Australia Travelogue
The wonders from Down Under
The wonders from Down Under
From city hall, we had lunch at the Queen’s Plaza and walked through Queen Street Mall. Queen Street Mall is the most successful
shopping hub in Australia, with heaps of fashion, food and specialty outlets. Half a kilometer long and open air, it sits at the
geographic center of the largest retail precinct between Sydney and Singapore. Beyond offering the broadest shopping choices of
labels and retailers, the mall itself is a lively people-space which draws 26 million visitors annually, a purpose built performance
stage alive with free entertainment and public art throughout.
Continuing on with our city tour, we walked towards the Parliament (but of course! I have to satisfy my penchant, you know…..) A visit
to Queensland Parliament allows you to experience the grandeur of Queensland's first and foremost public building. Built in 1868,
the beautifully restored interior showcases Queensland's history, as shaped by the governments and laws that have been made in
the Parliament. Today the building is still home to Australia's only unicameral State Parliament.
Thereafter, we took the CityCat (ferry) that offered me a unique way of seeing the sights or lights of Brisbane with an entertaining
cruise down Brisbane River. I really enjoyed it a lot! Just imagine seeing lots of places in comfort, without having to walk around the
city. It really was awesome!!!
Whitsundays
As a backgrounder, the Whitsundays, one of the world’s best year-round aquatic playgrounds, comprise 74 pristine islands dotting
warm, truly blue waters. Only eight of these contain holiday resorts offering everything from wilderness to five-star luxury. The rest are
uninhabited. The clear, warm waters of the Whitsundays invite divers from around the world. Coral gardens lace nearly every
Whitsunday island. Great visibility and abundant marine life await! Here you can commune with marine life among coral, set sail,
explore a rainforest, stretch out on white sand and relax. The calm and protected waters of the Whitsundays are nothing short of
magical and offer some of the best sailing waters in the world.
We took a cab that took us to Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday’s mainland hub. Airlie Beach is a vibrant beachside coastal village which
is the perfect base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef and islands. It is a great family base offering safe, calm water
beaches, inexpensive meals and an excellent variety of accommodation from luxury resorts to backpacker lodges. It’s a jump-off
point for any number of day trips or larger cruises.
There's a lovely community feel about Airlie Beach. The locals are warm and friendly and often stop to say hello and chat about the
weather, which is almost always perfect. Beachside markets every Saturday add to the community atmosphere and are as popular
with the tourists as they are with the locals. The gateway to the fabulous Whitsunday Islands and spectacular Great Barrier Reef, it
is one of Australia’s most desirable tourist destinations, yet it continues to remain one of the best kept secrets.
shopping hub in Australia, with heaps of fashion, food and specialty outlets. Half a kilometer long and open air, it sits at the
geographic center of the largest retail precinct between Sydney and Singapore. Beyond offering the broadest shopping choices of
labels and retailers, the mall itself is a lively people-space which draws 26 million visitors annually, a purpose built performance
stage alive with free entertainment and public art throughout.
Continuing on with our city tour, we walked towards the Parliament (but of course! I have to satisfy my penchant, you know…..) A visit
to Queensland Parliament allows you to experience the grandeur of Queensland's first and foremost public building. Built in 1868,
the beautifully restored interior showcases Queensland's history, as shaped by the governments and laws that have been made in
the Parliament. Today the building is still home to Australia's only unicameral State Parliament.
Thereafter, we took the CityCat (ferry) that offered me a unique way of seeing the sights or lights of Brisbane with an entertaining
cruise down Brisbane River. I really enjoyed it a lot! Just imagine seeing lots of places in comfort, without having to walk around the
city. It really was awesome!!!
