Silverswift

We made our own way down to the reef terminal for check-in at 8am.

Silverswift is a very comfortable boat with lots of different seating arrangements and big sundecks. There are several toilets, hot showers and changing rooms. What I liked about the seating was that it did not look like a ferry like some of the other big vessels do.

The weather on the day was perfect and the ride out to the reef was fast and smooth. We got a really good dive brief from our Dive master Scott, all dives on Silverswift are guided which I prefer as then you don’t have to worry too much and just enjoy the dives.

We visited three different sites during the day, one on Pellowe Reef and two on Flynn reef. The sites were great, so much marine life and the coral was beautiful and plentiful. The highlight for me was to hand feed a turtle and to dive through some caves which I had never done before. There were lots of turtles, white tip sharks and also a very friendly Maori Wrasse.

We had plenty of snorkellers on that day and they got a separate brief at each site and also a guided snorkelling tour on the last site. Wetsuits and stinger suits are only complimentary for divers.

Upon boarding we were served tea and coffee as well as foccacia and muffins. Lunch was a hot and cold buffet including prawns; the divers especially appreciated the hot food. On the cruise back to Cairns there were more tea and coffee as well as fresh fruit on offer.

We had a lovely day out, the reef sites are great and the boat is comfortable and spacious. On the day there were around 70 passengers which to me felt as a perfect amount, I like my space.

Breakfast time at the Zoo

Hartley's Lagoon Cruise

The Great Australian Wildlife Experience inclunding Breakfast time at the Zoo

We made our own way to the Cairns Tropical Zoo and went straight to the “Koala Café” for Breakfast at 9am. A cute koala, called Nugget welcomed us at the Café. The wildlife keeper and Nugget remained on hand throughout breakfast for questions and photo opportunities.

There are three options available for breakfast; Bacon and scrambled eggs with toast or Croissant, muffin and fruit or Belgian waffles with fresh fruit and ice cream. Additionally there is fruit juice, coffee and tea, cereals, and toast available on the buffet.

After the breakfast we went to “Free flight birds show”. It was a very amazing show, the birds were well-trained and the bird keepers were very professional and informative. It was easy to take our time looking around the park with the informative signage. There were a lot of shows, one after another, such as Pelican feeding, Endangered Exotics guided walk, Crocodile action show and Snakes Alive show etc. so you can follow the time schedule and just show up at each enclosure at the alloted time.

There are many kind of Australian animals including Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Crocodiles, Dingoes, Cassowaries, Wombats, lots of Birds and Reptiles There are also some unique animals like Red pandas, Madagascans Ring-Tailed Lemurs and Tamarins. It was so much fun and there were many animals to see, and so I thought it was easy to take up a half a day, or even a full day.

The licensed Koala Cafe serves breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (own expenses).

After lunch, we drove to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, about 15 minute drive north from Cairns Tropical Zoo. We went down to the reception and the friendly staff gave us a map and showed and went through the show program.

We went on the boat cruise at 1pm on the Hartley’s lagoon. There were many estuarine crocodiles swimming in the lagoon. The boat driver-guide talked about crocodiles and their habitat and demonstrated the pole feeding. We saw the crocodile hunt and jump for food right next to our boat which was cool. We took part in the crocodile farm tour soon after that. The farm was 3 minute walk from the lagoon. The guide took us into the farm where there are plenty of young crocodiles and explained how a commercial crocodile farm works. We then went to see “Crocodile attack show” at 3pm. The presentation, featuring a very large crocodile, was magnificent and very exciting. The experienced keeper was very informative and answered the all questions from the crowd. He made the crocodile roll and head shake which was interesting to watch. Soon after we participated in the Cassowary feeding and the Koala feeding programs. The keepers were all professional and gave us a lot of information about the wildlife and it was great to get close to the animals.

There’s a licensed restaurant “Lilies” overlooking Hartley’s Lagoon, where you can have lunch, a quick snack, or just a coffee. We saw some crocodiles swimming by while we were having our afternoon tea.

