The Tour Specialists Blog

3.30am I woke to the sound of my alarm going off very early wake up but there is no time for the snooze button this morning I was about to embark on the most amazing scenic flight & I was excited.

At 4.30am my transfer arrived at The lakes Resort Cairns. I was very warmly welcomed at such an early hour and there I was on my way to through Kuranda, The Tablelands & onto Mareeba. Along the way your driver will provide commentary which is very interesting and informative. Once we arrived in Mareeba the bus driver made a brief restroom stop before heading onto the launch site they decide on.

The way the pilots decide on the launch location is they blow up a helium balloon and let it go and see what direction the wind is blowing. Once the pilots are happy with the launch location they start preparing the balloon to watch this is fantastic. The actual basket holds up to 24 passengers and is extremely comfortable with cushioned velvet covering on the insides of the basket. Hot Air own the largest balloon in Australia. I was on the 2^nd flight so I was able to watch the 1^st flight take off it is such a smooth take off.

Once the 1^st flight is well and truly up & away the balloon chase starts for the people on the 2^nd flight. The pilot keeps in radio contact with the bus driver as hot air balloons don’t have any steering wheels so which paddock they land in is not known. It’s quite possible you will end up at about 3 different landing locations but have no luck. This makes your waiting time pass quicker it’s lots of fun.

At around 7.30am it was my time to board the basket. Now ladies I would highly recommend not wearing a skirt as you have to physically climb up and over the basket. Once everyone is in position in the basket the pilot goes through a safety & instruction tuition. Then it’s time for the photographer to take a happy snap before you take off. The take off is so gentle that if your not looking you wouldn’t even realize you have taken off. During the flight the pilot will give some very interesting facts about the balloon & commentary along the ride.

I was lucky enough to have the most breathtaking view a thick blanket of fog over the valley with the mountain peaks just popping out then the sun rising with blue sky it was the most amazing thing I have seen. You really feel like you are floating. During your 30 minute flight you will be able to capture the most unbelievable pictures and if your lucky enough you will spot kangaroos & horses roaming around the bush. The flight is so relaxing & a great way to start your morning off. As your decent starts the pilot runs through the landing position once again and tells you to enjoy the last minutes of your flight. When the pilot says landing positions it’s time to hold on and get in your brace position as you touch down you may hit the ground a bit rough and bounce a few times before you come to a hault. I had a smooth landing luckily.

When your safe & sound back on the ground it’s time to help pack up the balloon. This is a great activity as it gets all the passengers involved & it’s lots of fun. Once the balloon is all packed up it’s time to board the bus and off to breakfast. Breakfast is at Ringers Rest a beautiful ranch on the outskirts of Mareeba. Delicious buffet style food is what you can expect to be eating from cereals, fresh local fruits, hot bacon & eggs including international cusine, fresh pastries, juices, tea & coffee & a glass of Champagne to celebrate everyone is catered for.

After breakfast has finished the morning comes to end & all passengers are transferred to either their hotels or even airport drops off can be pre arranged.

This tour suits anybody it is a wonderful experience from young to old everyone will be amazed by hot air ballooning. For those wanting to celebrate a special occasion what better way than a Hot Air Balloon flight with HOT AIR BALLOONING.

By Alisha Bardsley

On arrival at Marina Mirage Port Douglas passengers are assured a smooth check in at the Quicksilver shop once checked in passengers receive their boarding passes and are directed to the cruise vessel. Once on board the vessel passengers can help themselves to morning tea including coffee, tea, sweet biscuits & muffins. Available for purchase are motion sickness tablets crew point this out over a loud speaker stating that now is the time to purchase those if you do not travel well with departure time only half an hour away also is made up ready to go Red Cordial this helps with nausea. In this time a safety briefing is on display by the crew of what is expected of you in the unlikely event of an emergency.

At 10.00am we set sail out to the Agincourt Ribbon Reef just off the continental shelf roughly about a 90 minute journey throughout this time any passengers wishing to participate in any diving activities (introductory, cert) helmet walks or helicopter flights whilst out on the reef are given thorough tuitions and briefings. I had the opportunity to take part in an intro dive. Nick my dive instructor went through all the signals I needed to know whilst I was underwater, to ensure if at any stage I was having trouble with my dive I could communicate correctly with him. You are handed a medical sheet which must be read & signed as some medical conditions can prevent you from diving.

During these discussions you are given a time and location of where your activity will take place. Also

For those passengers just wishing to snorkel a full tuition takes place on the 2^nd Deck weather you are experienced or a 1^st time snorkeller it is visible that you listen in as every reef throughout the world has different rules & regulations which must be abided by & the crew are there to make your journey as safe & enjoyable as possible. The crew explains how to use the snorkel equipment, as for some people it can take some getting used to. Also you are advised on what to do if you are stung by the marine stingers or if you cut yourself on the coral. Stinger suits are highly recommended as they can still be present in the water in non stinger season & not only do they protect you from nasty stings but they protect you from the sun.

Quicksilver operate on a pontoon so this is perfect for travelers wanting to experience our magnificent reef without getting their feet wet. From semi submersible tours running every 15 minutes they are able to see the beautiful marine life that divers & snorkelers are seeing. Passengers can ride as many times as they wish as this activity is included in the cost. There is an on duty lifeguard watching over you whilst swimming out on the reef.  

Lunch is served on the pontoon which is great as you have a 360 degree view of the ocean and what better way to dine. Lunch is buffet style consisting of fresh salads, cold meats, prawns, bread rolls, hot dishes & fresh fruit. For those who are still hungry after their 1^st serve don’t worry about going for 2nds as there is plenty of food. There is also a licensed bar on board for those who wish to purchase soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, chips & chocolate bars. Free water, tea & coffee are readily available.