Whitsundays
As a backgrounder, the Whitsundays, one of the world’s best year-round aquatic playgrounds, comprise 74 pristine islands dotting
warm, truly blue waters. Only eight of these contain holiday resorts offering everything from wilderness to five-star luxury. The rest are
uninhabited. The clear, warm waters of the Whitsundays invite divers from around the world. Coral gardens lace nearly every
Whitsunday island. Great visibility and abundant marine life await! Here you can commune with marine life among coral, set sail,
explore a rainforest, stretch out on white sand and relax. The calm and protected waters of the Whitsundays are nothing short of
magical and offer some of the best sailing waters in the world.
We took a cab that took us to Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday’s mainland hub. Airlie Beach is a vibrant beachside coastal village which
is the perfect base from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef and islands. It is a great family base offering safe, calm water
beaches, inexpensive meals and an excellent variety of accommodation from luxury resorts to backpacker lodges. It’s a jump-off
point for any number of day trips or larger cruises.
There's a lovely community feel about Airlie Beach. The locals are warm and friendly and often stop to say hello and chat about the
weather, which is almost always perfect. Beachside markets every Saturday add to the community atmosphere and are as popular
with the tourists as they are with the locals. The gateway to the fabulous Whitsunday Islands and spectacular Great Barrier Reef, it
is one of Australia’s most desirable tourist destinations, yet it continues to remain one of the best kept secrets.
Part 2
by Susie "Chie" R. Cunada
Queensland
G’day (as they say in Ozland) and welcome to Queensland – home of the Great
Barrier Reef and Beyond! Queensland enjoys an average 300 sunny days every
year, making it the perfect vacation destination all year round. In Queensland, you’
ll never run out of places to see and things to do. The places to see are Brisbane,
Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and the unforgettable Great Barrier Reef, to name a
few. But right now, let’s swim into the Gold Coast.
by Susie "Chie" R. Cunada
Queensland
G’day (as they say in Ozland) and welcome to Queensland – home of the Great
Barrier Reef and Beyond! Queensland enjoys an average 300 sunny days every
year, making it the perfect vacation destination all year round. In Queensland, you’
ll never run out of places to see and things to do. The places to see are Brisbane,
Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and the unforgettable Great Barrier Reef, to name a
few. But right now, let’s swim into the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast
As they say, “the Gold Coast is the coast with the most!” How appropriate. Queensland’s Gold Coast is glamorous and relaxing to
some, adventurous and active to others, but no one could contest that its 70 kilometers of beaches are the draw card. Yes, the Gold
Coast has 70 kilometers of coast and 446 kilometers of canals and rivers. This is Australia’s largest expanse of calm water, and you
can swim and surf all year at 35 patrolled beaches. Look at the photo above. Isn’t that stunning?
Not only is it a surfer’s paradise, it is also a shopper’s paradise, with 3,500 shops to boot. Moreover, it is Australia’s theme park capital,
with 21 themed attractions and heart-thumping rides at four major parks. Indeed, it is a premier spot for fun. In fact, it has long held its
reputation as a top family destination. With themed attractions and safe, clean beaches, it is ideal for children and simply a delight for
everyonel
Just 30 minutes' drive from the beaches is the Hinterland, Australia's largest reserve of subtropical rainforest, with 160 kilometers of
walking tracks, and Springbrook and Tamborine national parks. Here you'll find stunning vistas and waterfalls, and rare flora and fauna.
You can head for the camping and abseil adventures, or curl up in the mountain and rainforest hideaways.
As they say, “the Gold Coast is the coast with the most!” How appropriate. Queensland’s Gold Coast is glamorous and relaxing to
some, adventurous and active to others, but no one could contest that its 70 kilometers of beaches are the draw card. Yes, the Gold
Coast has 70 kilometers of coast and 446 kilometers of canals and rivers. This is Australia’s largest expanse of calm water, and you
can swim and surf all year at 35 patrolled beaches. Look at the photo above. Isn’t that stunning?
