/guide on this tour. Along route we made a stop at Heales Lookout for a short break to then finally reach the top at the Tablelands (phew! It couldn't have come any sooner... I was feeling a little fresh in the back of that bus!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We had arrived to a small pocket of rainforest amongst the farmland to see the Cathedral Fig tree, something we hadn't seen before. A strangler tree older than 500 years old, this tree is lesser known than it's counterpart, the Curtain Fig Tree as most of the Tablelands tours stop there. Here, there are less crowds leaving just you and this majestic beast towering high above you with only the sounds of the forest and birds (and the pitter-patter of rain droplets on a wet season day).</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo's from my iPhone of the Cathedral Fig Tree.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After getting pretty soggy at the first stop (thankfully Bart saved us from full on drowning by supplying us with umbrellas) we drove on through lush green rolling hills and farmland to the Crater Lakes National Park to visit Lake Barrine. This National Park contains 2 ancient volcanic crater lakes (which erupted thousands of years ago and is now filled with fresh water) both of which we were to visit on this tour. Lake Barrine is known for it's famous tea house with award winning scones. On this day we visited the twin Kauri Pine trees (that are over 45 meters tall) and partake in a 5km rainforest walk. The walk was lovely... let me set the scene for you. The cicadas were singing, the sun was shining and the leaches were sucking.... eeek! I DO NOT like leaches!!!! The joys of wet season. Thankfully, they were easily swatted away and are harmless.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Images from the Lake Barrine Rainforest walk on my iPhone.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">By this stage of the day our tummies were rumbling indicating it was my favourite part of any tour... lunch time! Bart set up an easy fresh picnic lunch at Lake Eacham under the shelters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">As cold as us locals felt, we were determined to make the most of the day. It's swim time! We peeled off our outer layers and with our inflatable pink rings, armed with the group camera and a Go Pro we were ready for action. We tentatively made our way to Lake Eacham's edge. Slowly....we dipped in a toe to test the temperature ....... it was warm! Booo-ya! In we were in an instant having loads of fun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Too much fun at Lake Eacham. My highlight of the day!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The fun continued at our next stop on the tour, Millaa Millaa Falls. The falls name in the local Aboriginal dialect means "water" and having it doubled means there is "many water". These falls are also famous from an old Australian shampoo commercial. Most ladies (and hipster males) will get in the water and photograph themselves flicking their hair. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We didn't flick our hair this time because we were determined to make it over to the base of the waterfall (plus I just cut my hair recently so the photo will result in epic fail). This was a bit of a mission as the water was not as warm as Lake Eacham... it was freezing!!! We floated and paddled rigidly across to the falls whilst gritting our teeth from the cold, trying to look like we were having the time of our lives for all our photos. I think we pulled it off... we look like we are having a ball 😜😜😜</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I was convulsing so much when I finally got out I made a bee line directly for the warm inviting bus. I think swimming was done for me for the day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Hypipamee National Park was next up for another rainforest walk and potential swim. Neigh to the swim we said! A rainforest walk to view The Crater and Dinner Falls suited us just fine. Not every tour will stop here so it's another pocket of paradise without the crowds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Crater, a shield volcano with it's last eruption thousands of years ago is thought to be around 90 meters deep. A specialised dive team has got to the depth of 75 meters and around 90 meters and had thought to have dropped a line to further depths of 130 meters but no one knows for sure. When you look over that platform to view the crater, a mega wave of vertigo washes over you...woah! It's quiet the drop and an amazing view. Great for shouting out something nasty and hearing an echo back!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Dinner Falls is part of the upper Barron River in 3 sections located right near The Crater.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">In the late afternoon we arrived for afternoon tea at the On The Wallaby Lodge in Yungaburra. For some of the passengers on this day they were to stay overnight at the Lodge as part of their 2 day option. Other activities for them are kayaking, mountain biking and also Platypus spotting. I have stayed at the lodge before and for a "hostel" type of accommodation it is very comfortable, perfect for a weekend retreat. They have a firm Eco mission in place, to become the most self-sustainable Eco Lodge on the Tablelands. Their latest project was a large new water tank to store and use rainwater.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span></i></b><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>he On The Wallaby Lodge, Yungaburra.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">After afternoon tea of chocolate chip cookies served with delicious fresh fruits it was time to make our decent back down the Gillies Range (and the 263 turns) back down to Cairns. If there is one thing I have to say about this tour is that it wasn't rushed in any way. We had loads of time at every place we visited. Bart, our friendly driver/guide, doesn't own a watch so we remained on "Bart Time" which was slow and relaxed. The only down side of this is that you return back to Cairns fairly late (6.30-7pm) so don't make any concrete plans that evening!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Massive thanks to ON THE WALLABY and the fantabulous Bart for such a fun day. It was a great day filled with laughter and smiles... of course the company I kept helped but I am sure you will have a similar fun-filled experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Check out their FB page or website >>></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.onthewallaby.com/" target="_blank">http://www.onthewallaby.com/</a></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Alternatively visit Reef Information Centre's website to make a booking >>></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b> <a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.reefinfo.com.au</a> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Also, many thanks to my gal pals for sharing the day with me and allowing me to share the photos! Check out my movie I made of the day >>></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjRHk6j_kCU&t=271s" target="_blank"><b>https://www.youtube.com/watch?</b>v=WjRHk6j_kCU&t=271s</a></span><br />
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">08:00am to 6:30pm-7pm (depending on your hotel and Bart time 😜)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lovers of water</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Those who want to have fun and a laugh</span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Nature enthusiast</span></li>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">$99AUD per person</span></li>
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<br />TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-14834754074251687102017-02-03T19:58:00.002+10:002017-02-04T10:17:04.419+10:00FANTASTIC SCENIC FLIGHT OVER THE GREAT BARRIER REEF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">JUST MAGIC!!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>I love the water, I must have been some kind of marine animal in a past life (water signs do feature in my horoscope). So when I go out to the Great Barrier Reef for a snorkel or dive, once I am in the water you can't get me out. Most Australians live in costal regions thus living by or close to water. We go nuts for water sports, boating, fishing, surfing, swimming... you name it, we get amongst it. Not everyone feels the same love of water as us Aussies do.The thought of stepping off a boat into open water with all sorts of unknown marine life below makes many people's skin crawl. The thought alone that there are sharks (even though friendly ones) anywhere in the vicinity makes many peeps want to crap their pants.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/disney-scared-ItpVNY6ykYEUM">via GIPHY</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>So you have come half way around the world through multiple time zones on multiple aircraft to the land Down Under all the way to the heart of the Australian tropics to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. You can't swim or you don't want to... you don't want to go out on a boat all day, in fact you hate boats... the sea makes your stomach churn.. crowds freak you out... semi-sub small boats make you feel horribly claustrophobic... BUT... YOU WANT TO SEE THE REEF!!! How can this be done?!?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>The answer is quiet simple...a scenic flight OVER the reef gliding so close you can almost touch it, all without getting a droplet of water on your skin.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Fabulous people at GSL Aviation Cairns operate a fleet of fixed wing aircraft on a variety of different flight options over the Great Barrier Reef close to Cairns and Port Douglas.On this day my colleague and I were to partake in their 40 minute "Reef Hopper" scenic flight.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Loads of people come to Cairns to take a helicopter scenic flight. As amazing as this is, it costs a small fortune and you're not guaranteed a window seat anyway. A fixed wing craft like GSL's fleet is almost half the cost of a </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">helicopter</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> flight! It includes a transfer to and from your hotel in the Cairns CBD <i>AND</i> everybody has a window seat to get your all important Insty shots.You also get down to around 150meters over some reef systems... so close you're able to see the marine life and smell the salt.The money you save on the flight can be put </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>towards other holiday things... like that extra cocktail by the hotel pool.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Included transfer will take you to check in to the GSL desk at the General Aviation part of Cairns Airport.After the safety briefing video (in English and also Mandarin)we are ushered out to the aircraft. We were in an aircraft with around 8-10 people. Lucky me got a seat next to our pilot, Andrew.Cue excited face!</b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">A couple of iPhone photo's of inside and outside of the aircraft. Tara Reynolds</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Photos from my iPhone. Tara Reynolds</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>After sitting on the tarmac waiting for a few jumbos to land we finally were underway tracking north over Machans Beach and my home at Yorkeys Knob. With stunning views over our shoulders of Cairns we made our way out to Green Island. Green Island is over 6000 years old and one of it's kind. Once a reef system come sandy cay,eventually it grew rainforest over time (thanks to the birds)and is only 45 minutes away from Cairns by boat. Because of it's distance from the mainland Green Island is popular with international tourists so at any given time it can be extremely crowded. So what better way to avoid the crowds than to fly over it!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>Andrew circles the island so everyone gets a good unobstructed view. A surprise came next, we lowered down to around 150 meters altitude over Arlington Reef. We were so close to the surface of the water. On this day we had amazing visibility due to such calm glassy conditions. I spotted a pod of dolphins, a large turtle, plenty of giant clams and a large fish (probably a Maori Wrasse). We kind of wished you could just jump out of the plane into the big blue for a refreshing dip. The colours were spectacular, the aquas and light blue hues, purples of the clams,yellows of some corals... just beautiful you wish you could bottle it.The photo's don't do it justice.</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">P</span><span style="color: red;">hoto's from my Canon D40 & </span></span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>iPhone. Tara Reynolds</b></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>Heading further north we flew close to Hastings Reef, Michaelmas Cay and on to Upolu Cay. You could see the Reef boats loaded with all their customers moored at their reef sites below. We weren't in with the masses, we were the kings and queens of the sky!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">P</span><span style="color: red;">hoto's from my Canon D40 & </span></span></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">iPhone. Tara Reynolds</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>Before you knew it we are making our approach back to Cairns. Coming into Cairns is a sight to behold... quiet thrilling to land on such a large runway in such a little craft. It's all part of the experience, taking off and landing is part of the thrill.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>I loved my scenic flight so much I made a funky fun short video clip about it. You can check it out on my Youtube channel by clicking on the link below >>></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOgPlXxykjc&t=16s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOgPlXxykjc&t=16s</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>My Little movie I made :)</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNv_XWTtHXSy_35LkBq6GdAaH4n43ZsjYlMiXrJ4HqEoJwCgrqwK9F75y8uYrHDADna9tevtj2ptvPjG04qkU9zaKkBIimBK9yOJgWg4Ie_jQDpuCwlbyq6MkXedc2DFiMp_chiNFNGI/s1600/IMG_7854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNv_XWTtHXSy_35LkBq6GdAaH4n43ZsjYlMiXrJ4HqEoJwCgrqwK9F75y8uYrHDADna9tevtj2ptvPjG04qkU9zaKkBIimBK9yOJgWg4Ie_jQDpuCwlbyq6MkXedc2DFiMp_chiNFNGI/s640/IMG_7854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>Massive thanks to GSL Aviation Cairns. You can visit their website for more information >>>> <a href="https://gslaviation.com.au/">https://gslaviation.com.au</a> or visit my workplace >>>>> <a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/">http://www.reefinfo.com.au</a> to make a booking. You won't regret it!</b></span></div>
TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-62282945996528557902017-01-14T11:28:00.001+10:002017-01-14T12:19:31.435+10:00ANIMALS IN THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF OZ<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5gJTIGEuXaVfC1lIsTTH61VMaEB10fQnDWqKIklSOpiZ1ZpYgAevYm2U_uGxsSV06Wj7-GTuV-7S-neGuap5T5T3sa0vcNH9VE2WYheB0V-aRNLqmN3IJJ4VnXr89A5juEXivuGPjOU/s1600/birds_laughing_kookaburra3-1030x688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5gJTIGEuXaVfC1lIsTTH61VMaEB10fQnDWqKIklSOpiZ1ZpYgAevYm2U_uGxsSV06Wj7-GTuV-7S-neGuap5T5T3sa0vcNH9VE2WYheB0V-aRNLqmN3IJJ4VnXr89A5juEXivuGPjOU/s640/birds_laughing_kookaburra3-1030x688.jpg" width="640" /></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"ARE THOSE MONKEYS IN THE TREES?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Nope, just Australia's alarm clock.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Good morning 4am!!!!!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We love our great outdoors in Australia, especially up here in the tropics. Whenever there is a chance we pack the trailer with camping and fishing gear and head bush. Heading Outback or to our fave watering hole is not without peril however. There is danger in them hills, under rocks, in trees and under water. You need to have your wits about you... you need to be prepared, armed with weapons and a first aid kit. Everything in Australia wants to kill you but us Aussies grew up with this and can bat off the terrors with one hand, one eye closed and a VB in the other hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">1) HOOP SNAKES.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So you have set up camp, cup of billy tea in hand by a small fire when you hear a strange crunching sound emanating from the surrounding bush. The sound continues to grow louder, coming towards you. You stand and survey the scene. The scrub shakes, the sound comes closer still... suddenly.... the scrub parts and out rolls... a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">HOOP SNAKE</span>! You drop your tea and leg it down the hill away from camp, the snake <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rolling towards you</span> hot on your heels. There is nothing worse than an attack from a deadly hoop snake. Thankfully you reach the gully and climb the other side... a place where hoop snakes dare not go (as they can't roll upwards). You lived to tell another tale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">2) THORNY DEVILS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> "I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">m here to destroy you and take over your world"...</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">Just give him a moment and he will use his laser beam eyes to take out his prey. Thorny devils have super powers, they do! When thirsty they can put a foot into a pool of water and absorb it through their skin with no need to drink from their mouth. This makes re-fueling quick and efficient so they are right and ready for battle. Boo-wha ha ha ha... just kidding! Thorny Devils are cool placid little critters from our Red Centre. They are very harmless... and look uber alien robotic cool! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">3) DROP BEARS.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3XN5u7pgzPG2C1053RlG7gIKSESCoJMXb-nrBS845y9mNi_ts3SPshVvkzWvXE77Xwu2o9K1UVbFmpcxUL9QTXBtniT4NwBI5i43Z90VXX1Cm_JoY6gnO17Gu8AAT-WJDX89Q1_GgQE/s1600/drop-bear-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3XN5u7pgzPG2C1053RlG7gIKSESCoJMXb-nrBS845y9mNi_ts3SPshVvkzWvXE77Xwu2o9K1UVbFmpcxUL9QTXBtniT4NwBI5i43Z90VXX1Cm_JoY6gnO17Gu8AAT-WJDX89Q1_GgQE/s640/drop-bear-image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Every Australian since birth knows about drop bears (scientific name: Phascolarctos Cinereus) a carnivorous cousin of the Koala. You NEVER go walking in the bush alone... always in groups. A solitary walker is who the infamous Drop Bear chooses to prey on. You do not want to be on the receiving end of those <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gnashes</span>! Nom, nom, nom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Check out more on the Drop Bear from the Australian Museum's website link below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://australianmuseum.net.au/drop-bear"><b>http://australianmuseum.net.au/drop-bear</b></a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">4) JUMPING CROCS.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZyGIINoK85qwNDzx0wJmrciZ0uV2fbr4MAvQdyJpQZHGJMRdHxpftqAHuZVuLSBBhPezwJyH1h0RZe1R0_Zhzk3QPb8kkJLBLL8Ha6Yi902PFjVwfgOtwqOtvskjRA_dB7bi6_VcHdY/s1600/227680_10150160906019109_8316942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZyGIINoK85qwNDzx0wJmrciZ0uV2fbr4MAvQdyJpQZHGJMRdHxpftqAHuZVuLSBBhPezwJyH1h0RZe1R0_Zhzk3QPb8kkJLBLL8Ha6Yi902PFjVwfgOtwqOtvskjRA_dB7bi6_VcHdY/s640/227680_10150160906019109_8316942_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I can get to you where ever you may be!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Estuarine Crocodile lives in and around Cairns, north in the Daintree National Park up to Cape York Peninsula across the top of the country into the Northern Territory <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and across</span> to Western Australia. "Salties" were brought <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to the world stage</span> by Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee in the 80's followed by Steve Irwin of Crocodile Hunter fame. These fascinating historic beasts are loved by many, however loathed and feared by most. There is no taking a quick dip to cool off in our northern sea<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>waters. Stick to the fresh water swimming holes </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">peoples!!!