The Tour Specialists Blog

Cooktown is getting ready to celebrate it’s history with the annual Discovery Festival which is to be held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend June 6 - 8.  The Dutch Tall Ship Duyfken will be in town at the wharf.  There will be Tourism expo and a tropical carnivale with rides, games and sideshows. 

This annual event will be opened officially by Federal Minister for Liechhardt Jim Turnour, State Member for Cook Jason O’Brien and Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott.
 
The main event of the festival is the re-enactment of the landing of Lt Cook and the Endeavour Crew.  The first performance of the re-enactment took place 189 years after Cook’s landing this year will the 49th re-enactment.

Events throughout the celebration also include a play called Farewell James My Darling which is an insight to how life was in the early days, live bands a finale fireworks display, billy cart races, belly dancers, fire artists and it promises to be a fun event for all!!

With so much happening this is a great weekend to discover Cooktown!

The famous Food, Wine and a Taste of Port is a sell-out tonight. All of the 2500 tickets were sold well in advance of the event.  The event organisers are holding only 40 more to sell at the gate specifically to tourists.  This event seems to be getting more popular every year!
Carnivale finishes tommorrow with the Seafood Extravanganza on the Marina Mirage Boardwalk on Sunday from 10.00 am till 2.30 pm, yacht racing the Audi Clipper Cup, Art & Craft Display in the Community Hall and a Poker Tournament at the Central Hotel.

 On Saturday 21 June the Sebel Reef House & Spa Palm Cove will host and evening of fine food from France’s Champagne region, accompanied by some of the country’s best champagnes by Mr Frank Wilden the owner of Oyster, a highly rewarded Melbourne restaurant.

The evening will commence with champagne on the magnificent Terrace, situated across from the spectacular palm fringed Palm Cove Beach then proceed with the culinary  delights of chef Phillip Mitchell’s  Taste of Champagne Menu!

This night of indulgence is not to be missed and costs $110.00 per person for dinner and champagne.  A night’s accommodation at the Sebel Reef House & Spa is the perfect companion to make the evening a memorable one.  

Please contact Palm Cove Accommodation 1300 799 004.

Well it started with an email and some how I got roped in hook line and sinker.
But I am very happy that I did.  The day started with the sun shinning and the brightest blue sky I have ever seen.  Tammy and I met Florence at Skydive Cairns (I had to get Tammy to drive, as I was unable to change gears due to legs shaking uncontrollably),
We had to fill out paper work and sign our life away, I couldn’t read as my brain was in over drive the only word I could see was - this is DANGEROUS, but signed anyway knowing these guys were professionals and I trusted them with my life.
After a nervous toilet stop, we were given these funky MC hammer pants to put on, after a little sideways dance and a little of, you cant touch this, our instructors introduced themselves and geared us up with our harnesses.
A quick demonstration on what we have to do getting out of the plane, in flight and when we land and then into the bus we go off to the airport.
There awaits us the Green Machine (our aircraft) again we go through the motions again head back, hips forward, legs back and they show us where we will sit before we jump,  we all climb in, all snug like a bug in a rug.
The plane ride is an experience in itself, this turbine power Cresco had so much power we were up in the air in no time so no backing out now, the nerves were really setting in and I  was feeling very parched.
The view was amazing over looking the Trinity Inlet and the surrounding mountains, poor Tammy had to sit right next to the door therefore constantly reminded of how high we were, I glanced over at her a couple of times and she was the same colour as the plane.
The guys let us know at 9000 feet this is where our shoot will release so only 5000 feet to go, then goggles on, doors open and from here it all went so quick.
Tammy was the first to go, then Florence and then lucky last me.  I can’t really tell you what was going through my mind at the time as I was sitting on the step I imagine it was pure fear (specially when I saw the DVD and the look on my face) but that only lasts for a second once you launch your self out and are freefalling it’s the most amazing feeling I have ever felt, it almost felt surreal.  The panoramic views were awesome; mountains, ocean, and inlets meandering everywhere it does not get any better then this.  The free fall last for a minute so you are falling approximately 100 feet a second, but at the time it feels like you are flying.  Once the parachute goes up it’s a nice peaceful trip down, the instructor loosens you up and as you descend you go through the landing technique, once the formalities are over you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
As you get closer to the ground the instructor tells you when to put your feet up, which is quite hard especially if you’re not very flexible, this is to avoid a bumpy landing.  We landed safe and sound on terra firma, letting the adrenalin rush take hold.
What an amazing experience, defiantly what to do it again!!!!!!

