30 years of Reef cruises
A SIGNIFICANT milestone of 30 years of Great Barrier Reef tour operations are being celebrated by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises. Dan Gabbert, Sam Thorne, Sala Savage and Jo Rasheed marked the occasion by offering generous discounts for trips which involve limited schedules as tourism begins to rebound from the impacts of COVID-19.
A MAJOR Cairns island tour operator is offering generous discounts to celebrate 30 years on the water this week.
Founded by Jim and Jo Wallace in 1990 Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises became part of the Experience Co group in 2017.
Three-time winner of Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s award for best major tour and transport operator, Big Cat was subsequently inducted into TTNQ’s award hall of fame.
However the company is most proud of their environmental initiatives, having achieved an “advanced ecotourism” accreditation in 2005 before becoming the first reef operator to achieve a zero-carbon footprint.
Experience Co chief executive officer John O’Sullivan said it was a significant milestone for the biggest boat operating from Cairns’ Marlin Marina.
“It is a great achievement and a real tribute to the founders of Big Cat, Jim and Jo Wallace, who saw an opportunity 30 years ago and established a great business that we are very proud and honoured to be able to continue,” he said.
Until August 10 Big Cat is offering a 20 per cent discount for adults and 10 per cent discount for all children.
Mr O’Sullivan said slashed fares offered a great chance for locals to explore their own backyard.
“Green Island is a fantastic destination and the Big Cat experience … is one of the best on the Reef,” he said.
“The opportunity with COVID is Cairns locals can really experience these destinations that have long been the domain of international visitors.” To book visit greenisland.com.au.