The marine & aquatic life is absolutely stunning. What you can expect to see out on the reef are a large range of tropical fish displaying magnificent colors, amazing coral, turtles, reef tip sharks, Maori Wrasse, sea cucumbers & any other surprise sightings you may encounter.

Overall time out on the reef is around 3 hours 30 mins so you have plenty of time for all of your activities. When departure time is nearing a very loud horn is blown to attract the swimmers attention so they know to make their way back to the pontoon and start boarding the vessel for departure.

Afternoon tea is served on board being fresh fruit, cheese & crackers, tea & coffee. A final head count is conducted once the numbers are correct and the final departure clearance is ready its time to head back to Port Douglas as your wonderful day comes to an end. On the sail home you will be able to view photos & video footage of your amazing day spent out on the reef. These are available for purchase it is not everyday you make a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef so be able to take something home and share with your family & friends is a must. A final announcement is made about 30 mins off docking for all passengers to finalize their accounts.

Quicksilver is suited for any traveler. From coach transfers to vessel to crew you are guaranteed to have an outstanding day.

**Special mention to Alicia Quinn Sales Executive from Quicksilver she was fantastic always making sure we were enjoying our day also was very informative she certainly knew her product***

Quicksilver Is The Great Barrier Reef

By Alisha Bardsley

Kuranda is a beautiful little tourist Mecca hidden in the hills above Cairns. Many little shops and cafes line the streets along with several wildlife exhibits. There are two options for travelling up and down the mountain, which are the Scenic Railway and the Skyrail. The scenic rail will take you to or from Kuranda on a gorgeous winding track. This is the railway that was built allowing Cairns to become the true city centre back in the 1930’s. This entire track is truly a marvellous feet of engineering as it was built completely by hand by thousands of men. Many lives were lost through the construction process. It is an absolute pleasure being able to experience the railway seventy years after its construction started. The views experienced from the railcars are truly photograph worthy. You will stop on the way to Kuranda to look over the Barron Falls, which is a very impressive site itself.

The skyrail on the other hand allows you to gently glide over the rainforest and trees.  You will see many birds, animals and exotic plants/trees below so keep your eyes peeled.  You’ll get the chance to stop twice to capture breathtaking pictures of amazing views of the rainforest and waterfalls.  Don’t forget to also make a stop at the CSIRO interpretive center on one of the stops to read up and learn about many of the things you are seeing at these unique lookouts. 

Once in Kuranda you have time to go on your own and look around. It is advisable that you book Birdworld, Koala gardens and Butterfly Sanctuary before hand as it will fill the day up nicely and also save you a fair bit of money. There are many nice shops as well as places to eat along the streets of Kuranda. This is a great place to buy a didgeredoo, so take home a piece of Queensland.

Birdworld is a really neat way to see a large variety of birds within a small enclosure. These birds are so used to being fed that they will sit on your shoulders, head, or even in your hands. Be sure to buy a bag of food for two dollars before starting your tour.

To see some of natures most colourful specimens be sure to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary while in Kuranda. This beautiful enclosure boasts thousands butterflies with countless species. Get a picture of the Giant Moth it is shocking to see the size. There is a lab on sight that is responsible for the ongoing reproduction of the many varieties of butterflies. There is also a seminar explaining facts about these winged wonders. Make sure that you have at least thirty minutes to move through this wonderful exhibit.

Koala Gardens will certainly be the family favourite. The Koalas are adorable and have an extremely strong aroma of eucalyptus; you can tell at first glance they are very lazy. Koalas always look like they just woke up as they do sleep approximately eighteen hours per day.  Here one has the opportunity to cuddle a Koala, don’t miss this chance, as it will be very memorable. The staff will take a picture of your new experience with a frame to hold the memory. Find out more about this tour

By: Blythe Rallo

The Cairns Tropical Zoo is an excellent spot to take the family during the day but an even better spot in the evening. An indoor country setting is where the evening starts off around a beautifully prepared buffet. The selection for dinner as well as dessert is excellent to say the least. To go along with the nice buffet is a complimentary beverage service that runs all through the evening.

After dinner it is off to do a tour of the Zoo. The twist is it will all be done by flashlight only. First you will be given one of the only chances you will ever have to cuddle a live Koala bear. Photographs are offered with the Koala for a nominal fee of fifteen dollars. This money goes towards keeping a natural environment for these cute bears and making sure they have eucalyptus leaves to eat. The next stop is to see several of Australia’s large snakes. These are relatively docile and will not harm anyone. You will even be given the opportunity to touch the smooth skin of the snake. Next a demonstration was given by a local barn owl around a covered stage. Here a lesson on the cane toad was given explaining how it has become one of Australia’s largest wildlife issues. This toad exudes a venom when attacked that could kill a human being and pretty well any animal it were to come in contact with. This toad was brought to solve the insect problem when growing sugar cane however the insects were at the top of the cane plant not down around the ground. The cane toad had perfect conditions to multiply especially the fact that it had no natural predators.

Crocodiles of four to five metres will be seen at the next spot so be sure to watch your step. Here your guide will take the time to feed these enormous creatures. You will see the crocodiles lunge out of the water catapulting themselves from the surface to three or four feet out of the water. There is a railing about ten feet up that one of the crocodiles has been able to jump up to in the past. This is generally only known to happen during the summer months.

Once through the crocodile exhibit it is on to the campfire for some Billy tea. Here there are many kangaroos just hanging around waiting for their nightly feeding. Everyone gets to feed the kangaroos and also will receive some bush dessert. Kangaroos are really docile and seem to crave attention like common household pets.