Louise - The Tour Specialists

Everything started with a phone call from Tammy my co-worker at TTS.
She asked me if I tried skydiving before as she would like to give it a go.
I told her that I did it once and it was… Magic!… And that I would be interested to do it again.
I don’t know how (!?!?!) but Louise, another co-worker, ended up as being part of this wonderful experience….
So Tammy, Louise and I met at the Skydive shop at 09.00am last Monday.
It was THE perfect day: No wind, no clouds at all, just perfect.
First we had to fill in a bit of paperwork. My tandem/instructor was Ronnie and he gave me all the instructions on how to become a good skydiver (I wish!). I could already feel the adrenalin and was looking forward to this jump!
Time to get to the airport where our plane (a Turbine powered Cresco: Spacious, fast, custom built) was ready to take off. On board we had: The pilot (of course), 3 crazy girls (us), our 3 tandems/instructors and 3 professional camera crew.
The plane took off and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the city of Cairns, the Rainforest and the Reef, especially Tammy who was sitting next to the exit (How scary is that!!!!)
After 10 minutes we were already reaching 14 000 feet and our jump location.
Go Tammy Go!    I was next and Louise was the last one.
I sat on the exit/stairs of the plane, flashed a big smile to the camerawoman… and off we jumped. The feeling was just amazing, you will only understand when you try it. Not scary at all just the adrenalin pumping.
I felt like a little fish swimming in the air (If you watch the video you will understand what I mean). After the minute freefall Ronnie opened the parachute and we were flying in the sky, it was so peaceful and we enjoyed the views for 5-6 minutes before landing.
After you experienced this kind of feeling/emotions you really are another person.

In my opinion we should go skydiving every morning before work…
 
Tammy, Louise: Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful adventure with me!

And to every person who read this story: You should give it a go; it’s really worth it and not scary at all.
   Florence - The Tour Specialists Hilton

I don’t know if you do but I have a top ten list of things to do before I die!  Skydiving is in my top 5 not that I am thinking of carking it anytime soon!!  So as this thought had been playing on my mind for some time, I decided to take some action!
I asked a couple of my colleagues if they were game and sure enough Florence the daredevil was really keen and with a bit of persuasion Louise also said she would join in.
So last Monday it was off to the Skydive Cairns office at 9.00 am for our briefing. 
 It was then time to fill in some paperwork and be introduced to your tandem master.  The person I was handing my life over to was Max he was great.  He showed me all the moves I needed to make, made sure I had the harness in place then it was off to the General Aviation for our flight. 

In the bus on the way I could really feel my nerves starting to play havoc and my mouth all drying out!!  Lucky at the airport there is a water fountain!

Before I knew it we were onboard the Turbine powered Cresco which looked awesome as it was painted green along with a big mouth that had a tongue hanging out painted on the  front!  Very fitting as I wondered if this is how I would look up in the air, green with my tongue hanging out!  Well I nominated myself to go first so I entered the aircraft last, and had a great view as I was sitting right in front of the door (which is clear) so I could see a fantastic view of the sea then the land.  When we had reached 14 000 ft the door opened this is when I was starting to freak out as I new it now that I had to make the plunge down! 

My cameraman went out first then I placed myself with Max strapped to my back onto the ledge.  All so quickly and in position I was off and away!!!!!  The feeling is pretty indescribable one minute of freefalling down.  My face contortioned, but oh so invigorating.  When the parachute opens it is a big sigh of relief and time to relax and enjoy the view as it takes around five minutes to land.  I managed to land on my feet.
As soon as I landed I would of loved to do it all again as it was such a fantastic experience and not really as scary as I thought!