</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="586" src="//giphy.com/embed/1LZJo8tfpB8l2" style="font-size: xx-large;" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/crocodile-1LZJo8tfpB8l2">via GIPHY</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>No! no! no! no! NO!!!! GET OUT NOW!!!!!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDXcWVxGbVYqG2WkgDbgNqBXqE0ggcEypLjWOUiCOsL8HsSOP-_njxmcKNAiCNL2_IzXsZjSRp1TnME8Uqe1PF6BeqNvqiyINlQNtz48_wUzXFE_kr3cG9RwQgUNDOD6iE7tz7jl5o0E/s1600/IMG_5306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDXcWVxGbVYqG2WkgDbgNqBXqE0ggcEypLjWOUiCOsL8HsSOP-_njxmcKNAiCNL2_IzXsZjSRp1TnME8Uqe1PF6BeqNvqiyINlQNtz48_wUzXFE_kr3cG9RwQgUNDOD6iE7tz7jl5o0E/s640/IMG_5306.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>*Grits teeth* Hurry up and take the darn photo!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">5) GIANT PYTHONS.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-bUJ5ihSEi8SJAcFZAwNmoFdBgpoy4DZH65RTtQuHcqQvebV7jvcfI0dXRH-CtIt4jqF5u-B00rSYxqYk-YYhmQcN0rSGTriG-deI5WMwDxz9hvm-gCHv6zMxXffcE_y_ZMzEKGlCA0/s1600/f-pythonvswallaby-a-20161214-870x653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-bUJ5ihSEi8SJAcFZAwNmoFdBgpoy4DZH65RTtQuHcqQvebV7jvcfI0dXRH-CtIt4jqF5u-B00rSYxqYk-YYhmQcN0rSGTriG-deI5WMwDxz9hvm-gCHv6zMxXffcE_y_ZMzEKGlCA0/s640/f-pythonvswallaby-a-20161214-870x653.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Doesn't matter if you want to get in a round of golf before lunch, you may "be" lunch if you were like this wallaby. This 30 minute feeding display happened during a usual golfing day on a Cairns golf course. You may think the photographers are a little close to the action here... but they are safe. This python won't need another meal for quiet some time. So.... back on with that game then.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u8DjEIEKSZoFLnJJ_wjis2paA8C8UQ2skAqpNPHZ68-8wdeQhBg49H2nF684LMt6vGnljHQtVDdU3hdEcNyeD3yT5Ksmtkq3_lwm53XC9VwIwtgTQ220KoHzKDrGswjuMT6CKe1y7x8/s1600/41315_424055414108_7054683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u8DjEIEKSZoFLnJJ_wjis2paA8C8UQ2skAqpNPHZ68-8wdeQhBg49H2nF684LMt6vGnljHQtVDdU3hdEcNyeD3yT5Ksmtkq3_lwm53XC9VwIwtgTQ220KoHzKDrGswjuMT6CKe1y7x8/s640/41315_424055414108_7054683_n.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Eeeek! I hope I am not lunch next!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">6) GIANT BIRD KILLERS.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqPRrZzXHlySyz-m4eVjaPYMaiv-e44WnZE00MKAK-wpvJ8eXB-WLnpSQSrwH_i_Ptualaq13t155tqtt2VsGpNjNV57qwHINLW_bZw3OSQaGcwkpq6nG9a2S2OQeaLCm8qa774hNdU8/s1600/b1151833953f8b7bc5d9dcc67d6c016ce22dc3a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqPRrZzXHlySyz-m4eVjaPYMaiv-e44WnZE00MKAK-wpvJ8eXB-WLnpSQSrwH_i_Ptualaq13t155tqtt2VsGpNjNV57qwHINLW_bZw3OSQaGcwkpq6nG9a2S2OQeaLCm8qa774hNdU8/s640/b1151833953f8b7bc5d9dcc67d6c016ce22dc3a1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I'm gonna mess you up man!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Cassowary's Can kill, Oh yes.... they can. The parents will do anything to protect their young if you threaten them in any way. They are prehistoric giant flightless birds with giant sharp prehistoric talons that will rip your insides out. Cassowary's are endemic to the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">T</span>ropical <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">N</span>orth Australian rainforest and you are kind of lucky if you see them crossing the road in front of your car. Just wind that window up and lock all the doors until the threat has passed<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">;)</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfufwHNm2NBEj8KWrlQJoEB2DO0kBiqKgQSSSfoNqnD7uDEOgK-Rc9qZiWz6XDfLXodRcxOPzfvl5Tb7GzLLB8uwe1IaBfTS8fQWtHrmcmirNaALBKbXJ-03_lxKRBLfh7KPabyyBkm8/s1600/e7361af8a0b87e6cce1f78bf9192e6f8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfufwHNm2NBEj8KWrlQJoEB2DO0kBiqKgQSSSfoNqnD7uDEOgK-Rc9qZiWz6XDfLXodRcxOPzfvl5Tb7GzLLB8uwe1IaBfTS8fQWtHrmcmirNaALBKbXJ-03_lxKRBLfh7KPabyyBkm8/s640/e7361af8a0b87e6cce1f78bf9192e6f8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Oh, and the males are the ones who brings up the babies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">7) BLUE RING OCTOPUS.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9Rd6MEymODxOa8KYKCVoz0GCoG4xhblyhyhq0hARbxAzka5sl6INskwz7BPAgbkiu9UMU5oW5GsUy_2bqyvnPqLsXW7soj8nPytnH1Q5NBgyPipUqG8MfQw0zb61lqjGeCh1KY4uDPA/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9Rd6MEymODxOa8KYKCVoz0GCoG4xhblyhyhq0hARbxAzka5sl6INskwz7BPAgbkiu9UMU5oW5GsUy_2bqyvnPqLsXW7soj8nPytnH1Q5NBgyPipUqG8MfQw0zb61lqjGeCh1KY4uDPA/s640/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Oooooooo! How purteee are you!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBOeGlhrQLxIdQZ0bpayBdGuuBwk7-EcNbJRb6xoNdxETcFNUkM6er5uGC1ZK7k6pKo0oBM6MZyoND8zp9VUT33MWDkxwLslANnbjfJE12csl6t2hmgEXSMz0gn9qwWvbivFAokU6WRY/s1600/Blue-Ringed-Octopus-Size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBOeGlhrQLxIdQZ0bpayBdGuuBwk7-EcNbJRb6xoNdxETcFNUkM6er5uGC1ZK7k6pKo0oBM6MZyoND8zp9VUT33MWDkxwLslANnbjfJE12csl6t2hmgEXSMz0gn9qwWvbivFAokU6WRY/s640/Blue-Ringed-Octopus-Size.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"Mum, look what I found!" PUT IT DOWN... PUT IT DOWN NOW!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Do NOT under any circumstances pick up or handle this pretty looking small octopus in and around the waters of Australia. I don't even know if the person in the above picture survived... this is the most deadly of all our marine animals. The neuotoxin produced from this little guy can kill 26 human adults within minutes (and there is no known anti-venom yet)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maybe just enjoy viewing the little Nemo's instead.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBA2LNUzdNz9WFCgOSKmzoK62MkZrHFrGuv6IiZ65tCM1z2oFDjV2ckZ8Zp4L44zMrUbafX07-vusMefSnLJtjwPxFu5iwXJ85OQg3Vt80HerNC2jrZ95NcC-4IvI4vdTQvvOhbITle4/s1600/IMG_1088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBA2LNUzdNz9WFCgOSKmzoK62MkZrHFrGuv6IiZ65tCM1z2oFDjV2ckZ8Zp4L44zMrUbafX07-vusMefSnLJtjwPxFu5iwXJ85OQg3Vt80HerNC2jrZ95NcC-4IvI4vdTQvvOhbITle4/s640/IMG_1088.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">8) MEGA BATS.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJK1c2vT4TI-I7szPbe53skvQJoA1cICjm5l08D2WHJF2RxxNkTm1XpwrJXqxZlQNPyrSGuy7dGC_rUkNPNhu2FXNzeC7UTldmiOowmIetqrq6HlasfnVrsinqNReJHnSaK6IkqBwy2j4/s1600/scroll-head-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJK1c2vT4TI-I7szPbe53skvQJoA1cICjm5l08D2WHJF2RxxNkTm1XpwrJXqxZlQNPyrSGuy7dGC_rUkNPNhu2FXNzeC7UTldmiOowmIetqrq6HlasfnVrsinqNReJHnSaK6IkqBwy2j4/s640/scroll-head-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I am coming to suck your blood...</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Yup... they are actually called MEGA bats (commonly known by Aussies as Fruit Bats). These fellas carry viruses so it's a good idea to not handle them or <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">be tempted</span> to give them a tummy rub, you may get bitten leading to all sorts of sickness. Fruit Bats eat (your blood... <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he he he</span>.. just jokes) fruit like mangoes. In the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>early evening thousands of bats fly from their camp in the trees in search of fruit. You may feel they are all launching an offensive and ready to attack when the sky fills with these large mammals... on a full moon the scene is just chilling! <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">N</span>ever fear... the only damage being done will be yellow mango bat shit all over your parked car (and perhaps some lost sleep while they have their bat parties at night).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzg6_Hhzpv_9WsRIKrK8X0TmPoPvBjmScT1J6VGe6sK3qrfMyUPoak4VFJlT4BwIRaZLL6F6WWHyk6FShuJoDhs7cOl4BBrjTm0NVdAKKRtg63UGo5Aj_oaRs6fIFplt_IIUHhFbeQI8/s1600/cairns_flying_foxes_IMG_8219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzg6_Hhzpv_9WsRIKrK8X0TmPoPvBjmScT1J6VGe6sK3qrfMyUPoak4VFJlT4BwIRaZLL6F6WWHyk6FShuJoDhs7cOl4BBrjTm0NVdAKKRtg63UGo5Aj_oaRs6fIFplt_IIUHhFbeQI8/s640/cairns_flying_foxes_IMG_8219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Beware the falling Poo!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">9) BOX JELLYISH.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvg0w1qXXnozOH7kwgoSrvVCuCAN-K5YCgxGJHEs7nccaMUGVYOALxyC_-76NUbptSMC96LU0GL-plqussxfB98otH647TBOsRFB6r4AIor4mhH_1tqJruAwBfvzW3JWIS3XQvs_fuo9g/s1600/Screen-Shot-2015-02-22-at-10.13.22-am.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvg0w1qXXnozOH7kwgoSrvVCuCAN-K5YCgxGJHEs7nccaMUGVYOALxyC_-76NUbptSMC96LU0GL-plqussxfB98otH647TBOsRFB6r4AIor4mhH_1tqJruAwBfvzW3JWIS3XQvs_fuo9g/s640/Screen-Shot-2015-02-22-at-10.13.22-am.png" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">Now this fella does kill and also it's tentacles killa hurt like hell!!! You don't want to have to go through the pain and torture a sting from these jellyfish can cause. In the summer months, when our tropical waters are like soup and the rains have arrived is when these killers are in our waters, mainly close to shore and tropical beaches. Stinger nets are out at every beach (that protect you to some extent) and if you are out snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef you get to look real sexy in a full body suit for protection. So how does one remain cool in those hot stinky summer months? Do as the locals do and take a cool dip in a nice freshwater rainforest swimming hole... no killer jellys there!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgIo4zDSSP0ziVLpUHvzoOoBpiU55KNqOXfyV99C-1gWhd-mN7sjPTDRNdCBxw4RKc-jc3xeoPYAaZXZh3XMXBksfcOAL8PI8qq37NAYoAX01QkpTawEwhHbEqQyX6QAeZ3yjLbOdJKk/s1600/P1230363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgIo4zDSSP0ziVLpUHvzoOoBpiU55KNqOXfyV99C-1gWhd-mN7sjPTDRNdCBxw4RKc-jc3xeoPYAaZXZh3XMXBksfcOAL8PI8qq37NAYoAX01QkpTawEwhHbEqQyX6QAeZ3yjLbOdJKk/s640/P1230363.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>The<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> stinger suits</span> make for a good <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">profile</span> pic</span></span> if anything!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">10) DRAGONS.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlO6nli18v2mhCbfsBMt0knN1RDKWCOR_eB08qqErSNh87eN4Tz3cG99hyphenhyphenwx-Fg67qNIRluYD2rB2T0ib_bI0zxKy7wLHov0GIXgCVE2L_M1xGr7yqTmxMyIoM7VqENThlQrTrrDQgFo/s1600/got-danaerys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlO6nli18v2mhCbfsBMt0knN1RDKWCOR_eB08qqErSNh87eN4Tz3cG99hyphenhyphenwx-Fg67qNIRluYD2rB2T0ib_bI0zxKy7wLHov0GIXgCVE2L_M1xGr7yqTmxMyIoM7VqENThlQrTrrDQgFo/s640/got-danaerys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">Yes, we lucky Australian's have Dragons! I swear this to be true... for realz! Some people even keep them as a pet... but they should be left alone in the wild where they belong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-large;">Ha ha ha... did I fool you??? I didn't lie however, we DO have real dragons in Australia!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Qvl3SQLuR6POP6_QMTH9ZQeUkGEonTJiLAKv_2-R0Gg959rDly3AsVFbFs8QIIplYRkufCSHfz4uofbwo5SaIvIRsl0lp5QVzKmE7CAc2kr5KfDjK2BiuEP4-iGn_JNnj2oobz4z7tE/s1600/07_dragons_9208_crSteveKWilson_gal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Qvl3SQLuR6POP6_QMTH9ZQeUkGEonTJiLAKv_2-R0Gg959rDly3AsVFbFs8QIIplYRkufCSHfz4uofbwo5SaIvIRsl0lp5QVzKmE7CAc2kr5KfDjK2BiuEP4-iGn_JNnj2oobz4z7tE/s640/07_dragons_9208_crSteveKWilson_gal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Frilled Neck Lizards are just one of the Dragon family. The Frilly is rather elusive so you are lucky to spot one before they bolt for the nearest tree. Their frill is raised only when they feel threatened to make them seem bigger and scarier than they actually are. You could try and get close but I bet you you can't. They are relatively harmless. We also have Water Dragons who like to take a swim!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGyDN2djCs3jN8HmD_EBGixsZlmRayR1OM-9SyOKh3A-9RZadoMyUURyNzA9xDi2hyphenhyphenR6lKNsJ1Qe9_sBTobfNnOSjNN57j1T9cQDZcZTnNJkDZsv45fRfN_LxbqM-cklEFVWqn0SVvtY/s1600/dragons_eastern_water3-1030x686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGyDN2djCs3jN8HmD_EBGixsZlmRayR1OM-9SyOKh3A-9RZadoMyUURyNzA9xDi2hyphenhyphenR6lKNsJ1Qe9_sBTobfNnOSjNN57j1T9cQDZcZTnNJkDZsv45fRfN_LxbqM-cklEFVWqn0SVvtY/s640/dragons_eastern_water3-1030x686.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Well hello there Mr Dragon. Can I take you home?</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Well... that's my guide to some of the weird wonderful wildlife we have here in Australia. Some of them you fear, some you will laugh at and some will just make you cringe. It's all part of living in the wonderful world of Aus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I think that's enough wackiness for now, I'll just leave this here...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr6fMIqh8MTRQsqSfChee_oGxq2PMLe5Syau6JBh92JDNk2Q6YNrztWO9zjcNP2KxJyOzNEvfINaFH_tGHIxd7CV11HGHvgmIPpuU2yqiGq82B7y8foY9RcuYm61Y4cQ-JDvBelrLD-8/s1600/male-olive-backed-sunbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr6fMIqh8MTRQsqSfChee_oGxq2PMLe5Syau6JBh92JDNk2Q6YNrztWO9zjcNP2KxJyOzNEvfINaFH_tGHIxd7CV11HGHvgmIPpuU2yqiGq82B7y8foY9RcuYm61Y4cQ-JDvBelrLD-8/s640/male-olive-backed-sunbird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>A<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">aaaand breath</span>... pretty (and safe) <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">S</span>unbird. You are a joy to watch.</i></span><br />
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-37823712928837518932017-01-08T16:14:00.002+10:002017-01-08T16:29:12.038+10:00CYCLONE STORIES<h3 style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhevCmis87EDSi8cDLOl7w0-mt4iLmRBMDQCGYr7cRWU1UssCNKBYm65WnRoSyse389Soj2Whsov2SUmyRqj7QeNJkoTiYqmKn147zYApqUcG1ZcJ5JUVjceh6n7JISK_IwjNB4k-nvw/s1600/cyclone_yasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhevCmis87EDSi8cDLOl7w0-mt4iLmRBMDQCGYr7cRWU1UssCNKBYm65WnRoSyse389Soj2Whsov2SUmyRqj7QeNJkoTiYqmKn147zYApqUcG1ZcJ5JUVjceh6n7JISK_IwjNB4k-nvw/s640/cyclone_yasi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i>Tara's cyclone preparation</i>:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1)Go to the bottle shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2)Have plenty of torches, batteries a radio & water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3)Tidy up the yard, tape windows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">4)Go to the bottle shop again (just to be sure).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//giphy.com/embed/YUWp8CrOrEpQk" width="480"></iframe></i></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/liam-payne-blog-YUWp8CrOrEpQk">via GIPHY</a></i></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">I have always been interested in the weather, I blame my late mother for that. What's the weather going to be for the day? Will there be a storm in the afternoon? I love Witnessing amazing formations of storm clouds on the horizon and best of all, a wicked lightning storm with wine in hand!</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">I grew up in Sydney, famously known for it's cracking summer storms and cloud formations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxyL0ki1NuXL3VUwmVuU9xocU7kfeM23HXRwH6ekq_q_nY7LH44ZtSyHV3q4mjpss-0VZ4cCaIaGYzse-6ZLxaUqYsrdpaC5CzrfRagAK9oBQyHJXN9xeswotFFo9sv_-nae6Y6C1R4c/s1600/BN-BU598_0306cl_J_20140306111612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxyL0ki1NuXL3VUwmVuU9xocU7kfeM23HXRwH6ekq_q_nY7LH44ZtSyHV3q4mjpss-0VZ4cCaIaGYzse-6ZLxaUqYsrdpaC5CzrfRagAK9oBQyHJXN9xeswotFFo9sv_-nae6Y6C1R4c/s640/BN-BU598_0306cl_J_20140306111612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Kind of an Independence Day movie experience......Spooky.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8qCFpDGwv9vRdPhq62pLJfuRNCqwV8F6r29S1HfmPNa6ZvjdQekIbR2TX1fPvsy4A2GKy2qLZTrH575lfqK901fUHvi5TSQ9NDO_J2zmktmfQEbpD8QN5M9FhgjwVtCwipmnjAkEaTg/s1600/spaceship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8qCFpDGwv9vRdPhq62pLJfuRNCqwV8F6r29S1HfmPNa6ZvjdQekIbR2TX1fPvsy4A2GKy2qLZTrH575lfqK901fUHvi5TSQ9NDO_J2zmktmfQEbpD8QN5M9FhgjwVtCwipmnjAkEaTg/s640/spaceship.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">With the easy access to the Bureau of Meteorology's radar online or via various apps, my obsession with the weather has stepped up a notch! You can watch these weather systems coming and in days of late in Cairns, literally praying that those storm clouds on the Tablelands make it over the range and drench our dry water deprived city. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">And finally....Wet Season has arrived here in the Tropical North of Australia! My plants in my garden are rejoicing, the frogs are singing, the dams are filling and the cane toads already lay squished on the roads.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t6eVQz_-uOLuJuuVGKpk_Ictykg54i7vcj2b3PCprCsrHwQv1TCuyLq-OxhK1MIgAq95ypd6EdW7h0cce4ryk4SQDHO0jl6PVZUJfZA_RNJfQeVosAEWj8FBFu6du3TZnUqtiU7aSCU/s1600/15822959_10154168108204109_5622341228545094196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t6eVQz_-uOLuJuuVGKpk_Ictykg54i7vcj2b3PCprCsrHwQv1TCuyLq-OxhK1MIgAq95ypd6EdW7h0cce4ryk4SQDHO0jl6PVZUJfZA_RNJfQeVosAEWj8FBFu6du3TZnUqtiU7aSCU/s400/15822959_10154168108204109_5622341228545094196_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The rain radar on the Weatherzone app, iphone.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Our problem in Cairns is that all the fun stuff (like those wicked lightning storms) seem to dance all around us and not ON us. The Tablelands surrounding Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas and the wettest parts of the country, Babinda and Tully all seem to cop an amazing light show whilst we seem to be under restricted air space!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="320" src="//giphy.com/embed/IwZH1Hr7OexPi" width="480"></iframe></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/lightning-IwZH1Hr7OexPi">via GIPHY</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Yeah...nah. It just ain't the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">But we do have severe weather events in our summer months (wet season) called Cyclones. These are the Southern Hemisphere's (Pacific Region) versions of Typhoons or Hurricanes. Most people here in Cairns are very blasé about cyclones. A cyclone pending means possible time off work and massive consumption of alcohol (aka... a cyclone party, because there is nothing else to do but drink during one). I have been through a few cyclones in my time, my first big one was Cyclone Larry in 2006. Larry was a category 5 (a 3 in Cairns) storm which hit south of Cairns on top of the township of Innisfail. We categorize our Tropical Cyclones in Australia and Fiji according to the below charts.</span></div>
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<table class="table-text" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: black; empty-cells: show; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0.6em; text-align: center; width: 590px;" summary="3 columns including category, wind gust speed and impacts"><thead>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px;"><th style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #333333; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Category</th><th style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #333333; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Strongest gust (km/h)</th><th style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #333333; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Typical effects </th></tr>
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<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px;"><td scope="row" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;"><strong><span class="category">1</span> Tropical Cyclone </strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Less than 125 km/h<br />
Gales</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Minimal house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and caravans. Boats may drag moorings.</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px;"><td scope="row" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;"><strong><span class="category">2</span> Tropical Cyclone</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">125 - 164 km/h<br />