Just after the Kangaroo campfire you will be taken back to a covered patio area where some dancing and singing will take place to round off the evening. Complimentary beverage service continues through the end of the festivities. A fun and amusing selection of songs will be sung. This is sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages. After the music and dancing have finished you will be shown out via the gift shop, where many cute gifts and reminders of your fun filled evening can be purchased.

The employees of the Cairns Night Zoo are extremely accommodating and will make sure that everyone has an especially memorable time. This tour has no age restriction and is sure to be a family favourite. Book dinner and a tour at the Cairns Night Zoo for an excellent experience to take home.

Find out More About This Tour

By: Blythe Rallo

The check in at the reef fleet terminal was hassle free. The journey out to Green Island is about an hour. This time passes very quickly as the scenery is beautiful and there is more than enough going on onboard. The ride is so smooth that you’ll hardly feel a thing. You will be informed about the different types of coral and also the species of fish that may be seen over the course of the day. If you are scuba diving or helmet diving you will be given instructions and safety tips once on the island.

Upon arrival at Green Island there are many things to do so make sure you leave time to get to everything. A gorgeous buffet lunch is served starting at eleven thirty, be sure not to miss it as it finishes at 1.00 pm. Green Island is an absolutely brilliant showcase for aquatic life. There is a beautiful resort on the island accompanied by all the activities one could wish to do. There is scuba diving, helmet diving, semi submarine, glass bottom boat, snorkelling, shopping and a pool area to just laze about. One of the diving options should be utilized, as these are the two best ways to see the underwater world, which only the Great Barrier Reef could allow. The island is relatively small and can easily be walked around for those wanting a romantic stroll with their sweetheart. At low tide much of the area that’s close to shore are exposed which means if you are snorkelling you can go out for the better part of a kilometre.

The glass bottomed boat ride is about twenty minutes or so and gives one a terrific idea about the diversity of life around and in the reef. The fish feedings that go on onboard attract all kinds of different species. Make sure your camera is ready because there are many great photo opportunities. The captain is informative and will point out and name the types of coral and fish as you cruise over the ocean floor just above the reef.
The semi-submarine is a fun ride as well showing you many of the same fish seen from the glass bottom boat. The perspective is totally different as you are floating alongside the fish. If you have decided to skip scuba diving and helmet diving make sure that you take both boat tours as they are both great ways to see the reef and surrounding ocean life without getting your hair wet.

Snorkelling around Green Island is an excellent way to see the fish and other creatures of the reef. The shallow waters that surround the island make snorkelling a good idea even for the most novices of swimmers. As you get off the Big Cat and walk onto the jetty the best area to snorkel is immediately on your right. Here you may even have the chance of seeing a small shark. Nothing that could really harm anyone, so don’t be shy dive right in. Just off the lifeguard patrolled area is also a pretty good spot to see small fish and underwater life. In low tide this area ok but you will need to go out from the beach quite a long way to see bigger fish and more diversity of creatures.

Helmet diving from the pontoon platform out in the water was a fascinating experience to say the least. Underwater about fifteen feet or so there is an abundance of aquatic life for the enthusiasts. Here you get the chance to wander along the ocean floor while still breathing normally. Be sure not to lean over or you will cop a face full of water. Keep your back straight and you will have no worries. You may even get the opportunity to touch some live coral or sea creature and maybe a suckerfish will glide past to touch. You move about with relative freedom guided by your experienced dive instructor. This is your chance to bring a bit of the reef home with you. A photographer will be among the group snapping shots while the fish are swimming amongst you. Scuba diving is similar but different at the same time. Experienced swimmers are required for scuba diving and the instruction process is a bit more intense. You are less restricted for space while scuba diving as opposed to helmet diving staying in a small area. Much of the same things will be seen while doing both types of diving so if you are a poor swimmer and don’t want to get your hair wet do the helmet dive. For the most complete experience be sure to sign up for your first dive or even for certified dives. The fish are exciting to see in action especially when it is feeding time. Enjoy a Green Island diving experience and you won’t be disappointed.

There are many exciting activities to do while on Green Island. Be sure to do as much as possible as this will certainly make for the most well rounded experience. The boat ride back will be a very relaxing well-deserved break from the fun filled day you have just had with Big Cat Green Islands Cruises. For further information Big Cat

Blythe - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

Everything about this tour was just too easy! Pick up and drop off right to the front step of your hotel. The guide will prepare you for your day or afternoon of rafting while giving you a bit of a tour on the way to the Barron River. The afternoon tour was excellent because it only took about four and a half hours out of the day from start to finish.

Once at the river you will be given the appropriate gear for the trip downstream including shoes, a helmet and paddle. Make sure that you are wearing clothes you are prepared to get wet, preferably a bathing suit if you take the opportunity given to go for a swim. After a few simple instructions and rules to go by your rafting adventure starts before you know it. The Barron River is not a violent one but still has grade three rapids in a couple of spots. This is definitely the spot try white water rafting for the first time. The scenery is terrific so take some time to marvel at nature’s beauty. If you are an experienced rafter this will still be an enjoyable trip to see one of Queensland’s treasures. The river has a dam that releases water gradually to create a smooth ride. There are many twists and turns and quite a few drops in the river along the way. A photographer takes pictures at several points down he river so be sure to have a look at yours. These are done while you are going over the most impressive of drops.

The instructors are very knowledgeable and experienced so everyone is in great hands. It takes about an hour to get down to the bottom of the river from start to finish so it is quite an intense experience. The guides made the experience really easy and took any of the stress away that you could have in the onset. This is a tour that is suitable for just about anyone from kids to seniors. It is still thrilling enough for the adrenaline junkies especially if they have not rafted before.