Both attractions were excellent, very educational and great fun. Cairns Tropical Zoo has more variety of animals including many native Australian animals. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is more focused on Crocodile wildlife with plenty of exciting shows throughout the day.

I would recommend combining these two zoos, and spend the whole day exploring and learning about different wildlife. Breakfast time at the zoo is a great way to start the day.

ATV Adventure Safari

Once we arrived at the Blazing Saddles property, we were greeted with a smile and offered tea and coffee. Once we signed the indemnity and safety forms we were free to be fitted with our helmets. Recommended attire is long pants, preferably jeans and closed in shoes. The guests should also be aware that they will get dirty and a change of clothes is also recommended. Sunglasses are also an added safety feature to bring along to protect the eyes form dirt and dust, however if the guests do not have any they can be borrowed from Blazing Saddles, although they are not the latest fashion.

The atmosphere is a very relaxed fun vibe. Slim dusty playing in the background while we wait to get started. The bikes themselves are 250cc ATV, semi-automatic, (clutch less manual) foot controlled. The briefing is very informative with both Japanese and Chinese speaking guides available for translation. Blazing saddles cater for all types from first time beginners to seasoned riders. The ride itself was fun and varied. After getting some time to acquaint yourself with the bikes on the obstacle course, the guides split the group up into groups depending on confidence levels. The ride takes you down small slopes and long straights to get some speed up. Then also has more challenging sections with sharp cornering and small hilly terrain. ATV’s are lots of fun, particularly in the wet.

At the end of the 2 hour journey through the property we come back to the compound. There is a hearty BBQ lunch provided and change rooms to get more comfortable. Photos taken throughout course are displayed and available for purchase.

This trip is not for everyone, but if you have a sense of adventure and a will to have a great time, then I highly recommend this as something to do for a kickass fun day.

Napoleon Maori Wrasse

With 5 full hours on Moore Reef there is plenty of time to enjoy all the offered activities; Semi-sub tours departs regularly throughout the day, optional guided snorkel tours and snorkel adventures, heli scenic flgihts, Scuba diving and even massage.

The Reef is in excellent condition. There are lots of valleys and drops offs and an abundance of marine life. Roxy the Maori Wrasse is on hand for photographs and a pat. Wally the Napoleon Maori Wrasse or the Humphead Wrasse, shows up for the fish feeding and I have to say this was amazing. I have never seen a fish behave the way Wally did. He got up on the snorkel platform which is quite shallow. The top of his head was sticking out of the water, so even the people watching from the pontoon could see. He weaved in and out of snorkellers and wasn’t fazed by the number of people in the slightest.

The Marine World pontoon is well equipped and has a sundeck with shade which is excellent place to lounge after lunch before jumping back in the water.

Lunch is served on the pontoon and consists of various salad & cold cuts, sushi rolls, prawns and fruit. The only thing you need to go back on the vessel for is drinks from the bar and to go to bathroom.

In the afternoon I participated in the snorkel adventure safari where a small tender takes people to the edge of Moore Reef. This is activity is only recommended for confident swimmers; the swell can get quite big – but again, amazing coral and big fish out there. The marine naturalist was very knowledgeable and had no problems being heard by the entire group. There are guided snorkelling tours available which are not as long in duration and are suited for all levels of confidence including first time snorkellers.

Niau Waterfall

Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours

Our day on Daintree Dreaming ran a little different from the brochured itinerary. As there was a high tide in the morning we headed straight up to a private property in the Daintree called Tranquility, where we followed a short walking trail through some beautiful rainforest up to Niau Falls. Troy, our guide, pointed out some rainforest species such as Wait-a-while, Strangler Fig and some ancient ferns. Once at Niau Falls we had time to swim, explore the falls or just relax in the rock pools. This place really lived up to its name. It was the epitome of tranquillity.

After about an hour here we headed back into the Daintree Village for our picnic lunch of ham, chicken, salad, fruit and the yummiest potato salad. Normally at this time we would have gone on a 1 hour Daintree River Cruise, but because we were all agents we skipped this part in favour of an earlier lunch.