Being first I got to see my other friends land and run over and greet them, it was then back to the Skydive Cairns office where we go to watch our DVDS and have a laugh.  This was such a fantastic experience and having being able to enjoy it with two great friends made it even more memorable!

Tammy -The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

Undersea Explorer are another excellent operator offering 6 days on the Great Barrier Reef Ribbon Reefs swimming with the magnificent Dwarf Minke Whales!
Most of the activity occurs when guests are out snorkelling and holding onto drift lines attached to the vessel, this ensures the encounters are on the whale’s terms.  Encounters with the whales usually last over an hour (often many hours) with multiple whales!
Onboard these expeditions Undersea Explorer intend to make 2-3 dives per day over the 6 days however these may be reduced to 2 dives due to the interaction with the whales.  (certified divers only).
The Minke Whale Undersea Explorer project is a collaboration between there own scientists, James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical North Queensland.  There will be two leading whale scientists onboard the expeditions providing presentations.
Guests onboard get to all help in identifying individual whales, they are also involved in behavioral observations and take away the fact that they are playing a part in helping to the conservations of these amazing creatures!
Undersea Explorer still has a few (not many!!) spots left so don’t miss out call the tour specialists or email us today phone (07) 4059 2654 or email info@thetourspecialists.com

Yesterday the very lucky guests on board Poseidon actually got to swim with a Dwarf Minke Whale.  Poseidon are one of only 9 boats lucky enough to have a Whale Permit to actually swim with the whales!!!

This inquistive minke kept coming back five times to check out what the lucky guests on board Poseidon were up to!

  Head shot of a Dwarf Minke Whale courtesy of Mike Ball Dive Expeditions.

Once again the Dwarf Minke whales have returned to the Tropical Waters near Cairns.  This very exciting time is a part of the whale’s annual seasonal migration.

Dwarf Minke Whales spend up to 3 to 4 months on the Great Barrier Reef each year.  Mike Ball Dive Expeditions has been the first operator this year to spot the whales back in April.  All on board were treated to the whales display of close passes and roll overs, which is all part of there typical behavior.

Mike Ball has been running Minke Whale expeditions since 1996 to the reefs north of Cooktown.  In conjunction with leading cetacean researchers, government agencies and other operators they have evolved a Swim with the Minke Whale Programme. This programme has minimal impact on the whales and allows them to approach people within the whales comfort zone.  Minke Whale’s have a natural curiosity and this provides for a close and spectacular encounter.

The dwarf minke whales usually start there annual migration from Victoria to Northern Queensland from March to October with the maximum sighting on the Northern Great Barrier Reef in June and July.

In June and July Mike Ball Dive Expeditions conduct special Minke Whale Expeditions with the second day of the trip devoted to finding and snorkelling and or diving with Minke Whales.  Since 1996 Mike Ball’s trips have had a 98 percent success rate. The largest pod they have seen was 28 whales and the longest encounter was 10 hours.

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions provide both a 3 and 4 night Minke Whale Expedition and according to Mike Ball are only 1 of 9 operators that have Whale Permits in the world to swim with these magnifcent mammals.

For further information about these great trips please email us at info@thethourspecialists.com as these trips are very popular and an amazing opportunity to see these wonderful creatures so close!

Miss Ferro from Italy went on a trip to the Reef with Ocean Freedom today.
She was not an experienced snorkeller but she had a wonderful time.
She highly recommends Ocean Freedom. Miss Ferro was traveling on her own and Ocean Freedom only takes a maximum of 60 people however most days they travel with a lot less, she made lots of friends on board. She got to see lots of fish and coral, even nemo, a Napoleon fish, so much that she even tried an introductory dive! She was a bit scared at the beginning but the crew was fantastic and patient with her. Miss Ferro would like to become a certified diver now. Thanks to the Ocean Freedom Team !

A day to remember.

