Great Barrier Reef Tourism News

Freshest Fish in the Whitsundays

Daydream Island Resort & Spa - Daydream Island Resort News Feed

Daydream Island’s guests will dine on the freshest coral trout, top quality tuna and Spanish mackerel in the Whitsundays after the resort became the first in the region to gain access to a commercial fishing license.

“Instead of waiting a couple of days for our fish to be delivered by suppliers on the mainland, we decided to simply go out and catch our own,” said Daydream’s newly appointed Executive Chef Josh Job.

“Now that we have our own private fish supply, our guests can literally order their own fish and watch our chefs prepare their meal just hours later. Fresh fish really does taste amazing; the flesh is plump to touch and the skin is nice and punchy. It literally falls apart and melts in the mouth.”

One of Mr Job’s personal favourites is coral trout served on a bed of traditional Thai salad with Nam Jim dressing, including a dash of garlic, ginger, chilli, coriander root and lemon juice.

Top 10 Resort for Families

Dunk Island Resort - Dunk Island Resort News Feed

Dunk Island has been listed as one of the Top 10 Resorts and Holiday Parks for Families 2009 by Holidays with Kids. In a survey sent out to over 600,000 of Holidays With Kids readers, Dunk Island appeared in the top 5 most popular resorts (4 stars and over).
 
Dunk Island - the Island of Peace and Plenty, is a beautiful rainforest island. The palm-fringed beaches and lush rainforests of this tropical island are ideal for those who want to get the most out of their holiday or simply relax and rejuvenate. The resort is located in a National Park, and lies midway between Townsville and Cairns, one of a few tropical islands that puts you within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef.

With so many amazing activities to choose from on Dunk, it's hard to decide what to do next. Horse riding along the beach, rainforest walks, catamarans, tandem sky diving, golf, or visiting the island farm.

For a change of pace, get away from it all to a sun-soaked beach with a gourmet picnic hamper, or indulge yourself at the Spa of Peace and Plenty, with treatments designed to invigorate your mind, body and soul.

For a family holiday, there are plenty of things to do together, but when Mum and Dad want some time out, the Kids Club gives 3-12 year olds plenty to do. For couples looking for romance, nothing compares to ending the day with a cocktail in hand, watching the perfect sunset.

All 160 rooms are well-appointed with four grades of accommodation, each with beach or tropical garden views.

For the family, Dunk Island is as good as it gets!
 

Travstar visits Dunk Island

Dunk Island Resort - Dunk Island Resort News Feed

Weekend of 13th - 14th February 2010

The Travstar girls just spent a beautiful weekend at Dunk Island. Here is a run down of our experience...

Excitement began when we arrived at Hinterland Aviation for our scenic flight to Dunk Island. It's not often we get to experience a small flight, so stepping onboard a 12 seater plane was exciting plus nerve wracking at the same time!

Only a 35 minute flight, but it was well worth it. To the right we had the mountain ranges with an amazing sight of all the cloud formations drawn to the land, meanwhile to the left it was clear blue skies, beautiful blue ocean with turquoise reefs scattered throughout. We passed over the Frankland Islands before turning at Mission Beach for our smooth landing onto Dunk Island.

Greeted by a Dunk Island representative we were given a brief tour to get our bearings before heading to our rooms. The standard check in procedure is a welcome tropical cocktail in the Plantation Bar, just to get you relaxed and in the swing of island life.

Our Beachfront Rooms exceeded our expectations, fresh, white and very spacious with gorgeous photography on the walls and a modern bathroom. My room was on the ground level with direct views of the ocean. It really makes a difference to have magnificent views which tops off the experience.

After lunch we had time for a quick swim in the Cascade Pool before our pamper session at the Spa of Peace & Plenty. As soon as you arrive at the day spa a wave of relaxation takes over. Set amongst beautiful gardens and ponds, it offers an incredible escape where there is nothing else to focus on but yourself!

A 60 minute massage and facial is highly recommended and just what we needed. The tranquil surrounds and soft music added to the experience which was topped off with some lychee icecream and a cold towel for refreshment afterwards.

Dinner was a delicious 3 course table d’hôte. Following this we kicked back to some live music in the Plantation Bar.

The following morning we woke to blue skies and sunshine again, so don't believe all the weather reports you see as it had been forecasted for storms and showers all weekend! The island is one of the most beautiful I have ever visited with lush tropical gardens attracting a multitude of birds and butterflies.

We enjoyed a healthy full buffet breakfast, and I couldn't help myself the water was so clear and glassed out that I had to go for a sea kayak. You can grab kayaks or any non-motorised water sports equipment from the beach hire shop. I had a paddle up and down infront of the resort, it was great to get out there and burn off breakfast at the same time!

After another quick dip in the pool it was time for a quick lunch at the Jetty Cafe before our return scenic flight with Hinterland Aviation (this time in an 8 seater!).

Dunk Island offers a marvelous experience of beauty and relaxation, even just for a night away it is well worth the trip and we highly recommend the adventure of flying in!

Brutus meets Poseidon…

Poseidon Dive - Poseidon Cruises News Feed

To welcome her first day back after annual refit. Poseidon was met on arrival at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs by a rare sighting of a whale in February!

Onboard Marine biologist Herald Pinns identified this large whale as a Bryde's Whales, commonly known as Brutus Whale.

The Bryde's Whale prefer tropical and temperate waters over the polar seas that other whales in their family frequent.

They are largely coastal rather than pelagic. Bryde's Whales are very similar in appearance to Sei Whales and almost as large. "Bryde's whale" is sometimes misheard as "brutus whale". They inhabit tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.

