Great Barrier Reef Islands
 

We are booked to make a tour of selected Islands along the Coast of Queensland later this year Hinchinbrook is not on the list. We are visiting Heron, Dunk , Hamilton , Fraser and Lizard Islands. We are mostly interested in diving / snorkelling and Ocean based activities on the Great Barrier Reef, although from this site we have learned of many land based activities on some of the Islands as well which would offer a nice contrast to the diving. I have read much here on Hinchinbrook, I am thinking we might be better to stay there for two days of outdoor nature related activities in place of the Whitsundays Islands. I am wondering if anyone has experienced both Islands (Hinchinbrook / Hamilton ) recently. We are just looking to see and experience as much of Australia as we can in such a short time . We are from Europe and enjoy most out door activities.
The itinerary we have chosen can be seen at the following address. http://www.daintreeair.com.au/gbrislands.html
We would be interested in other suggestions and or comments as well as we are still at the stage of planning where we can change destinations if we wish.
We thank you for your help.
This is by far the best forum we have found for information about Australia.

If I were pick the best, most diverse set of Queensland islands, it would be Fraser, Heron, Hinchinbrook and Lizard. (What I mean by "best" is they all have fantastic reef- and/or nature-related attractions and have nice resorts.)

I would definitely not put Hamilton on the list..the most touristy of the lot.

You could add Dunk Island to the list, though being a continental island, Dunk would not be vastly different than Hinchinbrook and some of the Whitsunday Islands. Brampton Island (Whitsundays) would be another great choice in the continental island category...it is beautiful!

I agree with Ralph on not having Hamilton anywhere near the top of the list and in fact would go further and say drop it - it is an abomination as far as my view of islands go, more like what one would see at Australias most touristry location and that's the Gold Coast and quite possibly something like what may be found on some Carribean Islands.

But do not forget the Whitsundays because of that one experience for there are other islands there though you need to take a boat trip to get to the reef proper for any diving.
One place you can stay that has fringing reef is www.hookislandresort.com and do make sure you get to Whitehaven Beach.
You may also want to consider some overnight sailing/diving trips of which many can be done from either the Whitsundays or Cairns.
http://ozadventuresailing.com.au/
http://www.thetourspecialists.com/tours-reef.html

Dunk Island only has a very small resort on part of the island and limited snorkelling opportunities.
Not sure on what snorkelling if any is available right at Hinchinbrook but a lot of the island has mangroved shoreline and I think Crocs do inhabitate the area.

So really depends on what you are after and the budget.
www.fitzroyisland.com.au will take you to a different site for it but Fitzroy is easily accessed from Cairns and though no real dive sites there nor any reef to speak off, there is some great snorkelling in channel between Little Fitz and the main island, there being enormous sea life there.

I don't care for Hamilton Is either; but if it's locked in as part of the overall itinerary and that covers everything you want to see, you might just have to take it.

It's not that it's unsavoury or dirty; just overly commercial and, to many of us locals, tacky, over priced and below par in value for money and quality.

Qualia is a new, very upmarket & expensive complex on Hamilton Island,but that's not where you will be accommodated on the itinerary you've posted. http://www.qualia.com.au/about-qualia-resort.aspx

I gather from your post that the overall itinerary meets your needs?

Hi Einshernfrau!

You do have a diverse list there as RalphR sez! I agree with not putting Hamilton Island on the list..it says it all upon your approach when you see a multi-story hotel - to me, as what Ralph and Bushranger say, it IS touristy..when you think "islands" somehow, a large multi-storied hotel just doesn't come to mind! (at least MY mind).

For the others mentioned:

Heron - it's the only one right ON the Reef - fantastic for snorkelling and if you're into birdlife.

Dunk - sorry to say on my last trip there, it's lacking; what I mean by that is that it's still a very beautiful island, but the resort itself is lacking in service and quality for what they're charging.

Lizard - think "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous"... it's expensive -is it worth it? Yes. If you're going to "splurge" this is where you want to do it. Every single client I've sent there in the past 15 years raves about it and while it is expensive, they felt they got their money's worth, and many felt it was the highlight of their trip.