Not only is it a surfer’s paradise, it is also a shopper’s paradise, with 3,500 shops to boot. Moreover, it is Australia’s theme park capital,
with 21 themed attractions and heart-thumping rides at four major parks. Indeed, it is a premier spot for fun. In fact, it has long held its
reputation as a top family destination. With themed attractions and safe, clean beaches, it is ideal for children and simply a delight for
everyonel
Just 30 minutes' drive from the beaches is the Hinterland, Australia's largest reserve of subtropical rainforest, with 160 kilometers of
walking tracks, and Springbrook and Tamborine national parks. Here you'll find stunning vistas and waterfalls, and rare flora and fauna.
You can head for the camping and abseil adventures, or curl up in the mountain and rainforest hideaways.
The following day, my host, Chit (a former coworker in the Philippine Congress), took me to Currumbin Wildlife
Sanctuary. Yes!!! This is what I’ve been waiting for: to cuddle a koala and feed the kangaroos. I was just so
excited! Below are snapshots of my “very Aussie experiences”. The koala is soooo cuddly. This koala
experience will forever be etched into the recesses of my mind. And I also fed the kangaroos (look at the
photo below left) – it has a joey on its pouch!)
After my wildlife experience and after some much-needed lunch, Chit drove me around the world-famous
beaches once again before we headed home to pack up my things so she can take me to Joni ‘s place. Joni
and I haven’t seen each other for some 20 odd years or so. Joni and her hubby, Greg, took me to Sunshine
Coast, another must-see in Queensland.
Sanctuary. Yes!!! This is what I’ve been waiting for: to cuddle a koala and feed the kangaroos. I was just so
excited! Below are snapshots of my “very Aussie experiences”. The koala is soooo cuddly. This koala
experience will forever be etched into the recesses of my mind. And I also fed the kangaroos (look at the
photo below left) – it has a joey on its pouch!)
After my wildlife experience and after some much-needed lunch, Chit drove me around the world-famous
beaches once again before we headed home to pack up my things so she can take me to Joni ‘s place. Joni
and I haven’t seen each other for some 20 odd years or so. Joni and her hubby, Greg, took me to Sunshine
Coast, another must-see in Queensland.
Sunshine Coast
The dazzling Sunshine Coast encompasses a string of coastal cities and national parks, strewn
along the sparkling Pacific Ocean, with a stunning blue-green hinterland as a backdrop. The
region is a haven for surfers, swimmers, fishers, adventurers, or those who just want to hide
away. Our point of destination: Noosa, the crown jewel of the Sunshine Coast, which is nestled
between the national park and the azure blue sea.
Noosa has been described by some as a playground for the rich and famous. It attracts a broad
mix of sun-seekers from surfers and families to fashionable foodies and executive couples
wanting to get away from it all. Endless attractions entice them here - kilometers of pristine sandy
The dazzling Sunshine Coast encompasses a string of coastal cities and national parks, strewn
along the sparkling Pacific Ocean, with a stunning blue-green hinterland as a backdrop. The
region is a haven for surfers, swimmers, fishers, adventurers, or those who just want to hide
away. Our point of destination: Noosa, the crown jewel of the Sunshine Coast, which is nestled
between the national park and the azure blue sea.
Noosa has been described by some as a playground for the rich and famous. It attracts a broad
mix of sun-seekers from surfers and families to fashionable foodies and executive couples
wanting to get away from it all. Endless attractions entice them here - kilometers of pristine sandy
| “The Big Pineapple” |
beaches, turquoise waters, lush hinterland and the relaxed lifestyle. Superb restaurants, cafes, bars
and clubs, and great shopping secure Noosa's reputation as the perfect holiday escape. As a
premier gourmet destination, its menus are abundant with produce farmed in the region - tropical
fruits, spices, ginger, sugarcane and seafood.
The subtropical climate means eating alfresco as the main order of the day, with many divine spots to
choose from. Along with trendy pavement cafes and restaurants, vibrant Hastings Street at Noosa is
alive with designer boutiques, tropical fruit stalls, surf shops, and accommodation to suit all lifestyles.
