THE ESSENTIAL DETAILS
How to visit
It isn’t exactly a newsflash to say the Great Barrier Reef is in trouble. In recent times, an increase in coastal development, coral- destroying pests like the crown of thorns starfish and significant episodes of coral bleaching – a direct result of climate change – have placed the reef in a state of serious vulnerability.
So, if you are considering a visit (some two million visitors flock to the Reef each year) it is worth doing your research and finding operators who approach the reef in a responsible way.
“It’s difficult to understand why the reef needs protecting unless you see it first-hand and see what it is that sets it apart from everywhere else on the planet,” says Brett Lakey, owner and operator of LADY MUSGRAVE EXPERIENCE (ladymusgraveexperience.com.au), whose reef tours include onboard marine biologists. “What’s important is that you experience it with an eco-friendly operator who can guide and educate you so that your visit doesn’t impact negatively on the environment.”
ORPHEUS ISLAND (orpheus. com.au) is a perfect example of how tourism can educate and benefi t. The luxury island retreat hosts just 28 visitors at a time, with $50 per guest’s stay contributed to The Reef Keepers Fund, which supports projects and organizations that are committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef. It is also home to the Orpheus Island Research Station, a marine research facility operated by James Cook University; ecotours explore the facilities, including the wet and dry laboratories and the live reef touch tanks.
Getting there
There are regular direct and connecting flights into CAIRNS, HAMILTON ISLAND, PROSERPINE or TOWNSVILLE AIRPORTS from all Australian capital cities. Looking at staying at an island resort in the Whitsundays? The gateway mainland town for most of them is AIRLIE BEACH, located a 25-minute shuttle bus ride from Proserpine Airport.
Where to stay
Whether you prefer a luxurious private resort or pitching a tent on a deserted beach, accommodation options are aplenty at every price point. At the higher end of the scale, HAYMAN ISLAND BY INTERCONTINENTAL (hayman.com.au) includes a muchadored kids’ club among its lengthy list of activities, while HAMILTON ISLAND YACHT CLUB VILLAS (hamiltonisland.com.au) offers chic residences for those who desire both space and all the mod- cons. Mid-range, the SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE PORT DOUGLAS (marriott.com) is a popular choice with couples and families, while camping at LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND or FITZROY ISLANDS (among others) will cost next to nothing yet deliver a deserted-island experience that you’re not likely to forget in a hurry.
What to do
Whether you’re keen to explore the outer reef or simply stay on dry land, you can choose your own adventure. Consider relaxing in the coastal town of AIRLIE BEACH, taking a snorkeling tour with QUICKSILVER CRUISES (quicksilver- cruises. com), or checking out the native koala population of MAGNETIC ISLAND (magneticisland.com.au). You can also appreciate it all from above with DOWN UNDER CRUISE & DIVE (downunderdive.com. au), which takes you out for snorkeling and diving, as well as a helicopter ride from Hastings Reef. There’s also the scenic helicopter flight over romantic HEART REEF (gbrhelicopters.com.au), or you could hire a yacht and sail, snorkel and dive the Whitsundays.