Hinchinbrook - from "Lifestyles" we go to eco-friendly and moderate. People who go here don't necessarily care about amenities. It's all about the nature trails, the beach, the snorkelling and getting back to nature. You'll probably meet more Australians here than on any other island.

Fraser - a unique environment - the largest sand island in the world..that doesn't intially sound that interesting, but when you go out on a tour in the rainforest, you'll be struck by how QUIET things are - that's because while there are lots of streams,etc, there are no rocks to make any kind of noise....just a different experience than you could have anywhere else. The Lodge there is stunning with good food and service.

So, a very diverse list..you just have to figure out what appeals most to you!

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

I think you'd be very disappointed if you didn't include The Whitsundays. They are the nicest islands along the coast with some excellent attractions above and below the water.

You should cruise overnight here and if time allows get a cruise that includes the outer GBR in it's itinerary. The islands, beaches and bays you visit are the total opposite to Hamilton which I consider a blight on our region.

Boats like Pacific Sunrise, Whitsunday Magic, Kiana, Whitsunday Dreamer and a few more all do island and outer GBR tours and accommodate divers.

This will be the highlight of your trip to OZ, it is a very special place and cruising is the best way to experience it.

The diving around the islands is very good and the outer GBR, well it's the GBR. Whitehaven Beach will also be on your agenda and although I wouldn't bother diving there, it is a beautiful spot. The islands you visit won't have resorts on them, they will be looking the same as when Jimmy Cook spotted and named them a couple of hundred years ago.

Your biggest challenge is picking the right boat as there are still a couple of dodgy operators around. Due to this I recommend you get in touch with some LOCAL Whitsunday agents that specialise in cruises and get their thoughts.
Here are a few good ones.
Libby & Bob www.whitsundayaccommodation.net
Kerry www.vacationsaustralia.com
Mike&Tina www.whitsundaybookings.com
All are LOCAL and know what they represent.

I honestly think you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you dropped The Whitsundays off your island list because they will blow your socks off. cheers airlian

I went on to daintreeair.com and checked out the itinerary Frau spoke of. Seems as though she is on Hammo for just one night. Looks like she has an option of sailing or kayaking or a number of other activities. Under those circumstances I think Hammo would be just fine.
On the other hand, Hinchinbrook Island is famous for rainforest, lovely creeks and small waterfalls during the wet season. Fishing is big time in the channel between the Island and the mainland, as is mud crabbing, prawning and dugong spotting. Mud crabs, prawns, dugong , mangrove jack , barra , gts etc all inhabit the immediate area of Hinchinbrook along with many birds and reptiles. There are several resident Lizards which reside in the area as well which sort of puts one off swimming in the Ocean too close to the mangroves or Estuaries or the channel somewhat ,although everyone to their own I suppose.
For a feed of fish and a dose of rainforest Hinchinbrook is the go. For some of the best sailing in the world along with magnificent beaches and turquoise water it’s difficult to beat the Whitsundays, unless of course you’re lucky enough to be visiting the Lizard group which it seems from the Itinerary Frau is going to do anyway.
Looks like an awesome way to see the East Coast no matter which Islands she stops off at. I can only imagine how fantastic it would b to simply Island hop all the way up the coast without the hassles of buses, boats , transfers and the like.
Go for it Frau, which ever Islands you do , you can be assured of an amazing adventure which most of us Aussies can only dream about.
P.S Do you require a baggage handler.

We have now been offered the option of meeting a small sail boat at Shute Harbour in place of going into Hamilton Island. The sail boat tour being offered is two days and nights offering both diving and snorkelling which seems very appealing. We are still a little undecided on Hinchinbrook Island and would appreciate would appreciate from any one that has recently visited the Island.
Many thanks for the information and opinions.