Our first stop: Ginger Factory, Queensland's home to the world's largest ginger factory. There's so
much to see and do at this multi-award winning tourist attraction that the whole family will enjoy. You
can tour the world's biggest and best ginger factory and learn some of the secrets that make
Australian ginger the world's favorite. There, you can watch this fascinating natural product being
prepared for shipment right around the globe.
and clubs, and great shopping secure Noosa's reputation as the perfect holiday escape. As a
premier gourmet destination, its menus are abundant with produce farmed in the region - tropical
fruits, spices, ginger, sugarcane and seafood.
The subtropical climate means eating alfresco as the main order of the day, with many divine spots to
choose from. Along with trendy pavement cafes and restaurants, vibrant Hastings Street at Noosa is
alive with designer boutiques, tropical fruit stalls, surf shops, and accommodation to suit all lifestyles.
Our first stop: Ginger Factory, Queensland's home to the world's largest ginger factory. There's so
much to see and do at this multi-award winning tourist attraction that the whole family will enjoy. You
can tour the world's biggest and best ginger factory and learn some of the secrets that make
Australian ginger the world's favorite. There, you can watch this fascinating natural product being
prepared for shipment right around the globe.
After a sumptuous lunch at Coffee World beside the nut factory, we proceeded to “The Big
Pineapple”, Australia's number one tourist attraction. Established in 1971, The Big
Pineapple offers a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family where one can enjoy
the beauty of the lush tropical fruit plantations, sample Queensland style foods, come face
to face with Australian wildlife or shop for quality arts, crafts and souvenirs.
Visitors to the plantation are greeted by an imposing 16m high, fibreglass pineapple icon
and are invited to explore its interior to discover more about Queensland's tropical fruit
industries, or to simply take in some of the best Sunshine Coast rural views from the top
level.
Thereafter, we continued on our way to go to Super Bee, Queensland’s honey factory where
Pineapple”, Australia's number one tourist attraction. Established in 1971, The Big
Pineapple offers a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family where one can enjoy
the beauty of the lush tropical fruit plantations, sample Queensland style foods, come face
to face with Australian wildlife or shop for quality arts, crafts and souvenirs.
Visitors to the plantation are greeted by an imposing 16m high, fibreglass pineapple icon
and are invited to explore its interior to discover more about Queensland's tropical fruit
industries, or to simply take in some of the best Sunshine Coast rural views from the top
level.
Thereafter, we continued on our way to go to Super Bee, Queensland’s honey factory where
one can sample different varieties of Australian honey.
Still continuing on with our journey towards home, we passed by the not-to-be-missed “Ettamogah Pub,” a great tourist attraction. It
has heaps of cartoon signs and the pub itself is in the shape of a cartoon. It contains the pub, the winery, souvenir shop, cafe, bistro
and free entertainment on Sunday afternoons in the Barn. On weekends and school holidays, there are camel rides and Dodge’m
cars for the kids. Ettamogah is based on a famous Australian cartoon series, shown as an outback pub. The Dad-and-Dave
Mythology is proving popular with the tourists, which have neither the time nor the inclination to go to "the country" to discover a true
pub's atmosphere. The Ettamogah Bar and Family Restaurant provides something for everyone. There's a Kid's Room to keep the
little ones happy while mom and dad enjoy a “Struth Lager”, snack or full meal, like lasagna, beef burger, fish and chips or a rump
steak. On Saturday nights, it revs up and has a night club so the adults can get down to some music classics and possibly a Meat
Loaf ballad or two.