Once the rapids are done there is a short paddle to the exit point where you will catch back up with your bus. I absolutely loved this tour because it was not a long day and the value was exceptional. The staff were full of laughs and made the day so much fun. This is definitely a tour that everyone should try even if you are a little faint at heart don’t let that stand in your way. For more information please visit Foaming Fury

Blythe - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

unlover Great Barrier Reef Cruise

The Sunlover Great Barrier Reef Cruise to the Moore Reef was a top-notch tour that goes highly recommended. It starts with a smooth check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal, followed by a photo opportunity before boarding. It’s then about an hour and fifteen minutes to get out to the reef from the terminal. This is a beautiful cruise up the coastline and making a stop at Fitzroy Island. Upon departure people are free to walk around and visit the booths offering different activities for your exciting day on the pontoon. Guided snorkelling, scuba diving, helmet diving, the underwater theatre, and the touch tank offer more than enough action for the day. For the adventurous spirit helicopter flights over the reef and the pontoon area offer the best view of the Moore Reef.
Upon arrival at the pontoon the staffs gets the lunch buffet set-up while you have a chance to stretch your legs and wonder around. The lunch selection is delicious and also had some really nice fresh fruit. The diversity of aquatic life is remarkable, from the different types of coral to the multiple varieties of fish. This is certainly the most cost effective way to see and be part of the reef experience. In order to get more information about the aquatic life at the tips of your finger a guided snorkel safari would be a fabulous idea. The touch tank gives all passengers a chance to hold a little part of the Great Barrier Reef in the palm of their hands. This is an awesome experience for younger kids. There is also a kid’s pool on board which gives the young ones a chance to swim with the fish in a comfortable enclosed cage off the side of the pontoon.

Seawalker Platform Helmet Dive is a fascinating way to experience the reef on a very personal level. It feels kind of like time slows down a bit when you are walking the platform under the pontoon. The colours and beauty of the reef underwater make this a special moment to remember. Fish swim all around you as your experienced guide feeds them and makes you comfortable. You will even get a chance to touch a couple of the fish including the Hump Headed Maori Wrasse. The photo opportunities that are presented with this experience are tremendous. With a C.D. of all your pictures available on board do not miss out on the chance to bring a bit of the reef home with you.

If you have never scuba dived before, today is the day to learn with Sunlover Cruises. With one of the most beautiful Seven Wonders of the World under your feet get out there and explore. The certified well-informed dive staff will be delighted to show you all the wonders Moore Reef has to offer. Seeing a turtle or the Hump Headed Maori Wrasse up close and personal will put a smile on anyone’s face. The colourful majestic coral sways back and forth with ease and grace. Diving for the first time in this amazing setting will certainly be something one would never forget. While underwater many pictures will be taken with the aquatic life all around. Be sure to bring home a snapshot of your truly unique experience.

Flying over the Reef and seeing the stunning site of this natural wonder is the best way to put into perspective its true beauty and magnitude. Your pilot in the helicopter gives a great tutorial of the Moore Reef. Now is your chance for the truly postcard worthy photos of the Great Barrier Reef. It is the most spectacular yet relaxing flight one will have the opportunity of flying. Taking a flight over the Reef is something you may have only one chance of ever doing, so why not treat yourself to a flight of a lifetime? Be sure to share this experience with someone close as it will leave you feeling just that much more special about your day on the Moore Reef

In order for your day to be jam packed with excitement and memories to last a lifetime consult with your booking agent to ensure the package of activities suites you. It is recommended that everyone do at least one type of diving to see the underwater spectacle which is the Moore Reef. Don’t miss the chance of taking photos home with you of your spectacular day. Memorabilia’s for the day can be bought on board the ship as well as a cold beer or bubbly to finish off the busy afternoon.

The Staff at Sunlover will be sure to facilitate everyone’s special day to ensure one maximizes all their time. Great customer service with a friendly approach is what can be expected from Sunlover. The cruise back to the terminal is the perfect wind down to an action packed day at the Reef. It is a great feeling to come back to the terminal knowing you saw all there was to see of the Moore Reef. After all why else come all this way to regret not going on your first scuba or helmet dive. Sign up with Sunlover and you will be sure to have a Reef experience to tell your friends and family about for years to come. For more information please visit Sunlover
Blythe - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

The drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation takes you up past the northern beaches, through Port Douglas on to Mossman and then Cape Tribulation. It is a journey riddled with beautiful scenery and with a great guide - exciting trivia. An educated tour guides such as those with Trek North will provide a friendly atmosphere filled with education and probably a laugh or two along the way.

In Port Douglas the main beach is called four mile beach and was used as an airstrip during the second war. Port Douglas is also home to a beautiful church with panoramic views of the sea. St Mary’s by the Sea has been one of the busiest locations for weddings throughout all of Australia doing about four hundred weddings annually. Over the years Port Douglas has grown in population during the gold rush and has also seen dramatic population decreases. Cairn’s was named the areas city centre for the building of the railway, which attracted people in droves. Port Douglas needed to reinvent itself in order to become a successful small economy and what better way to do this than through the travel and tourism sector. The Mirage resort was built in hope of redefining the image of Port Douglas. This proved to be an effective move for the struggling local economy creating many jobs and helping put Port Douglas back on the map. For the Mirage1300 African oil Palms were imported and planted around the area. Today many plants go through chemicals extraction for medical purposes. Sadly the rainforests around the area have seen more damage through the last one hundred thirty years than the entire ice age.

The drive up to Mossman Gorge is beautiful! Stunning views of the gorge create a terrific photo opportunity. Hugh Mossman was the first man to capitalize on the rich mineral wealth of the area. His part in creating the gold rush allowed for the town to be soon after named Mossman. It is quite different then Port Douglas in fact opposite. Everyone that lives in Mossman is working in the agricultural sector and therefore local, tourism in Mossman is minimal.