I don't know too many quality cruises leaving from Shute Harbour, the vast majority of cruises depart from Abell Point.
I am not sure who is doing the arranging for you but if they are not local I would be very careful. There are boats here that are not up to standard. Let us know which boat and I can give you my honest opinion. 2day/2night cruises only give you 1 full day around the islnds. It takes the rest of your first day to sail out to the islands and they leave back for port straight after breakfast on the third. Sometimes you get to see more on a 1 day trip. airlian

Thank you Airlian, We are flying into the Shute Harbour and the boat departs from Airlie Beach which I assume is the Marina you are referring too. We do not have much time hence the two day sail. We would be happy to sail to a lovely reef to overnight on the boat and conduct two or three dives during our time there. We have been given several different choices of sailing catamarans. I like the Whitsunday Dreamer as it is small and we enjoy catamarans. Do you know this boat ?
The team at Daintree Air in Cairns are helping us organise the tour all the way along the Qld Coast. They are based in Cairns. We have read many great reports on their private air tours. We had friends do a tour across the top of Australia with these people many years ago. They still talk about how wonderful it was now; I would be surprised if they use boats that are not very good. We have read many wonderful reports here about Hinchinbrook so we are attempting to fit this Island into our itinerary as well.

I think you'll find it is Whitsunday Blue. They are the same boats but it is called Dreamer on the 3day/3nighters and Blue on the 2 dayers. Good cruise as long as there is no weather as they are fairly small. The island cruise will take in some nice dive spots like Blue Pearl Bay as well as Mantaray Bay and if you push hard enough they may try for a night dive. They will again do their best to get to Whitehaven and more often than not do.

The airport you'll fly into is Whitsunday Airport about half way between Airlie and Shute Harbour. It is well into the process of becoming Australias first aviation residential village. It will cost you $15-$20 for a cab into Airlie.

I have never heard of Daintree Air but there is around 800km's between The Daintree and The Whitsundays. I do know that the best scenic flight or any flight I have done is in The Whitsundays as the islands and The GBR make for a beautiful view. So if possible try a scenic flight here Whitehaven looks spectacular from the air. www.airwhitsundays.net

The choice of boat is good and you can only do what you can in the time you have so although a longer cruise would have been preferable I think you'll love it.

It is a bit of a pity because the islands we have here are the best on the QLD coast and you won't have time to do them justice, but that just gives you another reason to return and I know after your short time in The Whitsundays that is exactly what you will want to do. the nicest place in Oz. cheers airlian

Thank you for your detailed information airlian.
We had planned to spend a little more time at Lizard Island only because we have heard the reef is very good.
Are you suggesting we spend that time in the Whitsundays and maybe forget about the Lizard Island.
How would you compare the diving in that area compared to the Whitsundays.
Thanks.

The diving around The Whitsundays is very good. If your cruise was a little longer and your agent knew their boats you would be on a cruise that included the islands and the GBR and you can't get better than that. the Whitsundays are 74 islands very closely packed together which means there are plenty of options. The bays aorund the north end of Hook Island are very good and you will go there.

You have to remember that the vast majority of people that visit the Whitsundays do the resort islands and express their opinions based on the snorkeling off those islands. The resort islands here do not have very good coral and people tend to think that is the same throughout the islands. Surprise, surprise, where there are no resorts the coral and sealife are very good (no reefwalking on these reefs in the bad old days).

I have talked to many people that had been told that the coral here is no good only to be very pleasently surprised when they get there and rate it way above anywhere they had been further north.

There are some good spots further north but there are just as many down here. As for snorkeling off Lizard I think you'll find our reefs compare very well to Lizard Island and The Whitsunday Islands themselves cannot be compared to any of the islands on the coast, they are the most beautiful islands in OZ. chers airlian

I think airlian is a bit over the top in stating the vast majority of people who visit the Whitsundays rate snorkelling at the Resort Islands.

While many may visit for the resort islands, the majority for the Hamilton Island abomination, most people going I would expect know that they have to go further out to find the GBR.
If they do not know before arrival and are interested in the GBR, a simple question of where is it will garner the answer.

I haven't been to Lizard Island but the "Cod Hole", one of the planets premier dive locations is up taht way as are I believe what is referred to as the ribbon reefs.