Still continuing on with our journey towards home, we passed by the not-to-be-missed “Ettamogah Pub,” a great tourist attraction. It
has heaps of cartoon signs and the pub itself is in the shape of a cartoon. It contains the pub, the winery, souvenir shop, cafe, bistro
and free entertainment on Sunday afternoons in the Barn. On weekends and school holidays, there are camel rides and Dodge’m
cars for the kids. Ettamogah is based on a famous Australian cartoon series, shown as an outback pub. The Dad-and-Dave
Mythology is proving popular with the tourists, which have neither the time nor the inclination to go to "the country" to discover a true
pub's atmosphere. The Ettamogah Bar and Family Restaurant provides something for everyone. There's a Kid's Room to keep the
little ones happy while mom and dad enjoy a “Struth Lager”, snack or full meal, like lasagna, beef burger, fish and chips or a rump
steak. On Saturday nights, it revs up and has a night club so the adults can get down to some music classics and possibly a Meat
Loaf ballad or two.
A snapshot taken in front of
city hall. Notice that wherever
you are in Ozland, a kangaroo
is always the dominant feature
– be it in their buildings, parks,
etc…..
city hall. Notice that wherever
you are in Ozland, a kangaroo
is always the dominant feature
– be it in their buildings, parks,
etc…..
Joni and Greg then took me to Mt. Coot-tha Lookout to have an aerial view of Brisbane and its
surroundings. As you step out onto the observation deck, which includes interpretative facilities
pointing out well-known Brisbane landmarks, the panoramic views of Brisbane City stretching out
to Moreton Bay and around to the distant mountains greet you. It’s simply breathtaking!
Set amongst beautifully manicured gardens and nestled into the natural bushland of Brisbane
Forest Park is the Summit Restaurant and Bar, Function Centre, Kuta Cafe and Gift Shop and
Observation Deck.
Having dinner at the Summit Restaurant and Bar that offers a menu of contemporary Australian
cuisine with the city lights appearing to flicker bit by bit before my very eyes was more than I could
ask for. Can you imagine the city lights and star-lit skies spread out before you? It’s spectacular!
Brisbane
Known as the City of Sun Days, Brisbane enjoys great weather, a relaxed pace of life and all the
cosmopolitan bustle of a major urban hub. It doesn’t seem to matter what time of year it is – there’s
always something exciting happening in this vibrant city. You’ll find the best in arts and culture,
entertainment and sports events as well as good food, wine and shopping.
Australia's northernmost capital city blends the vitality of the city with the leisurely quality of a country
town. It spreads over both sides of the Brisbane River, which bends its way through a gently hilly
landscape before spilling into the boat-lover's paradise of Moreton Bay.
The city is clean, safe and open, with many parks and a mixture of old sandstone and sparkling
modern buildings. The inner-city suburbs are full of lovingly restored weatherboard Queenslander
homes, their tin roofs and generous verandas enshrining the old casual, sun-warmed lifestyle
embraced today.
Backpackers love Brisbane because it's cheap to eat, party and get around in, with a good choice of
safe, quality accommodation. Gay travelers also recognize Brisbane's charms, enjoying a high level
of acceptance, a thriving nightlife and a growing list of excellent bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
Across the river, South Bank Parklands offers superb waterfront dining, and is a short walk from the
art gallery and museum. And you haven't really enjoyed a pub until you've tried some of Brisbane's
beer gardens. The 16-hectare South Bank precinct is among Brisbane's 'liveliest areas'. Attracting
more than 10 million visitors annually, it was voted the World's 'Best Public Project' last year in a
major global award co-judged by The Wall Street Journal. Previous award-winners have included
Donald Trump's Trump World Tower, New York.
The former World Expo '88 site, South Bank was redeveloped into a permanent people's precinct. It
includes a sprawling sand beach and swimming lagoon, 30 plus restaurants and cafes, public
barbecue areas and riverfront promenades. It’s fantabulous! Look at the photos above left:
Taking a ferry across the river from South Bank, we went to Brisbane’s city hall and went up the
Clock Tower, which used to be the tallest building in Brisbane, to have an aerial view of the city.
surroundings. As you step out onto the observation deck, which includes interpretative facilities
pointing out well-known Brisbane landmarks, the panoramic views of Brisbane City stretching out
to Moreton Bay and around to the distant mountains greet you. It’s simply breathtaking!