Destructive winds </td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to some crops. Risk of power failure. Small boats may break moorings. </td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px;"><td scope="row" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;"><strong><span class="category">3</span> Severe Tropical Cyclone</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">165 - 224 km/h<br />
Very destructive winds </td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans destroyed. Power failure likely. </td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px;"><td scope="row" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;"><strong><span class="category">4</span> Severe Tropical Cyclone</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">225 - 279 km/h<br />
Very destructive winds </td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Significant roofing and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures. </td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;"><strong><span class="category">5</span> Severe Tropical Cyclone</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">More than 280 km/h<br />
Extremely destructive winds </td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0.2em; vertical-align: top;">Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">I have been through my fair share of cyclones experiences in my time. I've also been through the aftermath, like this one time (at band camp) my tour bus got bogged in the middle of no where on the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory. We had to push the darn bus through snake infested blood red flood waters to freedom (this was ex-cyclone YASI). The other time, whilst on tour in New Zealand on the Interislander Ferry travelling from the South Island to the North Island we got caught in ex-tropical cyclone ITA in massive waves causing every sole on board to be spectacularly sick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Severe weather events like cyclones are frightening, exciting and interesting all at once but are nothing to scoff at. You may not sit back an have a beer and put your feet up at your cyclone party until all your prepping work is done. If your travelling through the region, do your research, listen to advice or even delay/change your plans to stay safe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">On the plus side...You have plenty of time to get organised to clean up your yard so there is no flying debris, tape your windows to stop large shards breaking free, stock up your canned foods & fill the tubs with water, make sure you have a small battery powered radio and even buy yourself a personal generator from Bunnings.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: x-large;"><strong>FOR THE CAIRNS COUNCIL'S ADVICE IN REGARDS TO DISSASTERS... VISIT HERE>>></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/natural-disasters"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/natural-disasters</span></strong></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: x-large;">Cyclone Larry (March 2006) & Cyclone Yasi (Jan 2011) Were both a force to be reckoned with. I lived through Larry and Yasi was the system that dumped a whole lot of rain on Central Australia causing my tour bus to get stuck. Check out their track map and some amazing aftermath images below. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp5LMjwN1AGfAhTwjqrvWQvKC1spwH7GgPDPIgkf5C3F8hMsrD5OZLp9o5pGNlIJeccsc1YIiEdAvFpZg0sKmkJntVLzq8m83HD42dzOrhNc2HbzlbLllDRDJt-zcLuSvf_petaxBlZg/s1600/tc_larry_track.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp5LMjwN1AGfAhTwjqrvWQvKC1spwH7GgPDPIgkf5C3F8hMsrD5OZLp9o5pGNlIJeccsc1YIiEdAvFpZg0sKmkJntVLzq8m83HD42dzOrhNc2HbzlbLllDRDJt-zcLuSvf_petaxBlZg/s320/tc_larry_track.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Cyclone Larry 2006.</em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Cyclone Yasi 2011.</span></em></strong></div>
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<b><i>Amazing devastation of banana plantations around Innisfail. Photo by BOM 2006.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The State of the School in the aftermath. Photo from SMH newspaper 2006.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>One of the many twisted signs. Photo from Fairfax Media 2006.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Images of Cardwell & Port Hinchinbrook. 2011Yasi</span></em></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">It's hard to imagine that this could happen to you. Yes, you may be without power for days. Yes, your crop could be destroyed causing massive loss of income. Yes, your home can be damaged causing items inside your home to be doused in rain or sea. Yes, there is a possibility you will be ordered to evacuate and sleep in a shelter and YES, you have to realise these events are life threatening and to take cyclones seriously!!! It's not all about the party and time off work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">If you follow the correct advice and don't do anything stupid... you should stay safe. More advice from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology is found here>>> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/warnings/advice.shtml"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/warnings/advice.shtml</span></strong></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">As I write this we have a pretty hefty Monsoon trough sitting north of Cairns dumping loads of rain, causing flash flooding and storms. Although Cyclones and flooding can cause some terrifying moments these events can create beautiful images too. The Barron Falls are in full flow at the moment. Check out the link below>>></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tropicalnorthqueensland/videos/1254665887959949/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">/</span></strong></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tropicalnorthqueensland/videos/1254665887959949/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/tropicalnorthqueensland</span></strong></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tropicalnorthqueensland/videos/1254665887959949/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">videos/1254665887959949/</span></strong></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Explore Tropical North Queensland's Face Book page.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">We love this part of the world and we accept the good and the bad. Most of the year we have superlative warm sunny weather ideal for holidays for those coming from interstate or overseas. I love the climate here... that's why I have moved back! It's an amazing beautiful part of our country... even if it is a little rough around the edges.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">I'll leave you now with the words by Australian poet, Dorothea Mackellar...</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><em><strong>I love a sunburnt country,</strong></em></span><em><span style="color: red;"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> A land of sweeping plains,<br /> Of ragged mountain ranges,<br /> Of droughts and flooding rains.<br /> I love her far horizons,<br /> I love her jewel-sea,<br /> Her beauty and her terror -</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> The wide brown land for me!</span></strong></span></em> </div>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-60077699570676148772016-12-26T17:51:00.002+10:002016-12-26T20:41:41.397+10:00FESTIVE SEASON IN CAIRNS<h3 style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwy513IFKfwPFdN8k8vp_unb0oTYb5hQshR4SfRjGcNKl7H1QYyh4CZZYwQeGK7pXXVqELVTY6J4Z4a26tWXUCDxbvhqZXL2Jy9S4vMIbwcTjcURQE2CIrp5ekKv_2GcG5OwFCaaN3ZQ/s1600/7reFZ465hIsjJb_680x205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwy513IFKfwPFdN8k8vp_unb0oTYb5hQshR4SfRjGcNKl7H1QYyh4CZZYwQeGK7pXXVqELVTY6J4Z4a26tWXUCDxbvhqZXL2Jy9S4vMIbwcTjcURQE2CIrp5ekKv_2GcG5OwFCaaN3ZQ/s640/7reFZ465hIsjJb_680x205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>LIFE IN THE TROPICS THIS TIME OF YEAR</i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>Ever wonder what we get up to in the tropics of Queensland in the great land Down Under during festive season?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>If you are from the Northern Hemisphere... this is probz you right now...</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/justin-g-snow-cold-sad-john-xTcnTehwgRcbgymhTW">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>Winter.... is here.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>Not for us in Cairns!!! We couldn't be feeling more different right now!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>At Christmas, everything is closed and we spend time with family and friends. We usually have a Christmas lunch. In Cairns there are FREE BBQ's by the lagoon and beaches for a Xmas Aussie barbie. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>You can cool off in the large swimming lagoon.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeUdUS0fnsInsd_i516-l0ulhmx8mdRIBvFEePCn4Q94ZoYJCS4L2G1nEzTqIQ5O7U7-F_e-plEs5M0Rug5Hu9lvr3QXI-mexsGUJqkWWR2V7iuMBLb-JZqKW0_1kIi7Z94mQ1zJV4Xs/s1600/cairns-esplanade-lagoon-20697_1200x795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeUdUS0fnsInsd_i516-l0ulhmx8mdRIBvFEePCn4Q94ZoYJCS4L2G1nEzTqIQ5O7U7-F_e-plEs5M0Rug5Hu9lvr3QXI-mexsGUJqkWWR2V7iuMBLb-JZqKW0_1kIi7Z94mQ1zJV4Xs/s400/cairns-esplanade-lagoon-20697_1200x795.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>How about a picnic in the rainforest by a fresh water swimming hole?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>We try and buy all our food locally for the festive season from local growers, the nearby Tablelands and Rusty's Markets.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOvs2PtgLnRji4d10vp8TTliWSAtFyof7urfizTn3rTLae8XVBk1Ob4sW3u4e1N5cXwmRoN_R2iwIU1Cf2iEW0EIrHLm2Rf7j4ZL4TmXXGb7M57o3t3gJNWp9RMm495ITPb9TQv5SRqc/s1600/NCHprm9b6b85EEt6_640x429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOvs2PtgLnRji4d10vp8TTliWSAtFyof7urfizTn3rTLae8XVBk1Ob4sW3u4e1N5cXwmRoN_R2iwIU1Cf2iEW0EIrHLm2Rf7j4ZL4TmXXGb7M57o3t3gJNWp9RMm495ITPb9TQv5SRqc/s400/NCHprm9b6b85EEt6_640x429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>You can find some interesting produce here in the tropics!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>WOW! Giant </i></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>mango!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>We stuff ourselves silly with loads of seafood....</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>Hey!!! Where did all the oysters go?!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>...And liters of alcohol is consumed when it's this hot!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>We love a good pool party christmas!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>We dress our trees in the sun amongst palm trees...</i></span><br />
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<i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">All the families get together in their cars one night before Christmas and play follow the leader looking at everyone's house Christmas lights displays...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>And when the aftermath of Christmas hits... we sit in the air-con to stay cool, vegetate and watch cricket on TV.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>In a week's time we all come together for New Years Eve. We have fireworks by Trinity Bay at 9pm (for all of the families.. grab your camp chairs!) and midnight (for the revelers). It's so warm we don't need a jacket, hat or scarf to watch them!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>Afterwards...we either party in an air-conditioned bar until the early morning hours as we are trapped inside due to lock out laws!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>OR... we have a house party.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>Most of us work in Tourism or Hospitality so being the hard core Aussie's that we are, we usually have to work after partying all night long!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>Made you jealous yet??? (Maybe not about being hung over on New Years Day!). Yearning to come visit??? Why don't you book at trip down under for next festive season and see what it's all about for yourself!!! Come see us in Cairns!</i></span><i style="font-family: 'courier new', courier, monospace;"> </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i>If you want to know more details about NYE 2016/2017 in Cairns.. you can visit here:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i><i><a href="http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/whats-on/whats-on/events/nye16"><b>http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/whats-on/whats-on/events/nye16</b></a></i></i></span></div>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-22331848166958942262016-12-18T11:15:00.001+10:002017-03-17T20:04:30.280+10:00EVERYBODY'S FREE WITH OCEAN FREE!<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">LET'S GO TO GREEN ISLAND!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Lucky me was about to embark on another boat journey out from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef. This time, on a vessel that stands out from the rest, something.... a little different. I was heading out for a snorkel and visit to Green Island on the ONLY sail boat departing Cairns for a reef trip. That boat is OCEAN FREE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Ocean Free was purchased by a local couple in 1995. Later on in years they purchased another boat, Ocean Freedom. They really pride themselves on the quality and professionalism of their staff and are well known for that in Cairns. On either boat you are greeted with smiles from the get-go and are well looked after. Ocean Freedom is a bigger, busier boat with plenty of introductory divers in contrast to Ocean Free which is a much smaller boat (maximum 25 guests). You get great service like Freedom but it is oh-so-much-more personalized on Ocean Free. By the end of the day, you feel like a little family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Checking in takes place in the Reef Fleet Terminal, just inside the main doors to the right. From there, you collect your boarding passes and make your way to A finger wharf. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">We were small numbers on this day and the weather, once again was epic (would I go out to the reef in anything less?!?!?) BUT... being such still calm conditions meant... no sailing. *sigh*. This was the trade off for a day I knew was going to be glassy with great visibility in the water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Along the way a safety briefing was held for all followed by a intimate scuba dive briefing (this is for first time divers). The sun was out in full force on this day so thankfully the main sail was up providing us with a little shade as well as the under cover area at the stern. The journey would take close to 2 hours... plenty of time to burn! Lately I have been getting burnt in weird places on my reef trips (The sun can attack you from all directions due to reflection from the water) so make sure you bring a hat, long sleeve shirt and wear loads of sunscreen when you head out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">On arrival to Green Island we motored our way slowly in-between the coral bommies to our mooring at Pinnacle Reef. A bommie is an cluster of reef shelf derived from the Aboriginal word "bombora". A bombora is the large waves crashing over a shallow reef or rock site located away from the Australian coast line. At Pinnicle reef there was at least 3 large "bommies" to explore snorkeling or diving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Beautiful scene that greeted us at Pinnacle Reef.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">On arrival we were greeted by large fish such as Red Sea Bass and Giant Trevally. This boat has a licence to feed the fish which makes for a fun spectacle for guests. These fish are used to having their daily snacks at this time of day. Other regular visitors are Black Tip Reef Sharks looking for a feed. The skipper was saying they are not sure where they sleep or which area they hand around... they only have them visit in late morning before lunch. If your scared of sharks, don't be! These guys are more like big fish and are not interested in eating human!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">First up was a guided snorkel tour which you could join if you wish or snorkel off on your own. If a guided snorkel is included in your reef trip, take advantage of it! The guide usually knows where all the cool stuff is like Nemo (clown fish) giant clams and sea cucumbers for example. We saw all 3 on this tour. I even held a Pineapple Sea Cucumber for the first time... a really odd texture and feel in your hands! You cannot touch anything on your own on the Great Barrier Reef as it is protected but Marine Biologist's can so it's worth while to go on a guided snorkel to see stuff up close.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Me holding the sea cucumber. What a strange texture!</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1pm87jUhM3dMh9SAZvNECFmP9rea52jHTNhuBTWLVq5S-2yrA8RbJbouP4cwNyHwB_AbXrvQCzfCH3nU1N76OhbxRJnrd0q3RLIbH8o3iI5rCbu6UH5VkEqgcNs9PrXB5MQg5h7Y9ss/s1600/pineappleseacucumber1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1pm87jUhM3dMh9SAZvNECFmP9rea52jHTNhuBTWLVq5S-2yrA8RbJbouP4cwNyHwB_AbXrvQCzfCH3nU1N76OhbxRJnrd0q3RLIbH8o3iI5rCbu6UH5VkEqgcNs9PrXB5MQg5h7Y9ss/s400/pineappleseacucumber1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>A Pineapple Sea Cucumber under the sea. Photo from Google images.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">I stayed in the water exploring after the tour while the Introductory Scuba Dives got underway. What a great way to do your Intro Dive! 2 divers to your instructor. No crowds, no waiting your turn in groups like on the bigger boats and I noticed how patient the Instructors were with first time divers. If you want to get over any dive "fears" and this is your first time to scuba dive this is the perfect way to do it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9p7T_bKsaEkdY9Qv294CNJkJOzt37YZiDUj7eRpxE0MjpJiJ5PNuMJemk2ppIUHo8HRVrGOD8w0soofMzoJ21_y1XdCaBE7H1gVvIBMXZiZ-zP4gqjnwCE0SryFcXaFT-49gToyFudg/s1600/freesnorkel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9p7T_bKsaEkdY9Qv294CNJkJOzt37YZiDUj7eRpxE0MjpJiJ5PNuMJemk2ppIUHo8HRVrGOD8w0soofMzoJ21_y1XdCaBE7H1gVvIBMXZiZ-zP4gqjnwCE0SryFcXaFT-49gToyFudg/s640/freesnorkel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Some snorkel images on the Lumix Camera hired by Calypso Cameras.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">After our water activities (after a couple of hours) there was a chance to go on an optional glass bottom boat tour. They have a smaller boat they use for transfers to Green Island and it also has glass panels in the floor so you can see the reef and stay dry. The skipper took us on our little tour, giving us information on the Great Barrier Reef and all the animals and fish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Next up.... lunch time....YEEESSSSS! Cue excited face 😆😆😆 Smoked salmon here I come! I'll let the pictures do the talking. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">We had options for the remainder of the day. We could visit Green Island for 1 or 2 hours. I have been there before so decided 1 hour was enough time to take a walk around the Island and a quick dip in the sea. I wanted to head back and have one last snorkel and have the site to myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Green Island is a sandy cay that is 6000 years old and one of it's kind, named by Captain James Cook after his astronomer Charles Green. There is rainforest on the island (by birds over time depositing seeds in their droppings) for shade and lovely walks. There is a resort on the island and some shops, restaurant & bar and even a small zoo. This main area can be very hectic with tourists so it was nice to walk around the island away from the crowds.</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Images of Green Island from my iPhone.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">On the return journey it was time to chill with my fellow passengers with lovely conditions perfect for cruising, sipping a free glass of wine and eating fresh fruit, cheese & bikkies. We spotted 2 large sea snakes on the journey home, something I hadn't seen on a reef trip before... they were too hard to capture on film! doh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Overall, this is my top pick for a visit to Green Island including a decent snorkel. By going to just the island there isn't good reef to see swimming off the sand... perhaps good turtle spotting, but not good reef. Joining Ocean Free gives you the best of both worlds and if Green Island isn't really your thing, you don't have to stay long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Massive thanks to the staff who looked after us that day. You guys were professional, chilled and relaxed and made time to speak with all of the guests. I felt very "at home" on FREE and had a lovely relaxing day. Many people come in to my work asking for a small intimate boat experience, this is the definitely that! 😊</span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: lime;">THANKS AGAIN TO CALYPSO CAMERAS (LOCATED AT THE REEF FLEET TERMINAL) FOR THE HIRE OF MY LUMIX CAMERA.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/"><b><span style="font-size: large;">http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>CHECK OUT MY 6 MINUTE FUN MUSIC VIDEO FROM MY DAY WITH OCEAN FREEDOM BELOW!</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hOISsmrmwU&t=53s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hOISsmrmwU&t=53s</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">WANT TO BOOK THIS DAY TRIP? VIST THIS WEBSITE & LET <span style="color: blue;">REEF INFO CAIRNS</span> SHOW YOU HOW!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/">http://www.reefinfo.com.au</a></span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">08:00am to 5:00pm-5:15pm (Check in from 7:30am Reef Fleet Terminal)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not so good swimmers to good swimmers</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nervous first time divers</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those wanting a relaxing sail day</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 💪 💪 </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Time of year:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">All year round (Stinger season is from October through to April)</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: small;">Lycra suits provided </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Price:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">$185 + $10/Adult levy SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">$100 + $10/Child SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">$105/Adult for first Introductory Scuba dive on top of snorkel price</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">$513 + $40/Family snorkel</span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-25463707015935272012016-12-10T11:02:00.003+10:002016-12-11T10:06:01.617+10:00SLEEPING OUT ON THE REEF<h2 align="center">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">AN OVERNIGHT 2 DAY ADVENTURE</span> </h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WITH DEEP SEA DIVERS DEN</span></h3>