Richard Daintree was an assistant geologist and photographer in the late 1860’s who moved to Queensland. He became the first ever government appointed geologist. Richard was also the Agent General for Queensland in London when dying in his late 40’s. Richard Daintree never saw the Daintree River in his life but would have marvelled at its beauty. The Daintree River holds a plethora of marine life and is an aquatic haven for many. Crocodiles, snakes, many varieties of fish, and turtles can be found throughout the river. Mangroves provide a brilliant layer of protection for juvenile marine life and sure are a key component to the success of the ecosystem. The river and surrounding areas receive anywhere between four and six meters of rain annually. Just to sustain a rainforest you need about two meters of rain yearly.

Our tour guide took us to a swimming hole with crystal clear waters to enjoy while they prepared a beautiful lunch. At Cooper Creek you will have a chance to feed some of the ponds local fish and if you are lucky you may see a turtle. Just before lunch you will have an opportunity to stroll through the butterfly and insect museum. Hopefully you are not squeamish because there are many very large bugs.
The Daintree Rainforest walk is done through the forest on a boardwalk that has been positioned around the tree. Your guide will be extremely knowledgeable about the different species of trees and ferns. Sixty percent of the trees, ferns, butterflies and bats in Australia live in the Rainforests. Ninety thousand hectares of forest are protected which only represents about .3% of Australia’s land mass. There are 174 World Heritage protected sites in the world. The Great Barrier Reef and the Rainforests are two. Only 19 of these world heritage sites meet all four criteria. They only need to meet one criteria but the Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet all four.

Cape Tribulation is a gorgeous beach and surrounding area. Accessible by one road only which was built in 1963 Cape Tribulation remains a spectacle today. When Captain Cook came to the cape he was stranded offshore on the top of pat of the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef was named a world heritage site in 1981. Cape Tribulation is the only area in the world where two world heritage sites meet. The rainforest extends down all the way to where the reef starts. The cape was named tribulation due to Cook’s problems, which seemed to start at the cape. He was land locked for one of the longest times ever while travelling the open waters. The Endeavour River and reef were named after Cook’s ship. It wasn’t until 1932 that people started living in the cape, today there are about 100 permanent residents. In 1989 Cape Tribulation finally received telephone services, talk about being behind the times.

The Mosman Gorge, Daintree River and Cape Tribulation are three exciting places to visit while in the Cairns and surrounding areas. If it is interesting factoids and beautiful scenery that you are after then this is definitely the day trip for you and your family.
For more information on this tour please visit Trek North
Blythe-The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

Low Isles
Quicksilver is celebrating 30 years of cruising to Low Isles.  There sailing catamaran Wavedancer sets sail daily to Low Isles.

In June 2008 Low Isles was registered in the Commonwealth Heritage List.

Low Isles is the perfect place to partake in Reef activities.  It’s a fantastic place to snorkel and most often a turtle or two are spotted whilst out snorkelling. 

Whales Whales Whales

Quicksilver have reported on more whale sightings.  This encounter took place when a small group of snorkellers on a guided snorkel tour were exploring the reef wall with marine biologists Erica Larsen.  The group heard a series of click, squeals and deep moans- the song of the humpback whales.

But no whales were sighted so the group went on with there tour suddenly Erica pointed out to and 3 large dark masses began to take shape they were not humpbacks but a small pod of Minke Whales, the cousin of the humpback. For more information on Quicksilver

Poseidon is one of only three day boats that have a permit to actually allow passenger to swim with the Minke whales.  Minke Whales are very friendly and curious creatures who love to interact.  Once the Minke’s are sighted Poseidon send out a floating line that they send groups of 10 snorkellers out on.  This enables the whales to swim close to the snorkellers and gives both you and the whale a chance to check each other out!

On Monday there where two Minke Whales who passed within metres of the snorkellers.  The typical behaviour was displayed such as bubble blowing through there blowholes and showing there white belly – a sign they would like to mate.
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The passengers who remained on deck still got to witness this magnificent display.  Poseidon did advise that even though it was an overcast day the clarity of the water was amazing with 25 -30 meters visibility.  (Having worked on the Tour Desk for a number of years this is something guests always think – if the sky is overcast they will not see the reef). 

During early July until late September there are also regular sightings of the Humpback Whale and this is another unique experience. These big guys really put on a show of tail waving, fin slapping and of course breaching.

So as they say what are you waiting for book today as you will not want to miss out on this incredible once in a lifetime experience. For a full details report on the days activities please visit Poseidon

After a lovely sleep in till around 9.00 am, I awoke to the sun shining and the birds chirping this is when I knew I was going to be in for a really special day.  Today I was going out on Shaolin which is an authentic Chinese Junk that travels out to the stunning Low Isles. Low Isles has always been my favourite island on the Great Barrier Reef but to actually travel out on a Chinese Junk was going to make this trip more memorable.

After a 40 minute trip we arrived in Port Douglas.  The trip up the Captain Cook Hwy hugs the coastline and the view was incredible as the Coral Sea was totally flat it was like looking at a pain of glass. 

On arrival in Port Douglas we made our way to the boat where we were warmly greeted.  A morning tea of biscuits tea and coffee were served before going through the safety briefing.  We were also to learn that we were going to do a cruise by four mile beach, as the annual Beach Day was taking place as a part of the Carnivale celebrations.  Now I understood why we were to be there a bit earlier than usual.

As Shaolin purrs along traveling out of the inlet you soon realize what a true icon of Port Douglas this boat is and how much attention she attract.  Many people along the way stop to grab a snap of this charming vessel sailing past. 