Set amongst beautifully manicured gardens and nestled into the natural bushland of Brisbane
Forest Park is the Summit Restaurant and Bar, Function Centre, Kuta Cafe and Gift Shop and
Observation Deck.
Having dinner at the Summit Restaurant and Bar that offers a menu of contemporary Australian
cuisine with the city lights appearing to flicker bit by bit before my very eyes was more than I could
ask for. Can you imagine the city lights and star-lit skies spread out before you? It’s spectacular!
Brisbane
Known as the City of Sun Days, Brisbane enjoys great weather, a relaxed pace of life and all the
cosmopolitan bustle of a major urban hub. It doesn’t seem to matter what time of year it is – there’s
always something exciting happening in this vibrant city. You’ll find the best in arts and culture,
entertainment and sports events as well as good food, wine and shopping.
Australia's northernmost capital city blends the vitality of the city with the leisurely quality of a country
town. It spreads over both sides of the Brisbane River, which bends its way through a gently hilly
landscape before spilling into the boat-lover's paradise of Moreton Bay.
The city is clean, safe and open, with many parks and a mixture of old sandstone and sparkling
modern buildings. The inner-city suburbs are full of lovingly restored weatherboard Queenslander
homes, their tin roofs and generous verandas enshrining the old casual, sun-warmed lifestyle
embraced today.
Backpackers love Brisbane because it's cheap to eat, party and get around in, with a good choice of
safe, quality accommodation. Gay travelers also recognize Brisbane's charms, enjoying a high level
of acceptance, a thriving nightlife and a growing list of excellent bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
Across the river, South Bank Parklands offers superb waterfront dining, and is a short walk from the
art gallery and museum. And you haven't really enjoyed a pub until you've tried some of Brisbane's
beer gardens. The 16-hectare South Bank precinct is among Brisbane's 'liveliest areas'. Attracting
more than 10 million visitors annually, it was voted the World's 'Best Public Project' last year in a
major global award co-judged by The Wall Street Journal. Previous award-winners have included
Donald Trump's Trump World Tower, New York.
The former World Expo '88 site, South Bank was redeveloped into a permanent people's precinct. It
includes a sprawling sand beach and swimming lagoon, 30 plus restaurants and cafes, public
barbecue areas and riverfront promenades. It’s fantabulous! Look at the photos above left:
Taking a ferry across the river from South Bank, we went to Brisbane’s city hall and went up the
Clock Tower, which used to be the tallest building in Brisbane, to have an aerial view of the city.
underwater wonderland - a coral chain teeming with marine life stretching for
over 2,000 kilometers along the Queensland coast. About half the size of
Texas, the world's biggest coral reef is home to creatures ranging from tiny
burrowing sea-worms to tiger sharks weighing more than a ton - as well as
dolphins, dugongs, whales, turtles, ponderous potato cod, moray eels and
humpheaded Maori wrasse.
Said to be the world’s largest living structure and the only one visible from
outer space, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is often referred to as
the eighth wonder of the world. Being Australia's largest marine park, it has
the most diverse animal and plant ecosystems on earth. It has a delicate reef
ecosystem that evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, and gave life to
more than 6,600 species and plants and beasts. It's still home to endangered
species including the green loggerhead turtle, and is a breeding site for
over 2,000 kilometers along the Queensland coast. About half the size of
Texas, the world's biggest coral reef is home to creatures ranging from tiny
burrowing sea-worms to tiger sharks weighing more than a ton - as well as
dolphins, dugongs, whales, turtles, ponderous potato cod, moray eels and
humpheaded Maori wrasse.