The Whitsundays are great as islands go but they are no way as highly rated for diving as the Cod Hole and outer reefs. airlian's enthusiasm is tinged with the bias that only a local will always bring in seeking more visitors to a particular area.

If it is diving experinces you are after as well as island experiences, you would not be disappointed if you can make a couple of days in the itinerary available for Townsville/Magnetic Island and do the Yongala, one of the planets rated wreck dives - http://www.prodivetownsville.com.au/yongala.php

Lizard is not The Cod Hole nor is it The Ribbon Reef and it is a long way to get to from Lizard.
Bushranger the best snorkeling in The Whitsundays is nowhere near the resorts. The best island snorkeling can not be accessed from Hamilton Island as they have no trips going there.

The best snorkeling on the GBR in The Whitsundays is at Line and Black reefs and nowhere near any of the tourist pontoons.
Yes the Cod hole is good as are The Ribbons but I have seen better and must say much better in a lot of places on the GBR not only here in The Whitsundays.

The question was about comparing diving and snorkeling around Lizard and The Whitsunday Islands and the truth is that Lizard doesn't hold a candle to The Whitsundays best island snokeling spots of Mantaray, Luncheon, Blue Pearl Bay, Border Island, Chalkies Beach, The Coral gardens and many more spots that island resort guests cannot access. And then we move onto The GBR.
As for Yongala , good dive , I have dived it over 20 times but you won't find any coral there it is a shipwreck. There are a couple of nice big cod that can sometimes try to get too familiar with you, but totally different to any island dives and it is a long way from Lizard, in fact it is closer to The Whitsundays than Cairns.

By the way we have 9 island resorts here and they are all different to HI.

Tell me where you have dived in The Whitsundays and how you can rate anything without that first hand knowledge. I have dived the Cod hole and The Ribbons over a dozen times each as well as Lizard and many more spots up and down the coast and stand by my comments with the benefit of personal experience.

You haven't even been to Lizard so how can you say I am over the top.

The topic is GBR islands and I know as much as anyone about them hence the reason I comment on them and not about places I have never visited, I prefer to rate things with my own eyes and I am sure einshernfrau would not be disappointed with what she finds in The Whitsundays as it certainly leaves Lizard Island in it's wake.

Years of skippering cruise boats and instructing divers have given me this knowledge, it has been a charmed life. So if I choose to pass on the knowledge I have built up over the years, who are you to dispute it without without any sort of evidence besides what you have heard. I am a born and bred Nth Qlder and this is my backyard. You talk about what you want and I will talk about what I know. cheers airlian

Here are a few more excellent Whitsunday dive spots
The Pinnacles and not far away is The Woodpile and if the wind is a dreaded northerly Saba Bay can be very good. There are plenty more as well this is just a few, all are different and each have something special. cheers airlian

Yep it certainly seems as though you have been about airlian.

I commend you on your knowledge and enthusiasm surrounding the Whitsunday Group of Islands which I have also been lucky enough to have dived and snorkelled considerably over the years.

I have also dived many other places on the Great Barrier Reef and PNG such as Kavieng , Rabaul , Tulagi and several other spots in the Solomon’s as well as Ningaloo etc etc. I think all of the above areas offer something unique, beautiful, interesting and unforgettable. I have looked at the itinerary proposed by frau and think it’s just fantastic. I even offered my services as the baggage handler.

From my experience the reefs surrounding the Lizard Group are about as spectacular and rich in marine life as the ordinary Mr and Mrs Joe Blow could ever hope to see, unless they have the time and money of course to visit more exotic faraway places. The clam garden at Lizard island for instance offers quality reef of many different varieties as well as Turtles, Rays, and any number of colourful fish. The bonus is of course the reef is easily accessible to everyone young or old, fit and not so fit, great swimmers and people who maybe do not swim that much.
But that’s not to say what you have in the Whitsundays is not good, it is better than good.