Then onto Cooya Beach to meet Brandon Walker our teacher of Aboriginal hunting techniques. Before we headed off Brandon demonstrated how to use the spears. Some of us took up the option to try and hunt with a spear, the operative word being TRY, and headed off down the beach. As the tide had gone right out we were able to go quite a bit out and still remain in the shallows. Here we saw Sting Rays, fish and crabs. Brandon managed to spear a Sting Ray allowing us all to get a look at it up close before releasing it. We also managed to catch a Sand crab and Mud crab which we kept for our afternoon tea. We then headed into the mangroves where Brandon taught us how to gather food from this habitat. We found quite a few mangrove oysters, (which were consumed right then and there by some of the girls) huge Muscles and a rare Mangrove Lobster. All of which went into the bucket to be cooked for afternoon tea. The most exciting part of the day is navigating your way through the mud and trying to stay upright without ending up flat on your bum in the mud. On this tour…you will get right amongst it and you will get DIRTY. Although Brandon assured us that he could change the walk to cater those who are not as adventurous.

After we cleaned off we went walked up to the Walker home where Mum prepared our catch of the day. But first we got stuck into freshly baked Damper, cakes and sweet Pineapple before the main course of Oysters, Muscles, Mud & Sand Crab, and Lobster was brought out. Whilst we ate, Brandon brought out some pictures and pieces of bones and shells from Saw fish, Dugongs, and Turtles and told us stories of some of their hunting experiences. Brandon was perfectly honest and unapologetic when questioned on the way in which a Turtle has to be killed. This was no Mickey Mouse version of experiencing the Australian indigenous culture. It was real and honest and more importantly interactive.

Reef Experience Day cruise

Reef Encounter Liveaboard

The Reef Experience boat is spacious and comfortable, takes 150 guests when full, there were around 80 guests travelling on this day. On the upper deck there is plenty of space to sunbake and relax. Upon check in a freshly cooked breakfast (big gas BBQ upstairs) is served with bacon and egg rolls, coffee and tea.

The first stop for the day was at Norman Reef where we met the liveaboard vessel, Reef Encounter. Overnigt guest guests were exchanged and the boat stayed there for a couple of hours. After a dive another couple of agents and myself were invited on a very informative glass bottom boat tour and then were dropped off at the Reef Encounter vessel for a site inspection and lunch.

This “hotel on the water” is excellent. The cabins are very comfortable, all with their own ensuites and plenty of space for luggage. The dining room is nicely set with table cloths and serviettes and the onboard hosties served a delicious lasagne and salad. There is also a bar and a TV room where DVDs are played in the evening. The TV room also functions as a study room for the dive classes. You can become a certified diver in 3 days on Reef Encounter. In front of the ship there is a spa where the water is exchanged daily and I can see that it is very popular in the evenings for relaxing and stargazing…Reef Encounter has its own water desalination plant on board, they do their own linen and there is no need for the boat to come ashore.

We were dropped off back on the Reef Experience vessel and went to our second destination – Breaking Patches – for another snorkel and swim.

The staff on board is very helpful and friendly, there is no pressure, as there is a lot of time to do all offered activities. Most people opted for an intro dive, but there were quite a few people that chose the guided snorkel tour.

I also had a look on the Top Deck which costs $ 265.00 per person. Top Deck is a lounge room upstairs, separate from the ‘common travellers’. Guests who book top deck get a personal assistant during the day that snorkels and dives with them and also are served a la carte breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Although it is $ 100.00 dearer it is still good value, especially for introductory or certified divers.

Snorkelling on Haba

When I arrived at Port Douglas Marina, I was greeted at the check in desk, I was informed that we were to board at 8:00am for an 8:30am departure. Now the Haba boat is very hard to miss. It is a bright yellow and blue magnificent looking vessel with some very bright orange clown fish and the Australian Flag adorning the side of the aluminum wave piercing vessel. A bright yellow umbrella out the front of the gangway also gives away its location towards the back of the Marina.