Said to be the world’s largest living structure and the only one visible from
outer space, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is often referred to as
the eighth wonder of the world. Being Australia's largest marine park, it has
the most diverse animal and plant ecosystems on earth. It has a delicate reef
ecosystem that evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, and gave life to
more than 6,600 species and plants and beasts. It's still home to endangered
species including the green loggerhead turtle, and is a breeding site for
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the world. Australia's most famous natural
wonder, it will stun you with its magnificence. It's as big as the total combined area of the
United Kingdom and Ireland. It covers an area of over 35 million hectares, about 70 million
soccer fields. It is made up of 2,900 reefs, 600 rocky continental islands, and 300 sand or
coral cays. The world’s first coral reef evolved about 340 million years ago, so by
comparison, the Great Barrier Reef is a very young reef system, starting to form about 18
million years ago. However, the reef structures we see today are even younger because
they formed after the last Ice Age about 10,000 years ago. Isn’t that amazing? The beauty of
the waters and the prolific life it supports never fail to enrapture visitors the world over.
One of the planet's greatest natural treasures, the Great Barrier Reef is an
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the world. Australia's most famous natural
wonder, it will stun you with its magnificence. It's as big as the total combined area of the
United Kingdom and Ireland. It covers an area of over 35 million hectares, about 70 million
soccer fields. It is made up of 2,900 reefs, 600 rocky continental islands, and 300 sand or
coral cays. The world’s first coral reef evolved about 340 million years ago, so by
comparison, the Great Barrier Reef is a very young reef system, starting to form about 18
million years ago. However, the reef structures we see today are even younger because
they formed after the last Ice Age about 10,000 years ago. Isn’t that amazing? The beauty of
the waters and the prolific life it supports never fail to enrapture visitors the world over.
One of the planet's greatest natural treasures, the Great Barrier Reef is an
region’s most spectacular Great Barrier Reef site. You can just imagine how excited I was!
Located inside the Knuckle Reef Lagoon, the pontoon has the newest and most innovative design. It is spacious with a choice of
areas to relax and a great range of activities to choose from. There is undercover seating and tables, sun decks for topping up the
tan, freshwater showers, change rooms and full access to the comfort of “Seaflight” alongside. It features Queensland’s largest and
most spectacular underwater viewing chamber where you feel like you are in the water with the fish, and a fun waterslide. The
pontoon is ideally situated in shallower waters with protection from the surrounding sea conditions. Protected as it is, it has its own
ecosystem with magnificent corals and a diversity of marine life not found in more open areas. It provides a unique world for you to
explore, be it by Subsea Adventure, glass bottom boat, snorkeling, or diving.
I opted for snorkeling. It has always been my dream to go to the Great Barrier Reef, and that dream finally came true. Look at my
photo above right in my snorkeling gear, wetsuit and all.
After my snorkeling adventure, I went for the Subsea Adventure, where we went to the bottom of the boat so we can see the fishes and
the corals as the boat glided slowly around the reef. It was quite an experience, I tell you. It was a situation in reverse, where it’s like
you are inside the aquarium and the fishes are looking at you. I found it amusing, but amazing at the same time. Afterwards, we went
for the glass bottom boat adventure where you look down at the fishes and the corals this time. It’s like looking from a different angle,
and boy, it’s simply astounding!
I wanted to go for a scenic flight that would have provided a finishing touch to my “reef” experience, but the clouds slowly rolled in, so I
opted out. Soon, we left the pontoon and back to our vessel, to bring us back to our accommodation.
Nowhere will you experience the wonders of the reef better than at the “heart of the reef” itself. My description would just fall short of
how amazing it truly is. You really have to experience it yourself in order to capture the magnificence of it all. But I tell you, it’s a once-
in-a-lifetime- experience that I will never forget.