Florence
Tour Desk Consultant

Cairns Catch a Crab Tours are a very informative fun company to have a half day adventure with. My two sons and I went on the afternoon cruise up Trinity Inlet with Tony, a colourful local with a real passion for his job and a mischievous sense of humour! The cruise is onboard a spacious, twin hulled boat which takes you down the beautiful calm waters of the Inlet.  This area showcases the abundance of bird life in the Tropical North. We were even treated with a rare sighting of a 2 metre plus crocodile sunning itself on the banks of the river!! We located the crab pots and hauled in the prized bounty! Plenty of crab for everybody! While Tony set to preparing the meal, we were all given our fishing gear and began our own hunt. There were plenty of Toad (Puffer) Fish which are always fun to have a look at. The prize catch of the day was the Mangrove Jack, and Trevally as well as my catch and release Grunter (well below legal size unfortunately, so back he went)! The Mangrove Jack and Trevally were then cute sashimi style and presented along with the beautiful and oh so fresh Mud Crabs, salad and fresh fruit! A Delicious meal fit for a King!

This was a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon sure to be enjoyed by all!

Sonja - The Tour Specialists

  My boys croc spotting

What a fantastic way to spend a day! I was absolutely delighted to drive my way up the Kuranda range through the amazing rainforest before entering the more arid, temperate region known as the Tablelands. A quick trip from Palm Cove to Mareeba then on to the Australian Coffee Centre aka Skybury, took approx. 1hr 30 mins. If self driving look out for the iron sculpture of the farmer with his wheelbarrow to indicate entry on to the “Wheelbarrow Way” which takes you through lychee ,coffee, papaya, banana and more plantations before arriving at Skybury.
My mother in-law and I were greeted by friendly welcoming staff. We walked out to the dining room deck area to breathe in the amazing 180degree views. There are rolling hills in the distance as well as native eucalypt trees and plantations of many varieties of crops.  Julye made us an amazing coffee that we enjoyed while absorbing the relaxed quiet atmosphere.
Next it was time for our plantation tour. Our guide was Andrew, a true Aussie Cowboy who has spent a lifetime working in the Australian bush. We learned all there is to know about growing, harvesting and maintaining the oldest running coffee plantation in Australia. It was also fascinating to learn that although a relatively new coffee producing country, Australia’s coffee is very highly regarded in the coffee growing world, second only to the quality of Jamaica’s coffee. Skybury is the major producer of this export coffee, which is sent all over the world. Well done! We watched an 8 minute IMAX type video in the media room summarizing all that we had learned. Very First Class!
After our tour we were famished so headed back to our favourite spot on the balcony for lunch and a refreshing glass of wine. The barramundi was exceptional! (Steaks, Pastas, Vegetarian and Kids meals are also available) To top off a truly spectacular meal, cappuccino ice cream was for dessert! Yum!!( they also offer a selection of decadent cakes, biscuits and cheese cakes!)
At the gift shop they offer everything coffee related from bean grinders and Percolators to different varieties of chocolate covered beans and fruits and of course a selection of the freshest coffee to take home.
Skybury coffee Plantation is for anybody who enjoys coffee and is of course very child friendly. They even have a native animal rehabilitation centre to care for sick or injured wallabies, kangaroos and birds from the area. It is easy to see why The Australian Coffee Centre is a winner of Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards!
Thank you to everybody at The Australian Coffee Centre for a very memorable and educational day!

Sonja McSweeney - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

I booked some guests on Ocean Freedom and they couldn’t stop raving on about what an awesome day they had.
They were a family of 5 with teenage boys; the boys tried an intro dive for the first time.  They absolutely loved it and they said with the one dive instructor to 1 intro diver the boys felt totally at ease the whole time. They mentioned how beautiful the reef was and how they saw many turtles at Upolu Cay.
They also went on about how scrumptious the lunch was, and how plentiful it was.
Thesel in all these guests had a great day and would highly recommend this tour to anyone. In fact they took a few brochures home with them to give to their family and friends that are coming up later in the year.
Louise Morgan
Tour Consultant
The Tour Specialists