Bryde's whales are considered medium-sized for balaenopterids, dark gray in colour with a white underbelly and grows to 11-12 meters in length with its very small dorsal fin far down its back.

All the guests on Poseidon vessel were delighted at the unexpected encounter on a perfect calm sunny day. Photo taken by Trent, a happy guest onboard.

Quick Snippet

Daydream Island Resort & Spa - Daydream Island Resort News Feed

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is celebrating the birth of three shark pups to Bonnie, the largest blacktip reef shark at the resort’s Living Reef lagoon. 

The pups, each measuring approximately 59cm long, have become the first known blacktip reef sharks ever to be seen born in an open air aquarium like Daydream Island’s.

NEWSFLASH! QANTAS SPECIAL

Hamilton Island - Reef View Hotel News Feed

Qantas Special

Hamilton Island to Cairns OR Cairns to Hamilton Island
ONLY $99 one way!

Sale period:  TODAY, 13 Jan to 31 Jan 10
Travel period: 7 Feb to 29 Mar 10

Spend Christmas Day with Reef Magic

Reef Magic - Reef Magic News Feed

Reef Magic Cruises WILL be operating on Christmas Day and will offer a special Christmas Day menu for all passengers onboard.

So, with everything else in Cairns closed on Christmas Day why not spend the day onboard Reef Magic Cruises, not only do you receive one of the best Outer Reef experiences, you will also receive a Full Christmas Luncheon…..all for $175.00 per Adult and remember Kids travel for just $20! (conditions apply, subject to availability)

Bookings are filling up fast so be quick to book in your best Chrsitmas Day ever!

Reef Magic Christmas Day Menu 2009

Morning Tea
Plum Pudding & Fruit Mince Tarts

Lunch Buffet
Roast Turkey with pan gravy
Ofc the bone Honey Glazed Ham
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagne
Medley of Roast Vegetables
Continental Sliced Meat Platter
BBQ Chicken Platter
Nori Rolls w/Soy Sauce & Wasabi
Singapore Noodles

Tossed Garden & Russian Potato Salad
Traditional Coleslaw Salad
Spiced Corn Salad
Beetroot & Pineapple
Summer Fruit Platter
Fresh Bread and Roll Selection

Afternoon Tea
Watermelon and Orange Platters
Rum Balls
Cheese, Kabana and Cracker Platter

Quicksilver's 12 Days of Christmas

Quicksilver - Quicksilver News Feed

The Quicksilver Group’s 12 Days of Christmas…

On the twelfth day of Christmas the Quicksilver Group sent to me:

12 Silver snorkellers
11 Low Isles turtles cruising
10 Great Adventures
9 Pro Divers dancing
8 Marine biologists a singing
7 Glass bottom boats touring
6 Semi-subs a viewing
5 Spinning Dolphins
4 Fish a swimming
3 Green Island Cruises
2 Wavepiercers Dashing
1 Luxury island resort
and all the fun at the Great Barrier Reef!

Season’s Greetings from the Quicksilver Group!

Hamilton Island Yacht Club opens its doors to the public

Hamilton Island - Beach Club News Feed

Hamilton Island Yacht Club has opened its doors to visitors and members. Designed by renowned Australian architect, Walter Barda, alongside famed yachtsman, Iain Murray, it is already being dubbed the ‘Opera House of Queensland’. Its iconic architectural design is a result of Bob Oatley’s vision to create a building of world-class significance on the island that he has owned since 2003. 

Housed under a billowing sail-shaped copper roof, the venue promises to be a centre for lifestyle as well as yachting, with first-class dining and leisure facilities.

Open to the public and with sweeping views of the marina and Dent Passage, this restaurant hosts a menu featuring contemporary Australian cuisine created from fresh local ingredients and serves dinner, lunch and brunch.

The Bommie Bar at the end of the deck is open every day, providing light snacks and drinks and is an especially magical spot from which to view the famous Whitsunday sunsets.

The building also houses extensive conference, function and wedding facilities. 

The Yacht Club was ceremonially opened by Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, during Audi Hamilton Race Week in August. This occasion also marked the opening of the Hamilton Island Golf Club on neighboring Dent Island. This 18-hole championship course is the only course on its own island in Australia and is already proving popular with guests.

A Tropical Christmas Feast on the Reef

Green Island Resort - Green Island Resort News Feed

Forget the White Christmas and spoil yourself with a Green one!

For a Christmas Day with a difference, you can enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch feast on the Great Barrier Reef at beautiful Green Island.

The chefs at Green Island Resort’s Emeralds Restaurant have designed a wonderful buffet lunch menu featuring some traditional delights as well as the freshest seafood, a delicious cold selection, sensational salads and decadent desserts.

A two hour beverage package of an assortment of wines, beers, juices and soft drinks will quench the tropical thirst while celebrating Christmas Day.

After feasting to your content, the island’s playground awaits. Walk off lunch with a leisurely stroll through the rainforest or choose to snorkel or view the reef from a glass bottom boat.

For just $168 per adult and $70 per child, your day also includes return fast catamaran transfers from Cairns with Great Adventures.

Emeralds Restaurant, Green Island Resort

Christmas Day Buffet Lunch 2009
Cost: $168 Adult, $70 Child (Child 4 –14 yrs)

Your Day Includes:

• Buffet Christmas Day Lunch at Emeralds Restaurant
• 2 Hour Beverage Package includes Australian heavy and light beers; Australian red, white and sparkling wines; juices and soft drink.
• Return fast catamaran transfers with Great Adventures from Cairns
• Choice of glass bottom boat tour or snorkelling equipment.
• Bookings are essential as places are limited.

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