But Lizard is Lizard. On a good day pound for pound it’s difficult to go past it for those who are a little short on time but are willing to pay a little extra for real quality.
Hinchinbrook , Well I do not want to get into an argument here but Hinchinbrook is not really my choice for diving or snorkelers but I think it’s one of the most picturesque Islands in the world and boasts excellent fishing.

Webby

http://www.divingcairns.com.au/pdf/sofmap.pdf shows Lizard in relation to the Cod Hole and I have not referred to snorkelling at Lizard itself nor of reef at the Yongala - it is after all a wreck dive.

As I said, somewhere over the top pushing his own backyard as tourist operators will do.

Oh, and you wanted to know airlian where you're over the top!
You need to re-read your own posting more closely for
" You have to remember that the vast majority of people that visit the Whitsundays do the resort islands and express their opinions based on the snorkeling off those islands. The resort islands here do not have very good coral and people tend to think that is the same throughout the islands."

to which I replied
"I think airlian is a bit over the top in stating the vast majority of people who visit the Whitsundays rate snorkelling at the Resort Islands.

While many may visit for the resort islands, the majority for the Hamilton Island abomination, most people going I would expect know that they have to go further out to find the GBR.
If they do not know before arrival and are interested in the GBR, a simple question of where is it will garner the answer."

I think you will see that I'm half agreeing with you but not about the ignorance of people as to where the GBR is!

I haven't been to Lizard Island but the "Cod Hole", one of the planets premier dive locations is up taht way as are I believe what is referred to as the ribbon reefs.

The Whitsundays are great as islands go but they are no way as highly rated for diving as the Cod Hole and outer reefs. airlian's enthusiasm is tinged with the bias that only a local will always bring in seeking more visitors to a particular area.

If it is diving experinces you are after as well as island experiences, you would not be disappointed if you can make a couple of days in the itinerary available for Townsville/Magnetic Island and do the Yongala, one of the planets rated wreck dives - http://www.prodivetownsville.com.au/yongala.php

You go on airlian to say

"Lizard is not The Cod Hole nor is it The Ribbon Reef and it is a long way to get to from Lizard."
Strange, you can include in a trip to ribbon reefs and Cod Hole an air return via Lizard Island - have linked a map for you on proximity - and then

" Bushranger the best snorkeling in The Whitsundays is nowhere near the resorts." - think we had already established that. and

" The question was about comparing diving and snorkeling around Lizard and The Whitsunday Islands and the truth is that Lizard doesn't hold a candle to The Whitsundays best island snokeling spots of Mantaray, Luncheon, Blue Pearl Bay, Border Island, Chalkies Beach, The Coral gardens and many more spots that island resort guests cannot access. And then we move onto The GBR. - "
Well that may be a question in your mind I care little of for I 'm just providing info to einshernfrau.

and then even more amazing!

" As for Yongala , good dive , I have dived it over 20 times but you won't find any coral there it is a shipwreck. There are a couple of nice big cod that can sometimes try to get too familiar with you, but totally different to any island dives and it is a long way from Lizard, in fact it is closer to The Whitsundays than Cairns."

If you can read properly I made no allusion to the Yongala being anywhere near Lizard Island.

" You haven't even been to Lizard so how can you say I am over the top."
And again read what my comment on being over the top was related to - it was you who posted it!

All the rest of your drivel is just your own feel good fullness.

Any opinions regarding WEATHER? We are planning to do a 3 day/2 nite liveaboard out of Cairns towards the end of next week.

I am a little nervous of the weather reports. Lots of showers & t-storms noted :( I don't mind a little rain, I just worry that it will negatively impact the diving as well as churn things up and lessen the visibility. I know March is part of rainy season...

So we're planning to GO FOR IT, but would appreciate any tho't :)

Stay tuned to www.bom.gov.au and I think there was something on news weather last night re a new low pressure system.

If you already have booked I imagine the operator will be able to let you know what's going on.

When I stumbled upon this site several weeks ago I thought fantastic. I have found a place in Cyber space where people can express their own opinion unencumbered by others.
We live in a world full of rage, surf board rage, footpath rage, plane rage, boat rage , road rage.