Shaolin only hosts a maximum of 23 guests so this means it’s perfect for those requiring a small number.  Upon arrival at the Low Isles a fantastic buffet lunch is served.  The food was great with tandoori chicken, ham and beef, a selection of salads including a yummy potato salad and some crusty rolls.  After lunch it was time to head out on the glass bottom boat over to the island. 

On arrival at the island it was time for a quick discovery walk around which is around 10 minutes before heading out into the water.  It was extremely low tide which made snorkelling even more interesting as trying to find your way both in and out of the reef was like snorkelling around a maze. 

Again Low Isles did not disappoint as we saw three turtles and one of the biggest clam shells I have ever seen.  There was also a few black tipped reef sharks cruising around and enjoy the low tides as this of course means it is perfect conditions for the sharks to feed on fish, something I had never seen before!

After snorkelling I decided to grab my book and chill for awhile along the white sandy beach under the Palm trees soon I was drifting off to sleep.  One of the great things is when you first arrive at Low Isles there are a few people around from the Wavedancer boat but  before long they have packed up and gone giving you the island to just you and the other guests on Shaolin!

For those who are not such experienced snorkellers there is also a snorkel tour and a glass bottom boat tour. 

After a few hours discovering the reef it was then time for out trip home.  Again on getting back to the boat afternoon tea of cakes and fruit platters were awaiting us.  After all the snorkelling this was greatly appreciated.  On the way back home most people choose to either sit back and watched the sunset, have a snooze or listened to the music as we sailed back to Port Douglas.  This trip was a lovely relaxed day and perfect for those who enjoy getting up at a leisurely time.

The perfect way to either end or start the evening is by discovering Cairns at Night and there is no better way than cruising with Ocean Spirit on the Dinner Cruise.  The Ocean Spirit Dinner Cruise is held on a luxury sailing Catamaran that travels up and down the inlet of Cairns.  On arrival your hosts for the evening will warmly greet you with a glass of sparkling before you are escorted to your table.  Once on board and settled it is not long until the award winning 4 course hot and cold buffet including seafood is ready for your indulgence!  I have been on board and I must say the food is excellent and features some of the regions best produce, prawns that make your mouth water, oysters, and for those non seafood lovers there are two types of roast meats with all the trimmings, salads, vegetables and that’s all before the amazing selection of desserts.  The cruise runs for two and half hours and also includes live entertainment.  One of the highlights of the evening is to stroll along he decks and take in the lights of Cairns under the Stars!

This month the Dinner Cruise is on SALE!!!  2 for $140.00 this is fantastic value for money and is a saving of $38.00 per couple

It is that time once again that the waters of the Far North are full of plankton and the big fish are going crazy this also means that the whales will be here very soon. 

The Dwarf Minke whales are usually encountered from May to September and the Humpback whales appear from July to September. 

The most popular sighting is that of a rare albino whale named Migaloo.  Migaloo is usually sighted in June.

People come from near and far to book on the few boats that have been awarded one of the few permits to actually swim with the Dwarf Minke whales if they are sighted.

As a local I would suggest that you book early as there are only a handful of boats with these special permits and during this time of year they are very popular!!!  So book now don’t delay.

Check our website www.thetourspecialists.com for tours to the reef.

If you are looking for a great Aussie night out then the Cairns Night Zoo is for you!  Last night I got to experience this wonderful night activity.  On arrival at 7.00 pm we were warmly greeted with a choice of beer wine or soft drink and then sat down to an Aussie BBQ.  The choice was great steak, sausages, chicken and fish plus a variety of sales and delicious desserts, which made the lady sitting opposite me very happy to find out pavlova was on the deserts menu!    The food was fantastic with plenty of variety and plenty of it!

Whilst you are finishing desert a resident musician strums up a few tunes to get you in the mood.  After dinner our guide called us all up to gather a torch for a spotlighting tour through the zoo.  As we are starting off on our adventure you can here a few of the animals calling.  Our first stop was to sit down and learn about the cane toad and what a nuisance they have become.  Next out comes Dusk who is a beautiful white owl. She delighted the audience as she flew over our heads!

We were then off to the Koala enclosure and if you are lucky to visit the zoo on a Tuesday or Thursday night you can have your photo taken holding a Koala (for a small fee).  I of course could not give up this opportunity.

After the koalas it was then time to visit the not so cute and friendly a chance to touch a snake then watch the crocodiles get a feed.  As much as I have seen a few crocs they still fascinate me as to how prehistoric they are. 

We were then off to meet up with the swaggie in the kangaroo enclosure for a spot of Billy Tea and Damper by the campfire.

After the tour it was then back to the deck to have another drink and enjoy a bush dance or two.  Old favourites such as the Hockey Pockey with and animal twist!
 
This is a great night out for families and for people from overseas and for anyone who just loves animals and a bit of fun!

Tammy - The Tour Specialists Novotel Palm Cove

Once again the annual Port Douglas Carnivale is on.  This years the 10 day event will commence from 22 May to 31 May and the Carnivale is now in it’s 17th year.  The theme for the Carnivale this year is “Icons of Port Douglas”.  The Carnivale is a fantastic event that attracts people from all over Australia and the World who want to get down and party with the locals!

This year once again promises all those gourmet food events. Sheraton Mirage longest lunch, Quicksilver Food Wine and a Taste of Port, or watch the chefs compete in the James Squire Gourmet Gladiators.  There are also a number of sporting events such as golf challenge, the AME Carnivale Bull Ride and the Audi Cairns Clipper Cup sailing regatta.

The first day of the Carnivale is one for the family with one of the highlights of the programme – The Macrossan Street Parade. Watch as the main street of Port Douglas is closed off for a procession of floats followed by fireworks.