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<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/thevoice-the-voice-nbc-3ornjXIIShZ2MgyyHu">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Got to 💙💚💛💜 that feeling that I was about to embark on another adventure and spend a night out on the Great Barrier Reef. It's a total fist pump moment (once you get over getting up early in the morning of course).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am joining Deep Sea Divers Den on their overnight live-aboard vessel Ocean Quest... but to get there you spend your first day with their day boat, usually Sea Quest but on my day it was their newer vessel Reef Quest. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Confused yet?! There definitely is a lot of "Quest" boats... 3 to be exact and all shall be revealed as I continue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are a keen diver and want to get the most dives for the best price then this overnight option is the best for you. You can get at least 4 dives in each day and can stay out there from 1 night to 100 (well, perhaps not 100 but a few). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Transfers within the Cairns CBD are included. You are taken to the Deep Sea Divers Den shop for check in before being transported directly to the boat. After a final check in on board of Reef Quest we take our fave seats out on the back top deck as we head out of Cairns Inlet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>Starting the day aboard Reef Quest. Beautiful day!</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was another amazing day out on the reef with stunning conditions. I won't bore you with the details of the day trip (you'll have to read my older blog on it!)... let's just say we visited two wonderful sites (including "Troppos" at Norman reef, a fave of mine) and capped off our day nicely when we had the chance to hang out with a very old turtle and a large White Tip Reef Shark. I was loosing my 💩💩💩 ....Just WOW!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>This photo captured on a Canon G16 from Snaphot Camera hire. Tara Reynolds</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>J<i>amie gives our shark the thumbs up! 👍👍👍</i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91s6uGTAYf4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91s6uGTAYf4</a> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: cyan;">C</span><i><span style="color: cyan;">heck out the link to see the very old turtle we saw</span></i></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was time to begin my overnight experience and say goodbye to Reef Quest and board the overnight vessel, Ocean Quest. The boats pull up side by side and we were gracefully lifted up by the staff, luggage handed over, hat & camera handed over. Before I knew it, I was seated in the boats dining room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Images of Ocean Quest. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were introduced to the staff who would look after us for our stay, explained the timetable and boat lay out. Ocean Quest has 3 main floors. The floor the dining room was on also had the dive deck at the back. The next floor up was sleeping quarters with a large sundeck at the back (with access to the dive deck). Up a further floor was more rooms for sleeping, the bar & lounge and an undercover outdoor deck. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">The Timetable for Ocean Quest.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the initial welcome briefing we were off to our allocated rooms. Most of these rooms are twin share with a spacious ensuite. They are roomy enough and all with adequate air con for a good nights sleep. I was bunked in with a man, you need to be prepared to bunk with either sex. It didn't really matter to me, it's only for sleeping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The new passengers (most whom were divers) were then shown the dive deck and where all the equipment is and got allocated a tank spot for the duration of their stay. The first dive for us was at 4pm and a dive briefing was held half an hour prior. We were at Wild Side West, located at beautiful Norman Reef. Every certified diver must go with a buddy (if you are advanced) and those only with new certification could choose to go in a group with a guide ($15 each dive extra). Passengers were also on board to just do a couple Introductory Dives and a small group was going for their certification. Some were also snorkelers...like me!!! </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Information on the site, Wild Side West.</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Away the divers go 2 by 2 off the large dive platform followed by the guided divers. It's hot, there's very little wind so it's time to take a dip myself for a guided snorkel tour. This tour wasn't very "guided" per say... we weren't given any information about what we were seeing and just followed along. I was the one who found Nemo and showed everyone and in the latter half of the tour I found a really cool toad-fish lingering in a cave. I had that moment all to myself as the others had taken off back to the boat. I enjoyed my swim none the less. It was very puuuurteeee. </span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Some snorkel snaps on my G16 Camera, hired from Snapshot. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner was scheduled for 6pm. It was a plated "Asian Style" dish of chicken and noodles. It was nice to be waited on and have a chance to chat with your fellow passengers. Unfortunately this dish didn't really do it for me... a little bland with limp soggy noodles. I had to smother it in chili & soy sauce. It was a disappointment but I wasn't there for the food!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After Dinner there was still time to catch the amazing sunset with a glass of wine. Thank you mother nature! These moments make me grateful for what I have.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Sunset photo's on my iPhone.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As night descended it was time to hit the water again! The divers were going on a night dive and some opted for Ocean Quest's unique draw card which is FLURO DIVING! Instead of regular torches divers had a UV black light torch which enhanced the colours of the corals and fish below. Brilliant! I was a little jelly watching them. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">The divers are ready! A pic on my iPhone.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b>Photo's from Deep Sea Divers Den Website.</b></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another night time activity was their SHARKS IN THE DARK option. We all put on our wet suits (included), grabbed our snorkel, mask and cameras and made our way to the hydraulic platform. Once lying on our stomachs they lowered the platform so we were half in the water. From this vantage point we could see all the giant fish and divers below. Unfortunately no sharks on this night, they must have been having a party elsewhere. Boooooo! Still, it was pretty fun and unique experience no one else offers. 😊</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> CHECK OUT THE LINK BELOW TO SEE IT ALL IN ACTION IN MY LITTLE MOVIE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn7J5O3Rl8A&t=1s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn7J5O3Rl8A&t=1s</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A nice hot shower in the spacious ensuite was just the ticket at the end of a day of water activities. Salt be gone! A couple of wines in the licenced bar and Crème Brulee for dessert pretty much nailed me to the wall... I crashed out hard that night to a gentle rock of the boat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next day we were greeted by another stunning glassy day. While I was still tucked up in bed the divers had all ready smashed out their first dive for the day. Hats off to them, it's a lot of dives in one day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The beautiful morning as seen through my iPhone.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we moved location a hot buffet breakfast was served. All the usual brekkie items, eggs, bacon, beans along with cereal, yoghurt and fruit. It was a decent mix and gave us fuel for the day ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The second site was Twin Peaks at Hastings. I had been here a week earlier with not the best conditions so was keen to get in for more snorkel time and see what there is to see.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: medium;"></span>Some reef shots taken through my polarised sun glasses! Photo's by Tara Reynolds. </span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a diver, you get your usual briefing and x2 dives at this site. You can choose to snorkel instead like me 2 times but unfortunately have to come back out of the water when the divers are done with the first dive and then get back in for the second... which was a little clunky really. I had a good hour swim and felt complete enough that I didn't feel the need to go back and re-explore the site. I opted to top up the tan and chill in the sun for the remainder of the time at that site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Around lunch is when we moved to another site. Lunch was another buffet with salads, some greens, corn & peas and chicken drumsticks in a mild curry sauce. It wasn't overly exciting... I was grateful for anything green however! I am bit of a health nut in regards to food so was pleased it was reasonably healthy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By lunch we had also checked out of our rooms and put our bags in the hall so housekeeping can make them up. There seemed to be an army of staff helping with the service of meals and housekeeping. They were all very friendly and made you feel at home, which is what you want. It is so important to have professional, informative friendly staff on an experience like this. I believe these guys have training programs in place for staff and dive instructors which is great for those who need to get a foot in the door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was looking forward to another snorkel when we pulled up along side the transfer boat, Sea Quest but alas... this was not meant to be. For those staying on board for another night this was their down time. I guess it was also a time for staff to take a break or prepare for the next load of arrivals. For a snorkeler I was a little annoyed that I had nothing to do until we leave at 2.30pm. Hopefully in the future they could amend this by getting a staff member on watch so we could explore this new site or perhaps have a marine talk on all the fish and corals we saw. I was left to have an afternoon wine while I chatted with other passengers. The views were stunning, the conversation pleasant and it was a much needed break for the divers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Come 2.30pm we said goodbye to Ocean Quest and left the same way we came, in the arms of the staff on both boats. A 90 minute transfer back to Cairns was enough time to rest and check out all my photos and reflect on my fun time out to the GBR. If you are a diver, this is the best value overnighter in town! Hopefully... with a few adjustments made in the future with the program this will be the BEST snorkelling overnight out on the reef as well 😜</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks DSDD!!!!!!! 😘😘😘</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also much thanks to Dave at Snapshot Camera hire. They deliver the camera to your hotel in the Cairns CBD so you have it ready for the morning!!! What a great service! You can find them here...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://snapshotcameras.com.au/"><b>http://snapshotcameras.com.au</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">The Link to find your underwater camera to hire.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><em>CHECK OUT MY VIDEO WITH FUNKY TUNES OF MY TIME OUT WITH DSDD ON MY YOUTUBE BELOW!</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn7J5O3Rl8A&t=1s"><b><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn7J5O3Rl8A&t=1s</span></b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>My little Youtube funky fun clip of my adventure.</i></b></span><br />
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-30582382681817689632016-11-26T12:15:00.001+10:002016-11-28T17:38:18.585+10:00A TERRIFIC TIME WITH TUSA DIVE<div style="text-align: center;">
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ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!</h2>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Another glassy day means It's time to get out and amongst it for a frolic in the sea! Today is Tusa day! 🐟🐠🐡🐢Tusa has many mooring's all over the Great Barrier Reef so when the weather is good they'll moor up at fantastic Outer Reef sites. We didn't end up heading to the sites I was hoping for *sigh* and headed north on this day (not a big loss!I had just been there recently). You have to be prepared to accept the fact you could end up anywhere and put your faith in the skipper. You would only know how sites differ if you are someone like me or you have done your research.On the up side, they will settle on a site suitable for the conditions.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>On boarding the vessel I was surprised the boat wasn't full! It was such a beautiful day and I know for a fact most boats were full that day. On departure I was told the boat WAS at it's full numbers. WOW! Loads of room is always so important. This boat is excellent for those not wanting a big boat with hundreds of people on board.Cue my happy face!Let's stretch out peoples!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>It's time for my favourite part of the day (NOT!) it's safety briefing time!!! (Boooooooo!). When you head out to the reef often like I do you have to put up with the boring stuff like safety briefings but they are o-so-important! Thankfully the Tusa team didn't muck around too long with it. Some boats can drag it out taking up valuable time away from checking out the Cairns city views, valuable photo taking and sun time! Before long I was back at my possy in the sun on the upper deck.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>The cruise out was smooth and super sunny. During this time dive briefings were held and everyone was issued with snorkel mask and wet suit.It's the end of our winter months so over the next few coming summer months, Lycra suits for sun and jellyfish protection are handed out.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>They asked everyone to store their gear under the seats up on the deck I was seated at. Ermmmmm....excuse me! It got a little crowded up there... especially come time to get suited up to get into the water! Not sure if I was a fan of this. The boats design is so important in regards to what areas are "wet" areas. On this boat it was a little limited so what I once thought was spacious was now crowded with peeps struggling to get into their suits on top of each other. The serenity returned when everyone dispersed into the water.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">mages from the day. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Our first site was The Fishbowl at Hastings Reef. I have come across people with mixed reactions on this site. I went in with an open mind and was ready to hit the water and explore. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: small;"><b>Another beautiful pano shot on my </b></span><b>iPhone.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>I was armed with another Lumix Camera from the amazing Calypso Camera hire company. I picked it up in the shop located right at the Reef Fleet Terminal where the boats depart from.Check out their cameras you can hire!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/">http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Staff on this vessel were lovely!👏👏👏👏 Staff can really make or break your day... there wasn't any problems with Tusa. Very friendly and happy to help you, they really seem to honestly enjoy what they do. At each site I was given pointers on where I should swim and what area's were best to explore. Armed with that knowledge I stuck to that plan and did get the most out of the site. I am pleased to say the site lived up to it's name, there was definitely loads of fish! My highlight was hanging with a heard of Humphead Parrot fish... my new fave fish! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Check out the link for my video below!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9puK4AXiCo"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9puK4AXiCo</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>In the middle of the day the dinner bell rings.... LUNCH!!!!Today we have a cold buffet lunch. A beautiful presentation of a selection of meats and salads including a unique eggplant (aubergine)& peas salad and beetroot salad... something different from other boats. There was also vegetarian quiche squares and an assortment of cheeses such as cheddar slices, bocconcini and ricotta & herbs. For those who don't eat bread rolls they had lighter pita bread options. Needless to say I was happy with my lunch. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>After lunch it was time to move to the second location. The sun reflected off the mirror like ocean creating a luminous landscape surrounding us. I wasted little time and dove into the big blue (ok... I didn't "dive" I took a big giant step like a boss) and headed towards the recommended area. The site was at Saxon Reef called Twin Peaks. I was told to look out for sharks resting on the sand behind the peaks and you can also swim between them. The viability wasn't the best on this day with the site loaded with red algae specks OR the corals were getting a little freaky early this year (coral spawning).I'd like to hope it's the former!!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>The elusive White Tipped Reef shark remained elusive on this day however I enjoyed exploring the site with the many fishy's, diverse corals and giant clams all the same.</b></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo's with the underwater camera (lumix) from Calypso camera hire.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>The Tusa vessel is one of the faster catamarans out of the Great Barrier Reef fleet departing from Cairns. This is something to consider when choosing your boat/day as it maximizes water time at your location. It also is a welcoming feeling when you have swum your little heart out and are exhausted on your return journey back to Cairns. 90 minutes back to dry land and a refreshing shower is not too long to wait for.(some boats can take up to 2 hours) 😃😍😆👍 THANK YOU TUSA FOR HAVING ME! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b><i>If you are feeling a little braver than I, introductory & certified scuba diving is also available on this day trip for an additional cost.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWooxaDvxjXwl9atHIy2Gc3Zpu-q7muUdO9U2D6rytSPOYyUhfXhz4M5-0oi6CmMF7ff4mRij1gUZHpsb1crYVsUAnNrFrac3wT9vP-ypwz_8hjYvPCYso4G1ESK2euQdUFoG8X3nCKo/s1600/SCUBA+TUSA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWooxaDvxjXwl9atHIy2Gc3Zpu-q7muUdO9U2D6rytSPOYyUhfXhz4M5-0oi6CmMF7ff4mRij1gUZHpsb1crYVsUAnNrFrac3wT9vP-ypwz_8hjYvPCYso4G1ESK2euQdUFoG8X3nCKo/s640/SCUBA+TUSA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;">HARD FACTS…</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: medium;">The Tour:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: medium;">Full Day trip</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">07.40am- 4.30pm (Check in directly on the boat, A Finger, Marlin Marina)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Good swimmers & </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">snorkelers</span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; font-family: "chewy"; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Introduction divers</span></span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Low passenger numbers, good smaller boat option</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> 💪 💪</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Time of year:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">All year round</span></span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Stinger suits worn October to May</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Price:</span></div>