Do we need it in Cyber space?
If airlian wants to present his case for his part of the world that’s fine by me.
If you bush ranger wish to plug certain web sites and travel agents as you do every time you post that’s’ fine by me as well.

When you tell another poster he or she is writing drivel that sort of makes me think well the rage thing has caught up to Cyber Space.

If you two met in the pub you would more than likely enjoy each other’s company and swap dive stories. So why be at each other’s throats here.

By the way Bushranger I have snorkelled along some of the most amazing coral gardens at Lizard Island. Bommie Bay , Crystal Point , North Point , The Clam Garden all offer excellent quality reef and marine life. Where else in the world can you swim in Mangroves with Turtles and sand sharks.
I have camped on Hook Island in the Whitsundays on many occasions and know Mantaray / Luncheon very well and yes they are also great locations for snorkelling and diving.
As far as the initial question posted by Frau is concerned, I am still happy to carry the bags.

I think the destinations mentioned are fabulous.
If she had a life time like us locals perhaps there would be other destinations she would visit as well. Maybe if we are all nice she just might come back again.

Webby.

Talk about rage webby!, wow!, and a double wow!!

I think you ought to have a better read of posts and you'll find that I have neither canned any locations nor make references to agents other than that there are online sites that have listings of many services.

Have a look at my very first post and you'll see reference to various Whitsunday locations.

Now quite a bit different to what I have posted, you'll find that another on one hand pushes some locations as against others and then yet details how often he has dived at those other sites! - is there some sort of inconsistency there?
I'll let you decide if you want to read thoroughly.

I'll post again for you:

" You have to remember that the vast majority of people that visit the Whitsundays do the resort islands and express their opinions based on the snorkeling off those islands."

and that infers what?
I'll again allow you to decide
I just disagree with that inference and it is what I consider to be over the top.

I know from my own experiences in the Whitsundays that there are many off beach fringing reefs, just as there are in a few Cairns region snorkelling locations and personally I do not go about comparing one against the other nor with snorkelling on outer reefs for when in the water I have usually found my experiences splendid enough anywhere.

The drivel I refer to is that one with so much experience would see not just see fit to attempt scoring points on what their experience is against another but go nitpicking about such things as to the location of the cod hole and the Yongala wreck etc., information posted that was very clear.

A challenge for you webby - show me one line where I have criticised any location mentioned.

Sorry about all this rubbish einshernfrau and you will enjoy your island/reef experiences no matter where you go, the main issue being structuring your movements and you seem to have a handle on that.

http://www.whitsundaydivecentre.com/wda/whitsundays/
Check that link and tell me how The Whitsundays doesn't compare favorably with anywhere in Cairns or further north.

Bushranger you are serial poster that really doesn't know much abiut what they are saying. You can't help it I'd uimagine your a bit like Dorrie Evans, that fine lady that has to have their say as well as the last word.

Lets go through your issues.

Yes the majority of resort visitors only snorkel off their resort.
Less than 10% of visitors that visit HI go to the outer GBR. Now that is nowhere near a majority, some do inner island cruises although HI in particular doesn't have many choices bar H2O watersports and they don't visit the best places. The rest may do the fish feeding snorkeling adventure off Catseye Beach which is fun but by no means an example of rthe best snorkeling to be found in The Whitsundays.

So the vast majority of people visiting the resorts only see the coral available in front of the resorts and hence believe that is it.

The question asked for alternatives that is what I was providing.

As for people knowing where they are. Once when working at South Molle years ago I passed a bareboat moored in the bay and a pheasant just happened to let go one of it's hooping calls. The Australian lady aboard the bareboat commented that there must be monkeys on the island. The Whitsundays are half way up the Queensland coast and as far as I know the nearest monkeys are a bit further north so maybe not everyone is aware of their surroundings.

I stand by Lizard and The Cod hole not being anywhere near each other. It is a fair drag to the Cod Hole, but you can get anywhere by plane. I don't class Hook Island as being close to Bait Reef but it is closer to there than Lizard is to The Cod Hole. Thanks for the map, but I really don't need it, I know where it is.