Last Sunday my friend Sharryn & I traveled north to the Daintree & Cape Tribulation with Trek North Safari’s.    The journey started promptly at 8 am having been collected from Mango Lagoon Resort & Spa in Palm Cove. We were greeted by our host & tour guide Steve.  A very interesting fellow. He is a qualified Hermatologist (qualified in dealing with snakes & reptiles & other types of creatures).  He has also been working most recently in a local crocodile farm.  I was quite excited having heard that this tour company has a reputation in really knowing their product and has a passion for both native flora & fauna in this local region.  I was amazed by how much we both learnt by the end of this tour. 

We stopped off at Port Douglas to collect some guests from Sheraton Mirage Resort.  Steve provided us with the history of this important and historical town, also the infamous and now deceased property developer Christopher Skase and the sudden redevelopment of Port Douglas in recent years with so many famous resorts.   We then went a quick scenic tour of the world famous 4 Mile Beach which is actually 3.8 km’s long!

After driving through Port Douglas it was then onto Mossman Gorge, again Steve explained the cultural significance to the local KuKu Yalangi people who still to this day remain living at the base of the gorge.   We then disembarked from the 4WD bus and took a short guided tour for approx 45 mins into Mossman Gorge.  All the tracks are well maintained & have hand rails & board walks.

Next we then headed off to an organic fruit & vegetable farm, where our guide explained some of the different local produce that is unique to this region.  After 20 mins we headed to our next stop at a Daintree river side teahouse, enjoyed a cup of local tea and biscuits all complimentary as part of the tour.  This was a highlight of this tour before boarding our boat to head down the Daintree River for one hour.  We were met by Neville our river tour guide.  He took us on a crocodile spotting tour of which we saw 3 large croc’s, grabbing a sun tan.  He explained to us different bird life and plant species he also had samples of these on the boat to show us.    After the tour we were again met by our guide Steve on the other side of the Daintree River.  Then we headed off towards Cape Tribulation.

Next stop was the Insect Museum.  An interesting place I thought.  On the same stop our driver and guide prepares a BBQ lunch at the creek in an undercover landscaped venue, again this was another highlight of this tour.   After lunch it was off to Cape Trib beach were my friend and I had a walk around the beach & Kulki lookout.  Now time to walk off that lunch, with a lovely stroll through the rainforest at the Maardja Boardwalk.   Steve again explained everything you could possible know about the local indigenous culture & native flora & fauna.  On the way back we stopped of at the beautiful Alexandra Range lookout for some photos.  This is were the rainforest meets the sea.  After here, we headed back over the Daintree River on the punt ferry and then a stop at the Crossroads Café & Bar at the Daintree village.

  By now both Sharryn and I required a light refreshment or 2 and were able to partake in glass of wine.  The tour guide does allow BYO refreshments on the return journey home.  So it was a very relaxing trip to Palm Cove for the next 90 minutes or so.

We’d like to thank Trek North for such a memorable far north Queensland experience & would highly recommend their tours to anyone heading to this region & wanting a small personalized tour. 
Lachie
The Tour Specialists
Palm Cove

Dear Tour desk

Just a short note to say how much we enjoyed Brett Quinn’s Northern Experience eco tour, which included many interesting things.  Lush rainforest, spectacular waterfalls and the historic Spanish castle ruins of Paronella Park.
We were looking forward to this tour and certainly weren’t disappointed, in fact we saw and did so much more than we anticipated.  Brett’s knowledge of the area is incredible and with his friendly jovial manner makes your day interesting and memorable.  He went out of his way to help everyone on the bus.
After a lovely cruise on Lake Barrine, we enjoyed our Devonshire morning tea (best scones in Cairns I believe) and later after cheese tasting at Mungalli Creek Dairy had a delicious 2 course home cooked lunch.
Afternoon Tea was also provided at Babinda Boulders, where we swam in the most beautiful, cool crystal clear water.
Everyone had a great day and we would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting this part of our beautiful country.
 Thank you

John and Karen Vuki