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<li style="border: currentColor; font-family: "chewy"; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">$205.00 AUD Adult (including $20 reef levy)</span></span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; font-family: "chewy"; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">$130.00 AUD Child (including $10 levy)</span></span></li>
<li style="border: currentColor; font-family: "chewy"; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">$275.00 AUD Intro or Cert dive (including $10 Levy)</span></span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-46107534399673926002016-10-21T18:05:00.002+10:002016-10-21T19:03:34.610+10:00GETTING DOWN WITH DOWN UNDER CRUISE & DIVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe6XqY3bXvH19MG9og18KTqU4igl6XVglftXpOunXuPPpR9BR_sM3DL7VIoE_oX-9tRROxiuPwrKiAfxadYKhpj5NT5zLda0ypRT0nPZ807_W1GalJy0WhJXwFcBHonI1iZVTBPzMfq4/s1600/DUD-176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe6XqY3bXvH19MG9og18KTqU4igl6XVglftXpOunXuPPpR9BR_sM3DL7VIoE_oX-9tRROxiuPwrKiAfxadYKhpj5NT5zLda0ypRT0nPZ807_W1GalJy0WhJXwFcBHonI1iZVTBPzMfq4/s640/DUD-176.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'M ON A BOAT......ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!</h2>
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<span style="font-family: "\22 verdana\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I was feeling very special last Wednesday when I boarded the super swanky, new Australian built reef boat THE EVOLUTION. I really did want to break out my own personal version of Lonely Island's, "I'm on a boat"!</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="240" src="//giphy.com/embed/l2Jeczy9FOg59bKYE" width="480"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/the-lonely-island-t-pain-im-on-a-boat-l2Jeczy9FOg59bKYE">via GIPHY</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Yup.... that was the feeling all right!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After we had checked in at the Reef Fleet Terminal and boarded the vessel we were greeted by a plethora of friendly smiley staff. Smiley skipper at boarding, smiley service staff at the bar, smiley customer service officers, smiley deck hands... it goes on and on. I wonder if the sunny glassy forecast has anything to do with staff morale!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After filling out the usual paperwork I raced upstairs to choose a primo position. I want to get the full on proper Evolution experience and that meant front row seats on the upper deck! This boat has many different spaces for you to enjoy throughout the day. 2 large indoor saloon areas with air-conditioning and booth seating. Large outdoor undercover top deck with seating AND bean bags! Sunny outdoor seating at the front of the boat and the usual dive deck space towards the back. Let's just say she's a very swanky sexy beast!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHHg5L7-6wwk6cjjGc2brEobHSd34HNjHSW3ZK7tQcDOOCgdORQCgZBgnQyWG1XH04RUeQlC1Afg_xBtgAaSdhg5s2YJ3v0dDGoNb50T6-Vy_QV5mUJahH3nDOUY3XLFu93GVpej8MOU/s1600/some+evolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHHg5L7-6wwk6cjjGc2brEobHSd34HNjHSW3ZK7tQcDOOCgdORQCgZBgnQyWG1XH04RUeQlC1Afg_xBtgAaSdhg5s2YJ3v0dDGoNb50T6-Vy_QV5mUJahH3nDOUY3XLFu93GVpej8MOU/s640/some+evolution.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKJBI0XP23lFMRhRZh9hm-aYSg7YJCvDqYUIWlfP1g50y368BszPWRNaiPYNNkyfgNPdnPw6o48OvbMsEh9lmDkmJOhNclS1dD1MYrQoCulfQYe4znA1TN2r9CF4HUDe7qLVoYplg0WU/s1600/evolution+more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKJBI0XP23lFMRhRZh9hm-aYSg7YJCvDqYUIWlfP1g50y368BszPWRNaiPYNNkyfgNPdnPw6o48OvbMsEh9lmDkmJOhNclS1dD1MYrQoCulfQYe4znA1TN2r9CF4HUDe7qLVoYplg0WU/s640/evolution+more.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Professional service... professional boat! Photo's on my iphone.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have all my own snorkel equipment so my friend was the only one who needed to collect hers on board. The (smiley) staff help you with fin and snorkel sizes and you have an allocated shelf area to keep your gear when not in use. I really liked this idea, stops unnecessary clutter and tripping hazards throughout the boat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we depart the shores of Cairns it's time for the usual safety briefing. Thankfully, the staff members in charge of this task are lively jokers and make it fun. I have heard similar safety spiels many times over so it's always a joy and refreshing when it's a good laugh and gets you pumped and totally sets the tone of the day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I thoroughly enjoyed our front row seats up top on the smooth cruise out to the Outer Reef taking in the glorious sun bathed deep blue sea, a gentle breeze keeping us cool and engaging in pleasant conversation. It felt as though we were on a balcony of a ritzy hotel room! Just as we were totally settled we were needed downstairs for the mandatory snorkel briefing before we arrived at site 1. My friend is unlike me and hasn't snorkeled many times over (like the majority of people on this boat) so this snorkel briefing (more like tuition) is perfect if you need a little extra help and advice about snorkeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We arrived to a beautiful Reef site!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZQnqmgD1aJqItg_oTfkQsNAImeuoqdFwtwr0NLhM-muhvwS3pJi5tYeCgMF0pjpWQjeyolKzet2JY6fMfomVYd95LMRwseXHLadEMyELdYJ3BzpKjueI0-It6Vg156j9Sj2vHQ65e88/s1600/IMG_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZQnqmgD1aJqItg_oTfkQsNAImeuoqdFwtwr0NLhM-muhvwS3pJi5tYeCgMF0pjpWQjeyolKzet2JY6fMfomVYd95LMRwseXHLadEMyELdYJ3BzpKjueI0-It6Vg156j9Sj2vHQ65e88/s640/IMG_7215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Amazing day! Photo from my iphone.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was very hectic on the dive deck when everyone was trying to get in the water, both snorkelers and divers. My advise is to hang back a little, take some photo's, chillax and take it all in. You then have an easier more comfortable entry into the water. Some passengers also don't stay out too long so my friend and I had the majority of the time on our own to explore the site. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqpeLRTTqt7BbgIcWnJR-44kAIlPDE8hMuM5IdsINCHY_3sQ_0tkWIOe00skSoWwBHrzDn_D-SYO8t4WAwSe66Gyb_a3Z_rktsbVjtH2W6bWRCpaNA1tFjIHJO49NxEz3gpkqGUDQXHg/s1600/First+site+evolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqpeLRTTqt7BbgIcWnJR-44kAIlPDE8hMuM5IdsINCHY_3sQ_0tkWIOe00skSoWwBHrzDn_D-SYO8t4WAwSe66Gyb_a3Z_rktsbVjtH2W6bWRCpaNA1tFjIHJO49NxEz3gpkqGUDQXHg/s640/First+site+evolution.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoIGwY24xv_IYEpqxshxEFfvfz41jd4ZgQ47-aZLZG56vTeUJrT3S0SFkzpc6TKqTRm5aigiDSKkhY6TvIUn8KJenxpYv3d3n623BO8qJTV1vNPdPu9c4a8tAPEMwL-SRAcI56FTjdXE/s1600/first+site2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoIGwY24xv_IYEpqxshxEFfvfz41jd4ZgQ47-aZLZG56vTeUJrT3S0SFkzpc6TKqTRm5aigiDSKkhY6TvIUn8KJenxpYv3d3n623BO8qJTV1vNPdPu9c4a8tAPEMwL-SRAcI56FTjdXE/s640/first+site2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Finding Nemo's cousins, giant clams, a puffer fish and more. Photo's on a Lumix camera hired from Calypso camera's Cairns.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The stomach growling is a good indication that it's lunch time, one of my favourite times of the day (I do enjoy a good included lunch on the boat trips!!!). Today's menu was an Aussie BBQ with steak, sausages, reef fish & fresh prawns accompanied by an array of salads, bread & condiments. The staff cook all the meats on a huge hotplate on board so it's all hot and fresh. If you are vegetarian they have vege patties cooked separately for you (pre-ordered in the morning).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B6qIkOO1c6jxKlj_DrywcyCK__9xIxGTuibAYj3Z4ONjvaAMekmS-ruiSw2FEQ0sI6TWy3DB10W6kzA6KcVbSI_x2jKKRUOJvIFbnHwIaYXeWOX3PBp2mqjU-PKg-cAZ__1uhriCmVk/s1600/lunch+evolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B6qIkOO1c6jxKlj_DrywcyCK__9xIxGTuibAYj3Z4ONjvaAMekmS-ruiSw2FEQ0sI6TWy3DB10W6kzA6KcVbSI_x2jKKRUOJvIFbnHwIaYXeWOX3PBp2mqjU-PKg-cAZ__1uhriCmVk/s640/lunch+evolution.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A lovely BBQ included lunch. Get in!!!!! Photo's on my iphone.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After lunch it's one final view of this site and on to the second site, minutes away. The view that greeted us was stunning on this day, due to a low tide revealing fantastic coral colours and aqua waters. Check out the link to my YouTube channel to see just how amazing the site looked on arrival from the top deck!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpV8PDsd5gY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpV8PDsd5gY</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Time for another snorkel, a dive or semi-sub ride! Photo's on the Lumix.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This was a wide beautiful site. Due to the low tide and being very shallow the introduction divers on their second dive weren't at a very deep level so that situation is perfect for nervous beginners. We also partook in a 20 minute semi-submersible boat cruise, available for an additional $10 on the day. Elvis provided the commentary for the tour. He was very informative and funny (as he had been all day. What a machine!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This site is where they also offer 10 minute scenic flights from a small pontoon. Check out the link for a short video I took of the helicopter from the water!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Aro9clkwXM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Aro9clkwXM</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I see you watching me watching you! Calypso Camera's taking photo's of each other. You can purchase pics of yourself on the journey back to Cairns.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On this day there is plenty of time in the water across the 2 sites and also enough time to get some sun and relax on the boat before heading back to Cairns.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the return journey my man Elvis morphs into the entertainer and jams some reggae tunes in the main saloon. Passengers are also treated to a glass of red or white goon (wine in a box for all you non-Aussies) and cheese & Jatz. Who doesn't like a good glass of goon and cheese cruising on a million dollar boat?!?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Evolution is fast, we fly pass many other boats heading back to Marlin Marina and park up by 4.30pm, back before the majority of the reef boats come in. If your travelling on by car it get's you out of the Cairns CBD before peak hour starts, which is nice! (Yes! Cairns has traffic at peak hour!) It also give you time before your holiday dinner reservations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A lovely day out! If you don't like long boat rides and love a little comfort, Down Under Cruise & Dive's Evolution is the boat for you! Many thanks to the staff... you made my day and I am sure you will make many more people's day out on the reef.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Calypso Camera's hire out camera's for your day from their shop at the Reef Fleet Terminal (where you check in for Evolution). They also have professional photographers on board taking photo's of your day for sale.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/">http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">LOVE the sound of this day trip? Contact me or the friendly staff at REEF INFORMATION CENTRE, located around the corner from the terminal. We can help book this amazing day for you!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://active.reefinfo.com.au/tibs/listing.547.html">http://active.reefinfo.com.au/tibs/listing.547.html</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;">HARD FACTS…</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Full day trip </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">08:15am - 4.30pm (Check in Reef Fleet Terminal)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Budget travelers (very good intro dive price)</span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Nervous first time divers </span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Those wanting a little luxury</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Time of year:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">$169.00 AUD Adult (including $20 reef levy)</span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">$80.00 AUD Child (including $20 levy)</span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">$438.00 AUD Family (including levys)</span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">$209.00 AUD Intro or Cert dive (including $20 Levy)</span></span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-31039419065593950992016-10-14T22:38:00.001+10:002016-10-14T22:59:00.874+10:00A DIVERSE DAY AT RAINFORESTATION & A DIAMOND SKYRAIL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP46rNyS0dKUuJZADhwgRpHPUzCKmcGSKAEHfRLVW_KGbFhcipIfCfoeqjE0mhAP3teLh0w5xQS6SbZ9Hh83YfmGFCXAqGvMeopGL0EK-6wvZhHoI68Bb5nQPD0is2fDmnBkIrEgrqI5c/s1600/12304307_10153204618894109_3748960465029197982_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP46rNyS0dKUuJZADhwgRpHPUzCKmcGSKAEHfRLVW_KGbFhcipIfCfoeqjE0mhAP3teLh0w5xQS6SbZ9Hh83YfmGFCXAqGvMeopGL0EK-6wvZhHoI68Bb5nQPD0is2fDmnBkIrEgrqI5c/s640/12304307_10153204618894109_3748960465029197982_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>RAINFORESTATION, KURANDA & SKYRAIL WITH TROPIC WINGS</u></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Want a different way to see the rainforest that surrounds the beautiful city of Cairns, Tropical North Queensland? Perhaps you only have 1 day to spare in the region and would like to get up close and personal with a kangaroo! Oh... AND you wouldn't mind learning about Indigenous culture and see a show as well. How on earth can you do this in such limited time?!?!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Never fear, it is all possible in a day with the reputable family owned and run, Tropic Wings experience to Rainforestation and Kuranda Rainforest Village returning by Skyrail.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>How does it work?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>On this particular day trip we started our journey meeting at the Skyrail Station at Smithfield. Usually you would get collected from your hotel (transfers included). The comfortable coach transported us up the windy Great Dividing Range through lush rainforest to our first stop of the day, Rainforestation. On the way we were given information about the day and general information on the region by our driver.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-small;">The comfortable coach to Rainforestation. Photo by Tara Reynolds.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Rainforestation is a Cultural & Nature park located in tropical rainforest around 1/2 an hour from Cairns just outside the village of Kuranda. You can visit the park on your own or in a tour with Tropic Wings. You can just visit and pay for one experience in the park or see it in it's entirety. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>This day we were to see all sections of the park. First up, a walk through the Koala & Wildlife Park. We met with famous baby Koala Bon Bon (a social media star!) and were able to hand feed the Wallabies and Kangaroos.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Afterwards we moved to the Rainforest Amphitheater to begin the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. The Pamagirri People are custodians of this land and have lived in this region for thousands of years. This experience is to show us about themselves and share their story. Their dance, their music, their food and their culture.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>This kicked off with a fun 20 minute dance by several dancers depicting animals, food gathering and other cultural stories. Of course it was also crowd interactive as they encouraged some audience members to participate in a dance on stage, which is always a lot of fun! It isn't pretty trying to be an Emu... it turns out looking like you're in the 80's Bangles video for Walk Like an Egyptian!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-style: italic;">T</b><i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he Pamagirri Dance show. Photo from Rainforestations website. </span></b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>If you pay an additional cost you can join the dancers on Rainforestation's new Bush Tucker Walk. On this day I did the walk in it's final developmental stages and it wasn't open to the public. Over time, the plants they planted for the walk will be lush and fruiting making for an excellent experience if you are interested in Indigenous foods/uses and medicines and how they once lived off the land. This also includes how they create paints from different clays and rocks.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Following this it was time to watch them use a Woomera (spear throwing hand carved device). Let's just say if they allowed them to enter the Olympics they would win gold hands down... they get some wicked air!!! We also tried our hand at Boomerang throwing and had 3 chances to prove ourselves in front of the group. Was I worthy? NOPE! It turns out I am crap at throwing Boomerangs (no surprise there, I was crap at Javellen, discus and shot put back in high school)but I did get a little curve and return on my 3rd throw which wasn't too shameful. Following this we were treated to the amazing skills and circular breathing from our guide with his Didgeridoo. All of this was fun and very interesting, even for an Aussie like me. Even better if you are from overseas!