Accommodation over this time can be very busy I would suggest you book without delay.  Check out our great rates: http://www.thetourspecialists.com/accommodation-portdouglas.html

I was very excited about going out to Chillagoe as I had heard so many stories about how fantastic the caves are and this was going to be un-chartered territory for me.

We meet our guide for the day Chocco at 7.15 am and after a brief introduction to our other fellow travelers we headed up the Kuranda range to Mareeba.  Our first stop was the Mareeba wetlands, where we enjoyed a morning tea stop and a twenty minute cruise on the quiet electric boat on one of the 8 lagoons situated on this 2,000 hectare property.
The view from the deck is just amazing and instantly had a calming effect as this is such a tranquil setting.  This area is home to a fast array of wildlife and tropical water birds.  The pink water lilies were just stunning and you could only imagine what the area would look like when they were all in bloom!

After the wetland it was time to start making our way to Chillagoe.  On the drive Chocco spotted some eagles on the road feeding on a dead wallaby.  Chocco was great telling us the history of the area and about the blink your eye and miss little towns we traveled through.  We stopped off for a brief leg stretch at the historic pub with no beer.  On arrival at Chillagoe we put our lunch orders in which were a choice of hamburger, fish chips & salad and a vegetarian option.  As we were all pretty hungry all of us went the fish chips & salad option as we were told this was the biggest meal!  So with that thought in our head it was off to the historic copper smelters.  The smelters were opened in 1901 and at there peak they employed over 1000 men who extracted gold, silver, copper and lead.  The remains of the old chimney are quite a prominent landmark and can be seen for quite a few kilometers away.

It was then time for lunch at the Chillagoe Pub which was fresh and delicious at first sight I though how could I eat all this, but the country air had stirred up an appetite.
After lunch we departed for the Chillagoe Caves, we were to view the Trezkinn Caves as due to it being the wet season quite a few of the caves where under water.  So up we walked the steel catwalk to the entrance to the caves then down we went into the caves.  On entering the Caves we were welcomed by a much cooler climate.  The caves are lit by electricity and lights have been strategically place to highlight these limestone wonders. 
They were fascinating and it was like being in a lost world.  It was so incredible to find out that they only grow a couple of centimeters per 100 years.  This of course meant the formations were millions of years old.  The highlight in this particular cave is the Chandelier formation which is an amazing cluster of stalacities.

After the cave it was back off to Mareeba which is about 141 kms a perfect time for all to have a little snooze.  Our final stop is The Australian Coffee Centre –Skybury time for a caffeine fix.  Skybury is just stunning and is the perfect place for an afternoon tea stop on the deck.  I would suggest the Scones, jam and cream –yummy!

This was a fantastic day and a true outback experience for those wanting something a bit different.   I would like to thank Chocco for providing us with a few laughs along the way!!

he current weather conditions in Far North Queensland are just perfect. All though the weather forecast is saying shower, showers, showers from my current location……sitting on Palm Cove Beach the weather is far from this. I would like to say today it’s picture perfect a flat sea of only around 5 knots and sunny, sunny sunny! So don’t delay come on up and say hello we would love to see you pop in and say hello!
No floods, no famine its all wrong!

A great place to visit while you are visiting Cairns is Tjapukai; this is an aboriginal cultural Park.  So if it is all things aboriginal that you want to know about then Tjapukai is the place to go.
Everything thing from boomerang throwing to learning about bush foods and medicines is on offer at Tjapukai.   Come and learn the history of the Tjapukai people and share in there delightful dreamtime stories. 

Tjapukai offers both day time and night time activities.  The night time events are a little different to the day time.  As the night is an evening of cultural dance with a sensational dinner buffet it is a fantastic night out!

Thanks to Tjapukai I have a little information to provide to you on the various types of Bush Tucker.

A Bush tomato is a small berry that turns brown and is similar to a raisin when dry.  They have a strong pungent flavour and are available dried or ground to a spice.

Finger Lime – this has intense lime flavoured caviar like globules house in a finger like fruit they are available green, pink and red and are great in dressing, desserts or tea.

Lemon Grass – this is an aromatic grass which is native to the tropical region.

Lemon Myrtle – this has strong lemon and live leaves and is commonly used to flavour seafood, white meats and desserts.

Lilly Pilly – is a small red pear shaped fruit which has a spicy flavour and is mostly used in jams and cakes.

Rosella – a bright red fruit of the hibiscus plant.

Wattle seed – this resembles dark brown coffee and has an intense coffee, chocolate hazelnut flavour.

This is only a little bit of the information you will find out a Tjapukai I would suggest that you visit this award winning attraction for yourself!

For more information tjapukai click here

Last Friday I traveled out with Quicksilver to the Outer Barrier Reef and had the most fantastic time.  On waking on Friday morning the weather was looking rather bleak and I was thinking oh no what have I done this is going to be terrible.  But dragging my heels to get ready, by the time I got to Palm Cove the weather was getting better by the minute. 

I met up with my two travel mates for the day Saachi and Hugh at the Villa Paradiso in Palm Cove to travel by the Quicksilver Coach to Port Douglas.  This is an amazing scenic drive with quirky commentary along the way which had us in fits of laughter along the way up to Port Douglas.

On arrival in Port Douglas we checked into the Quicksilver office to obtain our boarding passes, and then off to the boat we went.  The Quicksilver is the largest vessel that travels out to the reef and once on board we were very impressed.  There are plenty of outside seats for the sun bunnies but a word of warning hold on to your hats and sunnies if you do opt to sit outside as it is very windy with the speed of the boat.  We sat inside as living in Far North Queensland we see enough sun plus I did not want Saachi and Hugh’s parents angry at me for getting them sunburnt!