Located inside the Knuckle Reef Lagoon, the pontoon has the newest and most innovative design. It is spacious with a choice of
areas to relax and a great range of activities to choose from. There is undercover seating and tables, sun decks for topping up the
tan, freshwater showers, change rooms and full access to the comfort of “Seaflight” alongside. It features Queensland’s largest and
most spectacular underwater viewing chamber where you feel like you are in the water with the fish, and a fun waterslide. The
pontoon is ideally situated in shallower waters with protection from the surrounding sea conditions. Protected as it is, it has its own
ecosystem with magnificent corals and a diversity of marine life not found in more open areas. It provides a unique world for you to
explore, be it by Subsea Adventure, glass bottom boat, snorkeling, or diving.
I opted for snorkeling. It has always been my dream to go to the Great Barrier Reef, and that dream finally came true. Look at my
photo above right in my snorkeling gear, wetsuit and all.
After my snorkeling adventure, I went for the Subsea Adventure, where we went to the bottom of the boat so we can see the fishes and
the corals as the boat glided slowly around the reef. It was quite an experience, I tell you. It was a situation in reverse, where it’s like
you are inside the aquarium and the fishes are looking at you. I found it amusing, but amazing at the same time. Afterwards, we went
for the glass bottom boat adventure where you look down at the fishes and the corals this time. It’s like looking from a different angle,
and boy, it’s simply astounding!
I wanted to go for a scenic flight that would have provided a finishing touch to my “reef” experience, but the clouds slowly rolled in, so I
opted out. Soon, we left the pontoon and back to our vessel, to bring us back to our accommodation.
Nowhere will you experience the wonders of the reef better than at the “heart of the reef” itself. My description would just fall short of
how amazing it truly is. You really have to experience it yourself in order to capture the magnificence of it all. But I tell you, it’s a once-
in-a-lifetime- experience that I will never forget.
humpback whales. While it is protected, there are myriad ways to enjoy it, like go cruising around the
islands, or base yourself at a range of mainland, seaside towns on the Queensland coast and take
day trips. Dive sites are dotted up and down the reef, and it's easy to charter a boat for a day or a
longer dive trip, suiting beginners, intermediate or advanced divers.
If diving is your passion, then this is your paradise. The Great Barrier Reef is a diver’s Mecca. If
snorkeling is more your style, then the warm shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef in the
Whitsundays provide some of the most colorful fish and coral formations anywhere in the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Anyhow, we hopped onto “Seaflight”, our cruise vessel which is a state-of-the-art 37-meter
wavepiercer, fitted with a computerized stabilizer system which reduces motion sickness by 70%,
giving you the most comfortable two-hour journey to the outer reef. The cruise vessel has spacious
air-conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks and two bars serving refreshments. Mind you, all
that sea air made me hungry! Throughout the day, we were fed with morning and afternoon coffee/tea
and snacks, and a sumptuous buffet lunch prepared by their chef onboard. We cruised through the
beautiful Whitsunday Islands National Park, then on to Knuckle Reef, acclaimed as the
islands, or base yourself at a range of mainland, seaside towns on the Queensland coast and take
day trips. Dive sites are dotted up and down the reef, and it's easy to charter a boat for a day or a
longer dive trip, suiting beginners, intermediate or advanced divers.
If diving is your passion, then this is your paradise. The Great Barrier Reef is a diver’s Mecca. If
snorkeling is more your style, then the warm shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef in the
Whitsundays provide some of the most colorful fish and coral formations anywhere in the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Anyhow, we hopped onto “Seaflight”, our cruise vessel which is a state-of-the-art 37-meter
wavepiercer, fitted with a computerized stabilizer system which reduces motion sickness by 70%,
giving you the most comfortable two-hour journey to the outer reef. The cruise vessel has spacious
air-conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks and two bars serving refreshments. Mind you, all
that sea air made me hungry! Throughout the day, we were fed with morning and afternoon coffee/tea
and snacks, and a sumptuous buffet lunch prepared by their chef onboard. We cruised through the
beautiful Whitsunday Islands National Park, then on to Knuckle Reef, acclaimed as the