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>If your program allows, make sure you include the sumptuous BBQ buffet lunch served in the Treehouse Restaurant. There was a bounty to choose from, hot BBQ items of meats, chicken and fish, plenty of fresh salads, desserts and cheeses. On this day for entrée we could try the Crocodile & Corn Soup... just like chicken & corn in flavour and mouthfeel and very delicious! This could be your one and only chance to try crocodile!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Next on the agenda was a 45 minute army duk ride through rainforest and the man made water way (it doesn't look man made!). The park has a collection of around 12 Amphibious Vehicles used by the USA in WW2 with 6 gears, propeller and rudder. This is a wildlife cruise with an informative driver/guide who points out all the fascinating plants and animals. Look carefully at the logs and branches sticking up out of the water as this is a popular resting spot for small fresh water turtles.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Army Duk. Photo from Rainforestation's website.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>We departed Rainforestation shortly after to make the 10 minute drive into the heart of the rainforest village, Kuranda. We were here to check out the Butterfly Sanctuary for half an hour before a stroll through Kuranda for our Skyrail experience back down the Range. The Butterfly Sanctuary can be pre-booked or you can pay on arrival anytime for a small fee.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Today's Skyrail journey (I've been on Skyrail before) was to be a little more "thrilling" as we had been upgraded to "Diamond View". </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>So... what's that?</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Amazing Canopy view with the Diamond View. Photo on my iphone.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>It's a see through floor so not only do you have amazing 360 degree views out the gondola windows you can see directly on top of the rainforest canopy. Yes, there was moments when vertigo washed over me in the beginning (if only brief) which didn't tarnish the experience at all. I feel this view only enhanced the Skyrail experience for a small cost per person. You have your own VIP line at the stations and the Diamond View gondola's are every few carriages so you're not waiting for long. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Beautiful views from your gondola. Photo from Skyrail's website.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>At 2 stations there are short rainforest walks and spectacular views. The journey took no more than 1 1/2 hours back to Smithfield. Your transfer will take you back to your hotel.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Overall, a relaxing day with plenty of variety. You can pretty much switch off and just enjoy it. A great taste of our beautiful Cairns.</b></span></div>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-80883866212549630072016-09-23T16:58:00.003+10:002016-09-26T20:29:18.953+10:00FEELING FREE ON FREEDOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">So I am out on the Great Barrier Reef once more. (I know, I know it isn’t fair! Sorry, NOT sorry!) This time with the fabulous Ocean Freedom. Right away after check in when I board the vessel I could see this wasn’t your average run of the mill reef boat. Over 3 decks there are spacious, luxury leather seating, booths, an indoor air-conditioned saloon, scenic roof top flight deck and loads of space. We are instructed to place our shoes and bags in little cubby boxes allowing for even more room without the usual clutter. As I took my seat in a comfy booth I almost expected P Diddy or Leonardo DiCaprio to come through the saloon door, all dressed in cruising white with a Stoli Vodka on the rocks in their hands! This was a real “cruise” boat out to the reef and that “cruise” out to Freedom’s first site would only take just over an hour. Bonus!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><b>The many facets of Freedom. Photo's from my iphone.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">A cup of coffee, pastry & piece of fruit later we were underway. The usual briefings take place delivered confidently by (you could tell) experienced staff. We were in good hands, you could feel the Freedom VIBE. Just over an hour we find ourselves already amongst aqua waters at our first site at Upolu Cay (you don't usually visit here first, my day was in reverse due to tides & weather conditions). This tiny little sandy Cay had only 45 minutes left to be walked upon so everyone was encouraged to get themselves sorted, grab their snorkel, mask & fins (and pop an optional wet suit on, included free of charge) for the shuttle in the glass bottom boat over to the cay. From there they could snorkel easily from the sand or partake in an included guided snorkel tour, suitable if you are a little nervous. I stood by and watched them go, shortly after to see a tiny little sandy cay covered in little people. On this day, a lot of people in the safety briefing raised their hands to say they have never snorkelled before. I forget this is pretty much the majority of people coming to the Great Barrier Reef. I have to slap myself sometimes to remind myself how fortunate I am living in this corner of the world! I also need to remind myself that I am a very strong swimmer & snorkeler and much at home in the deep blue. Most International visitors are not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 18px;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Just look at that colour! Photo's on my iPhone of the arrival.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Next, the Introduction diving got underway. This site/operation is perfect if you are a scaredy-cat first time diver and want to give it a go. They only take you down 3-4 meters (at the Cay site) making this the perfect first time experience. If you have intro dived before and don’t have your license yet, you may want to try it again at another boat & site to get some depth (or if the boat goes to the deeper site first). The dive length is 20-25 minutes long so if your uncomfortable in any way it isn’t for long. You also have to be patient, a lot of people on this day trip usually take an intro dive and you are given a number and must wait your turn. For those who want to go further & longer, $50 extra will allow you to have a second dive at the 2nd site. If your dive master is happy with you on that second dive and confident in your skills, you get a lot more freedom to move about on your own and not be joined at the hip to your dive master, like in the first dive.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span>Introduction Diving at the Cay. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">This vessel is the only one that has a "2 people only rule" for the intro dive. Most boats have a group size of 4 or even 6 intro divers to one master and you must remain together, holding on as a group. If one person in that group has trouble equalising or is a little afraid it can effect the whole group. With Ocean Freedom, that ratio is very small as there is only the 2 of you to effect each other. There is a lot of time spent at this site! On this day they only finished with the last divers at the end of our time there. That was a lot of divers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I enjoyed my snorkel. I have been to similar sites which are prefect for turtle and ray spotting and I wasn’t disappointed… I saw 4 Blue Spotted Rays. No turtles today, but I was pretty chuffed at finding Nemo once again and got some cute photos. Visibility was epic, exploring the little bommies was fun and relaxing. Once</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I had exhausted them all I got out with time left to grab some sun.</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span>Images from the Sandy Cay. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Since it was such good weather the staff decided to transfer a load of people to the 2nd site in the glass bottom boat, so I jumped at the chance. This was a strategical move on the staffs part as we headed out on our tour they started serving lunch to the group remaining on the boat so there were no long lunch lines. Oblivious to this at the time, our Marine Biologist was telling us all about the reef on route to site number 2. Very pretty corals & giant clams and it was becoming clear this was a Blue Starfish territory as I counted 4 on the glass bottom boat tour alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> </span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Images on my iPhone of the Glass Bottom Boat.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">The main vessel made it’s way to the 2nd site and we made our way to join it. We were greeted by Barry, the Barracuda… a massive friendly fish who now relies on Ocean freedom to feed him every day and has permission to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Now, it was my turn for lunch (such a highlight in my day…lol!)</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Fabulous Food on Freedom. You never go hungry! Photo's from my iPhone.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">The food was great! I know, I know… you didn’t come out all this way for the food, I get it! HOWEVER…. there IS a difference and I notice it as I get to head out to the reef often. Smoked Salmon leapt up off the buffet at me. YES!!!! I LOVE SMOKED SALMON! The usual potato salad wasn’t potato, it was Kumera (sweet potato) and sooooooo delicious! The prawns, salads, chicken, cold meats platter were also delicious. I was ravenous and consumed all my Salmon in seconds and wanted more, thankfully you get to have seconds!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">The staff announced it was Adventure Drift Snorkel time. Stuff it, my food hadn’t settled but this was what I had been waiting for. I suited up (I am a soft local and felt cold. The clouds were closing in and it started to sprinkle with rain) boarded the tender with a small group of passengers and headed away to a site north of the boat.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span>In the water ready for the adventure. Photo by Tara Reynolds</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">This second site is the Wonder Wall. and I am told the starting point of our tour was called Jaws. Good! I wanted to see a shark. Alas, it wasn’t to be that day and it started raining heavily *sigh*. That didn’t matter, as soon as we were in the water the visibility was amaze-balls and this site was proving to be something special. The fish don't care if it rains! I actually wasn’t prepared for this site to be so good! As we swam slowly on our tour towards the main vessel with our guide, rain drops patting our backs, I hung to the back of the group and got snap happy… my trigger finger working over time!!! The coral was in very good nick here with minimal bleaching and so diverse in colour range and coral types. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Images of coral diversity & colour taken on a G16 Camera, hired from Calypso Cameras Cairns. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I found Nemo. Yes, his anemone had been effected by coral bleaching but it was already on the mend and having some Anemone fish living there is proof it was still alive and well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Nemo happy in his house. Photo by Tara Reynolds.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">There were loads of Giant clams at this site and many giant Bat Fish.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span>Photo's on the G16 Canon from Calypso.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I also came across a large Map Pufferfish just chilling out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>Mr Pufferfish Chillaxing. Photo by Tara Reynolds.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">The Coral colours were amazing! After the Adventure drift finished back at the boat I spent another further hour enjoying the site. I was loving it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I came across a large group of Trumpet Fish. If I didn’t move much they drifted right long side me. I was part of their school!</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Barry even came up to me to say hello.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span>The Barracuda. Photo by Tara Reynolds.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I exited the water after a couple of hours (which I couldn't believe). I was cold and my fingers were all prunes! I felt I achieved everything I wanted out of the day and didn’t leave empty handed. Most people were back on the boat, already changed and ready to go home. There is a HUGE amount of water time on this day trip. If you don’t snorkel a lot the day may drag on for you but if you partake in everything possible, as I did and maximise your day you will get the most out of it. Get out there and get involved!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Another great thing about this day trip is the lack of travel time. It was only 1 hour back to Cairns, I was panicking a little I wouldn’t get enough time to enjoy my wine! The service continued on the journey home with staff handing out fresh fruit platters, an indulgent cheese platter (with blue cheese and brie!!!) and colourful cake platter.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Cheese! Afternoon tea was awesome. Photo on my iPhone.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Phew! It was a big day and my little snorkelling legs were knackered! If you dislike long travel times to the Outer Reef and can get a little sea sick, on a good glassy day this boat trip may be the best option for you. If you are a water baby like me, again, get out on Ocean Freedom! If you like to be “FREE” with your snorkelling space (as in don’t like roped off restricted areas in front of a pontoon) with a massive area to explore with the option to explore further away with the Adventure Drift Snorkel… again, think about getting on board with these guys! If you want to try a shallow easy Introduction Dive for the very first time… yup…you guessed it......this is the boat for you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I want to give a MASSIVE shout out to Ocean Freedom’s staff. All friendly, all professional, all knowledgable… all conducted their duties with a smile on their face. Follow their Instagram & FB page. #oceanfreedom <a href="http://www.oceanfreedom.com.au/">http://www.oceanfreedom.com.au</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Remember, visit our website for more information on this tour or to make a booking. I can also be contacted through my FB or Instagram. </span><a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.reefinfo.com.au</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Another MASSIVE thanks goes to Calyposo camera hire. I can’t go out to the reef without one of their cameras (I just feel naked!) especially the Canon G16 which I have come to love. See the friendly staff located conveniently at the Reef Fleet Terminal where you check in for your day trips. </span><a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/" style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">http://calypsoproductions.com.au</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;">HARD FACTS…</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Tour:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Full day trip (6 hours on the reef!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Times:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">08:00am - 4.30pm (Check in Reef Fleet Terminal)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Suitable for: </span></div>
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<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Families </span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Adventure snorkeler</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Nervous first time diver (shallow dive)</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Those scared of deep open water (one site is very shallow)</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> 💪 💪</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Time of year:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">All year round</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Stinger suits worn October to May</span></span></li>
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<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">$195.00 AUD Adult (including $10 reef levy)</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">$110.00 AUD Child (including levy)</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">$553.00 AUD Family (including levy)</span></span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-31315416637947697872016-09-18T15:38:00.000+10:002016-09-18T21:20:56.784+10:00DANCING IN THE WATER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Photo of me dancing. Taken by Jacqui Prendergast, Castle Rock.</strong></span></em></div>
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<u>SILVERSONIC - PORT DOUGLAS</u></h2>
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<strong><em><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo of Turtle Bay on my iphone, Tara Reynolds</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's the month of September and another beautiful day in the Tropical North of Australia... time to get out on the reef! On todays adventure I was heading out to Agincourt & Ribbon Reefs, from Port Douglas on board Silversonic (part of the Quicksilver Group).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The fast cat departs from Port Douglas Marina at 8.30am every day. Check in is prior to that at the Quicksilver Shop in the Marina to collect your boarding pass. The journey takes only 90 minutes allowing for loads of water time out on the reef. The vessel is modern and well kept, spacious interior with upper deck outdoor area. The boat can take up to 90 passengers (however it's licensed to take more. They don't fill it so there is plenty of room as it's a premium product).</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Michael Evans Photography 2013</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sonic is very similar to the vessel Poseidon. They both have many different reef sites they can visit and the skipper chooses the best 3 sites for the conditions on the day. No other Outer Reef day trips visit 3 sites in one day aside from Poseidon and Sonic's sister vessel in Cairns, Silverswift! This is a boat for lovers of water, swimming, snorkelling and diving (Introduction and Certified). There is no point going on this boat if you want a short visit to the reef, swim very little or don't swim at all. There are no other options on this day trip to see the reef (like a glass bottom boat tour or semi-submersible boat tour) without getting wet. This is a "get amongst it or go home" kind of option. For me, this is my favourite option for the reef! I love to swim and frolic to my hearts content and can happily snorkel all day long!</span></div>
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<strong style="color: red; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The multiple Reef sites available on Sonic.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">A quirky photo of mine. Tara Reynolds.</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On this day we visited Castle Rock, Kindergarten & Nursery Bommie and Turtle Bay. There was almost 1 hour spent at each site. We were well briefed at each site (with an in-depth snorkel tutorial at the first site) and there was also a Marine Biologist talk on the upper deck held at the second site. You'll be well informed and leave an ambassador for our Great Barrier Reef!</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Snaps from the day. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</em></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Above are some snap shots from the day. The dive deck is the only "wet" area on the boat so all your gear remains here in racks. Snorkelling equipment is included for everyone, even divers (along with a Lycra suit. This is important in jellyfish season from October through to April). During the first snorkel briefing on arrival the divers are already in groups with their dive master (blink and you will miss the certified divers getting in the water!). The Introduction divers are in groups of 4 and enter the water tentatively near the mooring rope so they have something to hang on to while adjusting to the new experience. Some entered the water better than others, some took longer to descend than others however it didn't matter as each dive master was full of encouragement and praise for their pupils. Hat's off to the staff, patient and professional!</span></div>