Once on board it was time for refreshments I had a wake up coffee and some biscuits whilst the kids had a soft drink!  It was then off to the Outer Barrier Reef – Agincourt Ribbon Reef.  On the way out you are given information as what to expect from the day and a timetable as to the running of the day….with this in hand we worked out our day and decided to do the semi submarine first … hoping to avoid the numbers later on in the day.  The semi-submarine tour was great and especially good for those who do not want to go in the water but still see the reef.  The tour went for around 25 minutes by this time we were itching to get in the water. We thought it best to have lunch first while we were still dry so off to the buffet we went.  Lunch was a tropical smorgasbord and features a vegetarian curry, beef in honey and soy for hot dishes with rice, prawns, a few different types of salads, chicken, cold meats and a selection of cut fruits. The lunch was a great variety that easily caters for all types of diets!  After lunch we had a quick walk through the underwater observatory we then grabbed the stingers suits and fins and set off to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

The pontoon set up is great for people who are not really experienced in the water as they have roped off sections which you can just pull yourself along or if you are just plain lazy this also works!

You have just over three hours on the reef and there is plenty to do you can opt to just snorkel, do the semi –submersible tour, walk through the underwater observatory or take one of the optional extras which are at additional prices such as Scuba diving or a Scenic Helicopter flight, guided snorkel tour or the Oceanwalker Helmet experience which looked fantastic. This takes place on a reef platform and a big Helmet is placed on your head which air is pumped though so you don’t even get your hair wet.  The people looked like there were walking on the moon being lead down to the platform they are then passed sea cucumbers and various other marine life while the fish are going crazy around them!  It looked really cool and next time I would love to try this,  it is well worth booking in advance because I did notice on board they were fully booked for this activity!

The snorkeling was really good and the kids loved the fish feeding,  Saachi and Hughes favorite was the Hammerhead Maori Wrasse called Jed.  Saachi did a bit of research into this amazing fish and here is what she found out:

The Maori Wrasse is also known as the Humpheaded or Napoleon Wrasse. They can grow so big that they are one of the largest reef fishes in the world and are the largest member of the Wrasse Family Labridae.

The mature adults have thick lips (great for kissing!) and a prominent hump on their forehead. Young Maori Wrasse can be identified by their pale greenish colour and two black lines running behind their eye. 

Maori Wrasse lives a very long time some are known to live for 30 years and take 5-7 years to reach sexual maturity.  The Adult female is pretty cool as she is able to change sex, when a dominant male dies. 

The adult Maori Wrasse likes to hang out alone during the day roaming the reef and returning to caves and ledges to rest at night.

The Maori Wrasse is very friendly and coming up and saying hello to people!

Thanks Saachi for your information.  Well it was soon time to go and off we went to travel back to Port Douglas on the way back they display the photo which were taken from by the professional photographer throughout the day.   A great souvenir!
Well we were all a bit tired on the way back so we settled into to view the photos then watch so lovely footage on the reef.  On arrival back at Port Douglas we were again welcome by our lovely coach driver for our shuttle back to Palm Cove.

What a fantastic day we had!!

Tammy - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

Sunday 25 January, 2009

One of the best things about living in Cairns is the plethora of free activities that are available!  Mostly, visitors to our tropical city aren’t aware of the abundance of inexpensive ways to enjoy Tropical North Queensland, and really need a local’s insight (or the local Tour Specialists insight) to find the free or cheaper activities. 

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to experience the lush rainforests of Tropical North Queensland, why not go for a hike?  Last weekend, a friend of mine and I tackled the Crystal Cascades to Lake Morris (Copperlode Dam) walking track.  This track is only for the seriously fit as it is a very steep 60 minute walk one way. 

We started from Crystal Cascades; a gorgeous freshwater rainforest swimming hole.  The Lake Morris track was easy to find, and we began our ascent into some of the lushest and pristine vine rainforest.  The going is tough at the beginning, featuring steep inclines and narrow paths.  The surrounding wilderness was alive with the unmistakable sounds of cicadas and forest birds. 

The rainforest is dense and thick, creating the impression that you’re in the heart of the Daintree when really your only 25 km from the city of Cairns.  About halfway up the track the forest clears, offering sensational views into a lush rainforest valley.  It was here we took a breather, and appreciated the height of the mountain we were climbing. 

As the summit of the walking track approached, the rainforest merged into Eucalypt forest, a breathtaking transformation that seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.  Without the dense rainforest canopy as protection, my friend and I were both getting seriously heated and were really looking forward to reaching Lake Morris and having a break at Lake Morris Kiosk. 

Finally at the top (it took us a little longer than 60 minutes because we kept stopping to look at butterflies, birds and unique rainforest plants), we walked the small distance along the bitumen road to the kiosk.  Lake Morris (Copperload Dam) is Cairns water supply.  From the kiosk, the views are absolutely gorgeous.  The lake is framed by lush and seemingly endless rainforest.  On the day we went the sky was as blue and clear as the water, a picture-perfect scene that we enjoyed while relaxing in the shade with a cool drink. 

We spent about an hour relaxing in the shade and enjoying the peace and tranquility of Lake Morris before we set off for the return journey.  Going down is always easier that up, and we were back at Crystal Cascades in about 45 minutes.  Crystal Cascades is a sensational swimming hole, well known for its all-year-round icy waters.  Perfect for a refreshing dip after a bushwalk! 

For those that don’t think they can tackle the 2 hour return journey, try one of the shorter (and much easier) Crystal Cascades walks.  The only way out to Crystal Cascades is to self drive, and The Tour Specialists can arrange car hire at reasonable rates.   

My friend and I enjoyed our walk so much we decided the next hill we will tackle will be ‘Walsh’s Pyramid’; a 3 hour return walk up a 922 metre mountain!  Stay tuned! 

Amy Jennings
Editorial Writer
The Tour Specialists