As Haba have many unique reef moorings to choose from, our skipper, Craig decided to take us out to a location called Turtle Bay, among the Opal Reef system. This apparently is a site which gets less attention and is ideal in calm weather and lower passenger numbers. Once at the first stop, we were informed that we would be here for 2 hours, that allowed for ample time to snorkel, dive and eat lunch. Due to the calmness of the conditions, snorkeling was a breeze. Everyone of all ages had no problems at all and many turtles and fish were seen by all. I was lucky enough to see a reasonably large White Tipped Reef Shark on my snorkeling safari.

Finally it was time to suit up and go diving. The actual dive site was called Jacks Rocks. The site had a vast array of corals stretching for hundreds of metres and beyond. Huge amounts of different fish species and stingrays and the like were seen.

Back on board it was time to dry off and get ready for lunch. Those who decided to do the glass bottom
boat tour were whisked off for that while the rest of us continued to snorkel or dry out on the decks. Lunch was a delicious selection of cold meats and salads with cheese, bread and plenty of condiments. The food seemed very fresh and quite tasty.

Before, traveling to our second site, also within the Opal Reef system, Christian gave an in depth Reef
Brief talk with a strong focus on preservation of the environment and the reef. Once arriving at the second site after about 10 to 15 mins travel, we were in the water in no time.

Overall, this day was absolutely fantastic. I appreciated the extra time we seemed to have to fit all the snorkeling and diving in, yet still get home before 5pm. All the staff were brilliant, they all seemed to have a real passion for what they do and it showed in their actions. I can highly recommend
this voyage as a trip to make their reef experience one to remember. The Haba day trip is suitable for all ages and seem to attract families, with the high quality equipment and safe environment I can see why.

Cairns Night Zoo

On arrival we were greeted by the friendly zoo keepers and a sulfur crested cockatoo. We relaxed around the tables with drinks of our choice from wine to beer, juice and soft drink. Shortly after arriving, the BBQ was ready and dinner was served up. We had a huge selection of meats, pork sausages, chicken, fish and roast potatoes and salads and it was all very fresh and tasty. As we ate we listened to the live entertainer singing Aussie songs and playing the guitar. Dessert came out soon after dinner was finished and we relaxed with a few more drinks.

When we had finished we made our way upstairs and we all got flashlights and the zoo keeper explained our night’s adventures to us before we followed them off through the park.

We patted snakes and koala’s and got to see a croc feed at night. It was so much fun and very peaceful in the park at this time of day. One of the highlights of the evening is the customer interacation with the Kangaroos during the Billy tea and damper. We got to hand feed the Kangaroos fresh fruit and vegetables.

We then made our way down to the café area and relaxed with some more beverages and also had a dance to some of the Aussie music the live singer was performing. Here I got to uncover my hidden musical talent as a guest artist in the bush band. Everyone joined in the hokey pokey and the turkey dance.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, there is a lot of walking during the tour of the zoo. Wet weather is not a problem as the dining area is undercover and during the zoo tour umbrellas are provided if needed.

Skydive Mission Beach

We made our own way to the meeting point, Scotty’s Beach House at Mission Beach and saw the friendly staff from Skydive Australia at 10:00am. We had the option to be picked up from Cairns hotels around 7am by bus but we chose to self drive instead. We arrived just in time to watch two other skydivers. It looked so high and I started to feel a bit scared…As soon as the other jumpers landed, the instructors got us ready for our jump. We filled out the obligatory forms and then we headed off to the airport with the instructors. The airport and Skydive Centre was about 15 minutes away by bus from Mission beach.

At the Skydive Centre we had instruction on the jumping and landing body positions etc.. After that we put on all the necessary gear and jumped in a small aeroplane. The flight took about 15-20minuites to reach the necessary altitude for our 14,000ft Skydive. When it was time to jump we moved down to the open door way and put our feet out (this was the scariest part!) before we jumped out of the plane!

It was about 60seconds of freefalling before the parachute was smoothly opened. I didn’t feel like I was falling, it was more of a floating sensation. I really loved the spectacular views of Dunk Island and Great Barrier Reef whilst parachuting down for about 5 minutes. The instructor let me control the parachute but it was a bit difficult.

We safely landed on the drop zone directly on the beach. Whew…We received our extreme jump certificates and said good bye to instructors at about 1pm.