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<em><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Snorkelling at Castle Rock, photo's by Tara Reynolds.</b></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2xFZvmNyg1O8O4YAxduGRXTOdnTYcaTOSboMQwwfMQfjHjzr-W9zgdOSxeI-yDhc_yEJWvKrFEWP7Qq17cH9MBXegRGzfxA9E1LEgBjnjW1jsh0QQCFoKI_RJFLR619AFq7fHDDOi14/s1600/SonicFood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2xFZvmNyg1O8O4YAxduGRXTOdnTYcaTOSboMQwwfMQfjHjzr-W9zgdOSxeI-yDhc_yEJWvKrFEWP7Qq17cH9MBXegRGzfxA9E1LEgBjnjW1jsh0QQCFoKI_RJFLR619AFq7fHDDOi14/s640/SonicFood.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Lunch time! The Quicksilver food is always high quality. Photo's by Tara Reynolds on iphone.</em></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We unfortunately had a little current at most of our sites but visibility remained very good. Agincourt & Ribbon Reefs are beautiful and the perfect place to dive if you have your certification. When I sell these tours and a "Cert" diver is looking for the best day trip to get on I always offer Poseidon or Silversonic. The sites are diverse in coral and fish species and all the sites are unique. On this day the Cert Divers partook in a drift dive, I hadn't seen this on any trip to the reef before! During our relocation from our second site (Kindergarten & Nursery Bommie) to Turtle Bay the boat slowed down and a hand full of divers with a tender craft were safely deposited into the blue and left behind. They dived from that location around the reef wall towards us at Turtle Bay. They got some snaps on the hired Lumix Camera I had... they were fantastic and they had a ball! I am not sure if a drift dive is always on the cards but this is a major win for professional divers! What a great option!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7MmvAMGzAjI-ZcIZYh9hSeqjy3fdpHVfl5iuvSAJJm9P3COO8ZSOe4iemAfJvwY8IQ74hAq69fRQZfMPZjysT4nHAhI1itUrbSweWP-64hFaeblRRYCwp2Xga0zNTxyXUyjM7-OkXJw/s1600/dive+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7MmvAMGzAjI-ZcIZYh9hSeqjy3fdpHVfl5iuvSAJJm9P3COO8ZSOe4iemAfJvwY8IQ74hAq69fRQZfMPZjysT4nHAhI1itUrbSweWP-64hFaeblRRYCwp2Xga0zNTxyXUyjM7-OkXJw/s640/dive+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Amazing photo's by Emma & the photographer on the Lumix.</em></span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pretty much... most boats to the Great Barrier Reef are amazing and you have an amazing day. You can pay your hard earned holiday money in faith it will be a great experience. Some boats shine more over others and not everyone will know the difference from site to site. I am lucky I do as I get to visit the beautiful Great Barrier Reef often. In writing this blog I state the facts and give a little on my opinion and thoughts on the product so you can make your mind up if it is the right day trip for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In saying that I always love to highlight the good points of the trip. On this day with Silversonic my traveling companions and myself were really impressed by the the staff. Their professionalism, their expertise and the fact they all just oozed with passion for this part of the world does make a difference to your day and experience. The Quicksilver Group maintain a high standard across all of their products and you can rest assured you get what you pay for!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're out here in Australia and have one shot to see the Great Barrier Reef in your life and love to snorkel and dive... then this is the boat for you! Thank you Silverseries, Silversonic!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To book this fantabulous day trip contact me or visit...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/">http://www.reefinfo.com.au</a></span></div>
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Much thanks to the Photography company on board Silversonic! You can hire camera's on board. I hired a Lumix on this day.</i></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">08:30am - 4:30pm (From Port Douglas Marina)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Time of year:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All year round (Stinger season is from October through to April)</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Lycra suits included for everyone, Wet suits for hire (included with diving)</span></li>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$232.00 + $6.50/Adult levy SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$164.00 + $6.50/Child SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$48.00 additional for your first Certified Dive</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$65.00 additional for your first Introductory Dive</span></li>
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<br />TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-60105681619148583402016-09-10T23:32:00.003+10:002016-09-26T20:35:57.980+10:00FREE THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE!</span></h2>
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<b style="font-family: 'marker felt';"><span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">LAGOON & BBQ AREA</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Fun fact:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> The Lagoon is the shape of our state, Queensland!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Without spending a cent you can swim and relax for free as long as you want in the Cairns CBD. Close to most Cairns Hostels, this is a perfect way to spend the day as a backpacker who needs to save some dosh! Stop by the large Woolworths supermarket only 2 blocks away to shop for a picnic or BBQ items as there are many free BBQ’s with prep areas around the Lagoon. Take part in a "True Blue" Australian past time! The only other thing you will need to pay for is sunscreen (and food)!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/taz_reinholtz/">https://www.instagram.com/taz_reinholtz/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Check out my Lagoon shots on my Instagram.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKBRl3La18VzoPcTRldLFbvyM_6ngbUM7-Z-8ctldM5prHha4Eow1duq3gUil-Oy1al3T6OvFT4fB8Xnl9-8zMoTfvEBFOanPs3zUTHPd3Z26rOatajLsCsfLzVAFgpcJV6y5FpZApjs/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKBRl3La18VzoPcTRldLFbvyM_6ngbUM7-Z-8ctldM5prHha4Eow1duq3gUil-Oy1al3T6OvFT4fB8Xnl9-8zMoTfvEBFOanPs3zUTHPd3Z26rOatajLsCsfLzVAFgpcJV6y5FpZApjs/s640/1.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ART & EXHIBITIONS</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Fun fact:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> The Centre of Contemporary Art (COCA) has cool Jelly Babies sculptures out the front that make for some wicked selfies!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0px;">COCA Cairns is located on Abbot Street. It’s a small gallery with free entry (coin donations can be made) showcasing mainly local and Indigenous art. Sometimes one of the exhibits cost to get in. They have a cool little gift shop where you can buy many unique Cairns made souvenirs or gifts. There’s also a quirky al fresco cafe Paradisio <a href="http://paradisocairns.com.au/">http://paradisocairns.com.au</a> for some refuelling before heading to the next gallery.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0px;">The Regional Art Gallery (again) is a small gallery located in a statuesque building on the corner of Shields and Abbott street. Free entry once more with a possibility of an exhibition you may need to pay for. They also have a quaint little gift shop with unique purchases plus a cafe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Known as simply “The Tanks” these converted x5 WW2 oil storage tankers have been converted into concert, event and exhibition spaces. It is located in Edge Hill next to the Botanical Gardens and they regularly have free exhibitions from local artists (if no big events are on). Gold coin donation would be nice :) Travel here by car (10 minutes from Cairns CBD) Bus (small ticket price) or bike (cheap bike hire). Walking takes 45 minutes to an hour for FREE!!!!! <a href="http://www.tanksartscentre.com/">http://www.tanksartscentre.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>FUN FOR THE FAMILY</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Muddy’s playground (named after our famous Cairns mud flats) is free family fun right on the Esplanade. It’s themed on “Life in Trinity Bay” and includes water play (get your children into their swimmers!) flying fox, rope bridge, slides, close toilets, BBQ’s and more. Many Cairns locals hold children’s birthday parties here so get in early if you need a BBQ or table and chairs. Oh… if you do have a few dollars the parents can relax with some caffeine and regain sanity while the children play at the cafe.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Fig Tree Playground (next to the Cruise Liner Terminal) is also free with slides and… well… it’s pretty much like a fort. What child doesn’t LOVE a fort?!?!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>BROWSING THE MARKETS</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Top Tip</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">: Cheap Massage in the Night markets to ease your weary snorkelling bones!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Rusty’s Fresh produce market (under the Gilligans Backpackers building on Grafton street) is on Fridays, Saturdays and most of Sunday. Yes… predominately fresh local produce and local food stalls (I really love the coffee stall and Hari Krishna stall) where you need to spend some money however most of the stalls have little tasting plates out so you can taste their produce, on the sly! Strolling through here you will pass many locals, this is a real “Cairns” place. Many of us locals get our fresh produce here (we always seek out the local stalls and shop with them, some are importers so be careful!) and our fresh produce comes from the rich volcanic soils of the Atherton Tablelands. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Night Market are located on the Esplanade (entry also via Abbott Street) and are a touristy place to shop but free to cruise through and thankfully for the tropics, you can visit these markets in the cool of the night after your visit to the reef in air conditioning! It starts around 5pm until 11pm. Open every night.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>THE ESPLANADE & FOGARTY PARK</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You can always take a walk on the Esplanade for free, and if you’re in the Cairns CBD, the Esplanade is the place! You can power walk the path along the waters edge or use the free exercise equipment (the council calls this their “green gym” along the Esplanade, waters edge) if you feel energetic or join in a game of beach volleyball or take a skate board to the skate complex. OR, if you like a slower pace of life just take a seat and people watch.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">There are free fitness sessions in Cairns (yup… FREE!) and it’s under the Cairns Council “Active Living” free fitness classes and are held in awesome locations, like at the Lagoon and Fogarty Park. There is Aqua Zumba at the Lagoon and Zumba fitness at Fogarty Park (for example). Pretty awesome if you want to curb that holiday cheese and wine! <a href="http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/whats-on/active-living">http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/esplanade/whats-on/active-living</a></span></div>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-74576395558711043602016-09-09T23:52:00.001+10:002017-05-04T12:55:52.113+10:00QUICKSILVER'S PONTOON FROM PORT DOUGLAS<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Another beautiful day to spend out on the Great Barrier Reef. If it's right on your doorstep... how can you resist?!</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Experiences out on the reef can vary with many different day trip options to choose from. This time I was embarking on a different adventure to the usual reef boat. I was to visit an activity platform out at Agincourt Reef (off the coast of Port Douglas) that is stable and doesn't move... like a little island. On the platform you have a variety of activities that involve getting wet and believe it or not, even staying dry! This is a wicked option for people who are in a group or family that have different wants and needs out of their reef trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I drove up to Port Douglas in my little 'ole car from Cairns (a 1 hour beautiful coastal drive). This pontoon is right out on the Continental shelf (at the "drop off" if you are a Finding Nemo fan). The awesome thing with this day trip is it leaves Port Douglas Marina at 10am... woo hoo! Sleep in! This totally suits those staying in Port Douglas, on holiday and not in a rush to get anywhere. Those coming from Cairns can get Quicksilver's shuttle service (for an additional c</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">ost) departing Cairns CBD around 8am, which isn't so bad. You can drive yourself as I was as well and enjoy one of the top 10 coastal drives in Australia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Image of the platform from above, taken from Quicksilver's website.</b></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Not just a great place for photo's! The platform has semi-sub boats, underwater observatory to name a couple of the activities on offer. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>The platform from the water showing the viewing areas. Photo on the G16 hired from Calypso.</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Quicksilver fleet of boats vary in size depending on demand but are very comfortable roomy fast cats with seats indoor or out. After checking in to the Quicksilver shop at Port Douglas Marina to collect your boarding pass you make your way to the boat. There, you meet the staff and fill out the appropriate paperwork for your activities such as snorkelling or scuba diving, guided snorkel tours (advanced or beginners) Ocean Helmet Walk and scenic helicopter flights (snorkelling is included where as the rest are an additional charge). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I was to partake in the advanced snorkel tour so I was to fill out the paperwork for that, met the guides, found out were and when it starts and was ready to rock! I think I got amped too early... hold on Tara, we still have to travel out to Agincourt Reef first! Better find a seat and get settled for the ride. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Ocean Walker... great for non-swimmers. Photo by Tara Reynolds.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1.5 hours later we were at our destination... pretty darn fast! Strait away, I was in my wet suit, hire camera at the ready (thank you Calypso once again!) snorkel mask and fins in hand and rearing to get amongst that blue! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It was a cooler day and slightly choppy, I was feeling the oceans "freshness" as I descended the stairs onto the lower platform to put on my fins. Thankfully with the platform you can take your time to enter and exit the water and the seat makes it easier to put on your gear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The advanced snorkel tour was with a Marine Biologist who is allowed to lead you outside of the pontoons designated swimming zone.....YES! This is a great option for those wanting to be a little more adventurous and explore. We hung with a Green Sea Turtle, saw loads of Nemos in their Anemones, a Giant Buffalo Parrot Fish (one of my faves), regular Parrot Fish and many more. One of my favourite moments was watching the "Farmer Joe Fish" perform his little magic trick. This fish likes to maintain a clean, clear of debris patch of sand. With our guides demonstration, she dropped a little coral on his patch. He wasn't having any of that! Swiftly the fish removed the foreign coral off his patch to the side. Hilarious!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Check out the link here to see a little video of him>>></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Up close, we held a tiny Blue Starfish, Mushroom Corals and colourful Stag Horn Coral. Our guide was informative and friendly and the tour lasted over 1 hour (us poor locals feel the cold at this time of year so that was long enough).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Advanced guided snorkel tour. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The sun was now out in force to thaw me out whilst I ate lunch al fresco on one of the Pontoons many deck areas. There was an abundance of food with many options to choose from... you don't go hungry that's for sure! 2 hot dishes such as a spicy beef and a spicy chick pea & vegetables stir fry served with rice along with fresh prawns, an array of salads (including rice noodle seafood salad suitable for gluten free requirements, garden, potato, coleslaw to name a few) fresh sliced fruit with cold water and cordial to drink. You can buy a beer or wine at an additional cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">While I was snorkeling other activities were also taking place including the semi-submersible tours. After finishing lunch and a quick few photos of the pontoon and the beautiful colours of the reef it was time to board the last tour. I have been on a few semi-sub tours before at various locations and they are very good, this one was no exception. Informative friendly guide who talked on coral species, fish species and turtles. We saw 3 turtles (which never tires... the kid in me is always excited when I see one) visibility was great and the reef was in good condition. The left side of the boat tended to see more reef than my right side.... Tara's top tip is to either get a seat to yourself or sit on the left to see the most! Such a great inclusion to your day and a safe "dry" way to see what's below the surface for those not snorkeling or diving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Once back on the platform the horn eventually sounded meaning it was already time to go, time went so fast! This is a great reef option for those not wanting an extremely long tiring day. In the 3 hours out on the platform you literally "play the day your way". You want to snorkel? Go for it! Don't want to get wet and don't swim? Check out the underwater observatory and take the semi-sub boat tour. Quicksilver's Platform is a great way to see the reef however you like it and how comfortable you feel. There is something for everyone in the family or solo person, like me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Oh.... and one more thing... I always enjoy a little tipple on the return boat journey back to land (who doesn't?!) and as it turns out this was just the ticket for the majority of the upper back outdoor deck on this day! This boat is one of the very few that will serve you actual real wine (not goon, boxed wine) in an actual glass! That image is forever burned into my mind, seeing the people around me, glass in hand, all relaxed with a smile on their face. They were having the perfect end to their perfect day. And that alone put a big grin on my face.</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Thanks to Quicksilver for having me</b>!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>For more information visit Quicksilver's website on>>></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/index.php?gclid=CjwKEAjw85DIBRCy2aT0hPmS1jkSJAC1m9Uv82CNjW5lZGLQFwX3p0fOFbHuA8JxMNBYhb3T8q6AFRoC7grw_wcB" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">https://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/index.php?gclid=CjwKEAjw85DIBRCy2aT0hPmS1jkSJAC1m9Uv82CNjW5lZGLQFwX3p0fOFbHuA8JxMNBYhb3T8q6AFRoC7grw_wcB</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b> Or visit Reef Info in person or online at>>></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.reefinfo.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.reefinfo.com.au/</a></span></div>
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">10:00am - 5:00pm (From Port Douglas Marina)</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">$238 + $6.50/Adult levy SNORKEL</span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-53397597224895788482016-09-05T17:27:00.002+10:002017-04-30T12:33:46.586+10:00DEEP SEA DIVERS DEN'S REEF QUEST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8WlWS0pqe3iNNQvGbTtoTqctMHL3K3XXLitGhDmQqYA_0r-_SwLeTQb33aPPPU4xUgmKTwbNJnYnupDLOJmwRZsVxWvXx61G_bb8EGa1ZUB1UtcQre3TrqsF9YqvEY6OUIQY7A39WAc/s1600/Reef+Quest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8WlWS0pqe3iNNQvGbTtoTqctMHL3K3XXLitGhDmQqYA_0r-_SwLeTQb33aPPPU4xUgmKTwbNJnYnupDLOJmwRZsVxWvXx61G_bb8EGa1ZUB1UtcQre3TrqsF9YqvEY6OUIQY7A39WAc/s640/Reef+Quest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Day Trip to Norman Reef with Reef Quest</span></b></i></h2>
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<i><b>Deep Sea Divers Den</b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">This time of year in Cairns may be our peak season and you would think in the Tropical North of Queensland, Australia we would be blessed with gorgeous warm weather bathed in bright sunlight with perfect beach weather. This is somewhat true, we are definitely warmer than our southern counterparts. We are in our "dry" season where it rains far less than in summer. However, we also have what's called our Tradewinds. Back in the day the sailing transport ships used these winds for faster travel up the East Coast of Australia. It may be a beautiful sunny day in Cairns however out at the reef these winds whip up the ocean. Let's just say staff on the day trips to the reef will be handing out sick bags left right and centre when this occurs!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">So when the winds die down and the sun is out it's time to hit the reef! The forecast for one day of my weekend was predicted to be epic conditions on the Outer Reef so I launched at the chance to get on the vessel REEF QUEST with Deep Sea Divers Den. I must have done something right in my former life because after a very smooth cruise in the 1 year old vessel for 1 hour and 20 minutes we arrived at our first site...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">TO THIS!YEW! </span></b><i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Epic glass conditions out at Norman Reef. Photo by Tara Reynolds.</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">After checking in on the boat, filling out the usual paperwork, waking up with a coffee and cheesy brekkie focaccia I took my spot for the day on the back outside deck. We were summoned inside to go through the safety stuffs and were pleasantly surprised it was a fun safety video! Oh Divers Den! Keeping it fresh and unique, I applaud you!Check out their FB page to see the video.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">Watch my short movie from the day!</span></em></strong></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We were treated to a beaut glassy day. You could see for meters even from a position on the boat to the ocean floor. This trip is for snorkelling off the back of the boat over 2 sites, no glass bottom boat here! So when you arrive, jump in the water and don't come back until you're called in!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">The Introductory divers are organised into groups of 4 with a Dive Master. Gently and slowly they take their time entering the water and gradually descending into the underwater world below. These intro dives are the longest out of any other vessel on the Great barrier Reef.</span></b></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>I then got my gear on and leapt in, literally! </b></span><br />
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<i style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Let's waste no time and get in there!!! Photo taken by staff member Fabio.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Lovely morning tea & light picnic lunch on board Reef Quest</span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">.</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I had an amazing snorkel at both sites at Norman Reef. This was truly an amazing day (thanks to the weather mainly)because NEVER in all my years and time out on the Great Barrier Reef did I see such an array of marine life as I did IN ONE DAY! It wasn't only me catching glimpses of Nemo's, Green Sea Turtles, White Tipped Reef Sharks, Parrot Fish, Rays, Blue Starfish and more.... it was everyone on the boat in the water! No one missed out on seeing something really cool. There was a real "buzz & vibe" on the boat. You could sense that most of the passengers (being from overseas here on vacation)were experiencing an amazing moment in life, creating amazing memories, taking awesome photos and just all round absolutely loving life!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I'll let the photo's do the talking now shall I? Check the link below for a short video I took with my G16 Canon I hired from Calypso Camera Hire, located at the Reef Fleet Terminal.</span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: large;"></span></strong> <a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/</span></strong></a></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">My fave turtle photo from the day. Photo on the G16 Canon hired by Calypso. Tara Reynolds</span></em></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtN4vAGKsp7S4oyn9lmI9HQdN3lqzsNpHy8SmmXjcNPW2t1EYt0DrBH_AcZu9NHwfVVSjg2iMh7Mp90MWk-9O_ZoohMv8_BfXmNGxNliOMosWOG6p_v8kaVvrh9uVc0IvN6dCtEQrY1m0/s1600/DSDD+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtN4vAGKsp7S4oyn9lmI9HQdN3lqzsNpHy8SmmXjcNPW2t1EYt0DrBH_AcZu9NHwfVVSjg2iMh7Mp90MWk-9O_ZoohMv8_BfXmNGxNliOMosWOG6p_v8kaVvrh9uVc0IvN6dCtEQrY1m0/s640/DSDD+fish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><em><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">A collection of photos on the G16 camera. Tara Reynolds.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: large;">It was a great day out on the Great Barrier Reef all round! Great weather, Great staff, Great boat... you can feel confident to book with Deep Sea Divers Den!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: large;">DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT MY 5 MINUTE VIDEO OF THIS FAB DAY!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYJlgCSw3gc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYJlgCSw3gc</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: red;">Watch my short movie from the day!</span></em></strong></div>
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">08:00am - 4:30pm (From Marlin Marina, Cairns)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy swimmers & snorkelers</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Introduction divers</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PADI Divers</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 💪 💪 💪 </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Time of year:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All year round (Stinger season is from October through to April)</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: medium;">Lycra suits provided (wet suits also available in winter months)</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Price:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$170 + $20/Adult levy SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$120 + $20/Child SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$240 + $20/Adult INTRO DIVE</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">On occasion there is a special snorkel price available and school holiday family Packages.</span></span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4171722388873613588.post-49642538589902551352016-09-02T11:38:00.000+10:002016-09-09T20:28:35.460+10:00POSEIDON - DIVE & SNORKEL AGINCOURT RIBBON REEFS<div style="font-family: 'Noteworthy Light'; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Definition (Greek Mythology)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">: The God of the sea, water, earthquakes and horses. Son of Cronus & Rhea, brother of Zeus. He is often depicted with a trident in his hand. The Roman equivalent of Neptune.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxvwnCCV95C4wvaygFexQ0KEYlrGJiPGV7gTAZ11QCKx-1i3TIDcjzBXCCwvurmYZRTqFKBUZE2jXlenxR1WWfFl8u9dB0xUbTkyquxA1l5Q5PDNvLWPP7YlM8sH0gZ5GezKsMHjE4Sc/s1600/P1670892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxvwnCCV95C4wvaygFexQ0KEYlrGJiPGV7gTAZ11QCKx-1i3TIDcjzBXCCwvurmYZRTqFKBUZE2jXlenxR1WWfFl8u9dB0xUbTkyquxA1l5Q5PDNvLWPP7YlM8sH0gZ5GezKsMHjE4Sc/s640/P1670892.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Noteworthy Light'; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo of Poseidon from the water by Tara Reynolds.</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I felt like I was about to conquer something, challenge something… maybe win something? I wasn’t sure, but all I knew is I was about to visit a part of the Great Barrier Reef I hadn’t been to before. I was about to embark on another adventure into the unknown, somewhere to a far far far away land ruled by accent water gods, sea serpents and underwater cities of old. This all sounds pretty fanciful but it is actually true to point! I wonder if this is how an overseas visitor feels, heading out to the Great Barrier Reef for the first time, memories about to be written, the bucket list about to be ticked off…. pure adventure! YES! This must be that feeling! Time to visit somewhere new! Time to board POSEIDON and snorkel the ancient cities below and become the adventure hero in my own exploration story.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Departing from Port Douglas (approximately 1 hour north from Cairns at the Port Douglas Marina) Poseidon is a fast cat vessel part of the Quicksilver Group. They market themselves as a trip for “die hard” Snorkelers and Certified Scuba Divers with dedicated staff allocated for both activities. (If you don’t snorkel/swim much or don’t have your certification for Scuba Diving… this is not the boat for you). Cue my happy face!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoc7DYkkDGliuyTEmgJa1ECow8PMTqHGszvZ0tgVHqpNlTCz_Gomzjt8qxjyeV6RmEttCZ8Yhn78FgEORoxdEbLcLCTHA5IzuSVLLN2mFpXJVe-4_5IsnXJP0nszJppDOXsPr2Ux-EsQ/s1600/POSEIDON1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoc7DYkkDGliuyTEmgJa1ECow8PMTqHGszvZ0tgVHqpNlTCz_Gomzjt8qxjyeV6RmEttCZ8Yhn78FgEORoxdEbLcLCTHA5IzuSVLLN2mFpXJVe-4_5IsnXJP0nszJppDOXsPr2Ux-EsQ/s640/POSEIDON1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "noteworthy light"; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Photo's for die hard </b></span><span style="font-family: "noteworthy light";"><b>snorkelers & divers by Tara Reynolds.</b></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "noteworthy light";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I was a snorkeler on this journey. The cool thing was how you have a “snorkeler” area and “diver area” on the vessel which is where we were introduced to our snorkel specialist Lizzy. She ran through all the ins and outs of the snorkelling equipment and how we are going to roll for the day. We had a small </span>intimate<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> group on board, probably the best set up for a day of snorkelling you can imagine, no crowds on this boat! By the end of the brief we already felt like a little snorkel family of like-mined people. That’s what makes heading out with Poseidon so special and unique… it’s a tailor made trip for the die hards!!!</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "noteworthy light";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We were heading out to the drop off (yes… that is not only fiction or in Finding Nemo but for real, the Australian edge of the Continental shelf around 70kms from Port Douglas) which is a major draw card for most. The reef is called Agincourt & Ribbon Reefs where we were going to visit 3 reef sites with a minimum of an hour at each which is an amazing amount of water time! The journey out there only took 90 minutes. PLUS… it was Minke Whale Season and Poseidon have a permit so you can swim with them. Alas… the planets didn't aline this day and by gods will, no Minke's appeared. It wasn't much of a </span>loss<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> as when we moored at our first site we realised how blessed and lucky we were with good stable conditions and fantastic visibility!</span></span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "noteworthy light";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So....much....awesome-ness!</span></span></span></b></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Beauty at the first site. Photo's by Tara Reynolds (on a Lumix).</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have only few words to say… the reef sites we visited on this day blew me away! Talk about underwater cities…. more like underwater WORLDS! </span></b><br />
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is much talk about coral bleaching and I have had many people ask me at my workplace "How bad is it actually?". I am by no means an expert, so I can't comment on the effect bleaching has had on the Great Barrier Reef and can only speak of what I have personally seen. I can see patches of bleaching here and there. I mostly can see staghorn coral bleached and also some soft corals (like anemones) effected. I am to be told a larger portion of reef north of all the Cairns and Port Douglas sites was damaged more so. On this snorkel, the colours and conditions of most of the corals were stunning, healthy and vibrant. You can rest assured that if you head out with Poseidon or another vessel to this region you will share the same amount of awe that I hold for this section of reef. It is, quiet simply.... MAJESTIC! </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3T2ZuLclRnJwQdpvt7yb2xku7nFgH_vX-jeFR3XzvMDMaDkFmOB6XrYLBSW8UVfa9sqEO9WV1Sp8mHLqmdU4kmFZW8dDH9tI94rfYvv2A4tBjvi6mqh21K2NNg0LFdtay0Kssq0aonE/s1600/Posedion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3T2ZuLclRnJwQdpvt7yb2xku7nFgH_vX-jeFR3XzvMDMaDkFmOB6XrYLBSW8UVfa9sqEO9WV1Sp8mHLqmdU4kmFZW8dDH9tI94rfYvv2A4tBjvi6mqh21K2NNg0LFdtay0Kssq0aonE/s640/Posedion3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The variety of colours and shapes. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the highlights of the day was spotting a herd of Buffalo Parrot Fish. They are the size of Maori Wrasse and I hadn’t even heard of them before this day. They have a very distinctive flat nose and big beak (for eating algae off hard corals). They are a dark green colour (hence them being called Green Humphead Parrot Fish) as well. They live in large groups and the older ones protect their young and keep them in the middle of the group. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry1TKlWrNpk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry1TKlWrNpk</a></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The link to check out the Parrot Fish by Tara Reynolds</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the first site we relocated to the second, only a short distance away. After a site briefing, the divers were off before we had time to even think about putting on our gear! We decided to have lunch first, like many vessels lunch is included and it didn't disappoint. On arrival was breakfast focaccia's and muffins, tea and coffee. For lunch was a buffet or cold cut meats, fresh prawns, an array of salads and fresh fruits. </span></b><br />
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">YUMMO!</span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The colours of a good buffet lunch. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</span></i></b></span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The second site was just as mind-blowingly beautiful than the first. Lizzy took us on a free guided snorkel tour. Another great inclusion on this day (most boats will charge extra for a tour).</span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lizzy in the water, free guided snorkel. Photo on my hired Lumix camera by Tara Reynolds.</span></i></b></span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saving the best for last, I enjoyed the third site the most. Since I got in the water for my first snorkel when I was a little girl it's hard to get me out of the water! With good conditions and a sunny warm tropical day I was the last person out of the water, they had to drag me outta there!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzItEncJCeaeGTEugkLS6LDEsDHOP-peYN_qV-aGn5JHfB51l5LzHs3be9lmngBWQDaNVOz-bRLr5vUCD2X_XnMk3rQl7iZOdyuL0JLSPgMrckcdF-yg3955hDHzAjQU0d54EyvP51Y8/s1600/IMG_6035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzItEncJCeaeGTEugkLS6LDEsDHOP-peYN_qV-aGn5JHfB51l5LzHs3be9lmngBWQDaNVOz-bRLr5vUCD2X_XnMk3rQl7iZOdyuL0JLSPgMrckcdF-yg3955hDHzAjQU0d54EyvP51Y8/s640/IMG_6035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amazing reef site, the best for last at low tide. Photo by Tara Reynolds.</span></i></b></span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was a super low tide on this day making for great snorkelling! The colours were off the hook (the photo's do not do it justice!). Bright yellows, hot pinks and purple hues.... just like an oil painting.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHdUX4C8P6GY2c59vvEKa3SGHHXbu5CZ8afwfPeZcEM-dU5FSPDvUVdH6c7xxVXikOOOb7syommW6XnydFzpiXaBCUxYJmiU5q3u3LWRPkXL-whG9RWmKIIZcBK-TTnJYFgFYPv13ry4/s1600/Poseidon+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHdUX4C8P6GY2c59vvEKa3SGHHXbu5CZ8afwfPeZcEM-dU5FSPDvUVdH6c7xxVXikOOOb7syommW6XnydFzpiXaBCUxYJmiU5q3u3LWRPkXL-whG9RWmKIIZcBK-TTnJYFgFYPv13ry4/s640/Poseidon+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unfortunately the Lumix couldn't capture the variety of bright colours in the coral. Photo's by Tara Reynolds.</span></i></b></span></b></span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am going to be honest with you, out of many vessels/products I have been out on for a day trip to the reef, Poseidon was one of my faves! It suits me as I am a very strong swimmer and love to snorkel my little heart out. I don't shy away from exploring and veering away from the group or others and do not fear the depth of the deep blue. This day out may not suit everyone. You really want to swim the entire time and get out amongst it otherwise you are wasting your hard earned cash. If you don't swim you will see absolutely nada! There are plenty of other day trips that will suit non-swimmers or those who want to try to snorkel or try and introduction dive. For families who want to visit this reef site you can by heading out to Quicksilver's pontoon. </span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><i>Poseidon have multiple mooring sites out at Agincourt & Ribbon Reefs departing from Port Douglas Marina. I will definitely be back to explore some more!</i></span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i>MASSIVE THANKS to Calypso Camera's for the use of the Lumix underwater camera. You can hire a camera from Calypso from their shop in Cairns at the Reef Fleet Terminal. A camera from them is cheaper than any of the boats.</i></span></b></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/">http://calypsoproductions.com.au/cairns-underwater-camera-hire/</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #ff40ff; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">HARD FACTS…</span></b></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Visit time:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whole day trip</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Times:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">08:30am - 4:30pm (From Port Douglas Marina)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Suitable for: </span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy strong swimmers</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PADI Divers</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fitness level (out of 5):</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 💪 💪 💪 </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Time of year:</span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All year round (Stinger season is from October through to April)</span></li>
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<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$232 + $6.50/Adult levy SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$164 + $6.50/Child SNORKEL</span></li>
<li style="border: none; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$46 for first PADI dive on top of snorkel price</span></li>
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TAZ REINHOLTZ http://www.blogger.com/profile/01777259827249243744noreply@blogger.com0