Here is the question I was answering
Thank you for your detailed information airlian.
We had planned to spend a little more time at Lizard Island only because we have heard the reef is very good.
Are you suggesting we spend that time in the Whitsundays and maybe forget about the Lizard Island.
How would you compare the diving in that area compared to the Whitsundays.
Thanks.

And I think I answered truthfully. The difference is I rate the experience through my eyes and not a dive book. I have never seen so many references to world rated dive sites.
As for being a tourist operator, not for quids. These guys make huge investments to be at the mercy of the weather, and all manner of troubles, it is much easier working for them for a regular pay, to be honest I am sure some weeks I made more than they did.

Where is the inconsistency in diving. I live here and have the opportunity to dive whenever I want. My occupation as a cane train driver gives me over 7 months of the year to do what I like and that is diving and snorkeling much to the disgust of the majority of my local mates that would prefer to catch the fish.

I haven't said the cod hole or ribbons are not worth diving, they are a great dive, but yes I have seen better in many places and many places tourists just can't get to. It is not uncommon for us to take the boats out to the GBR for a few nights, one of the advantages of living here. I have only just got back into port from one such trip, the reason for my delayed respnose to your trivialities. The other advantage is that I have plenty of time to cruise the coast in my time off and do so with glee.


Righto webby now it is your turn. There is no way Bushranger and I would be having a beer in the pub together. There is nothing I dislike more than someone that knows everything about everything. There is one thing I will say though, if we were having a beer together he or she would not be talking to me in the way they have. On a brighter note, my next door neighbour and I ( both mill workers) have decided to visit Thursday Island. My mate is of TI blood but has never visited his home island so we are really looking forward to it. Have you dived around there and have you any tips? I am sure we'll get a few from his lations, but was wondering if you knew of any?

Bushranger can't wait for your reply. Your arguments are so witty and actually quite funny as you display your ignorance. Keep sticking your nose in everywhere as it wouldn't be as much fun without you. by the way one of your regualer Whitsunday links will be finishing up in a few weeks, but you knew that already I am sure. cheers airlian

Seems just a lot more drivel so no more reply than that needed.

last word hey Dorrie. he he he

Airlian.

Thursday Island is the main administrative centre for the Torres Strait Islands.
The Arafura Sea and the South Pacific Ocean ( Coral Sea ) meet at the Northern Most Tip of Australia in the area known as the Torres Straits which is the body of ocean that separates Papua New Guinea from Australia.

The local people are extremely Maritime in the habits and culture. They have been living out of the sea for thousands of years. They view diving and snorkelling as a means of obtaining food. Even though many of the Islands in the Straits are surrounded by magnificent reefs diving and or snorkelling for tourists has never really taken off. The main reason of course is the distance and the hassles involved in getting there. Then once there services are pretty much nonexistent.

Many locals dive for the famous painted cray which are a valuable delicacy in mainland China where they are shipped to be sold live in restaurants. Whites begun diving for Pearls 200 years ago in the Straits and this activity still continues. In the early days the first peral divers employed Japenese divers many of whom are buried on Thursday Island after dying of the dreaded bends. This is the reason the Japanese did not bomb Thursday Island during WW11.
You say your friend has relatives’ on T.I. I am certain these relatives would know some amazing places they could take you for diving and snorkelling to see marine life and reef.
Would I dive off TI. Only for Cray or to spear. Only with experienced people. Locals.

And then only if I was certain there were no Salt Water Croc sightings in the area.
There are much better places to dive / snorkel in the Straits.
Webby.

Thanks webby, Yeah my mate is TI and actually has some Japanese blood in him as well, so his Mum says.

Not overly bothered by crocs I live with them all around me and have spotted the odd croc around my local islands. I have a croc nest maybe 800 metres from my house.

MMM get plenty of painted crays here so it will be for the diving and meeting his rellies. My sister in law worked in the pub there for a fair while but unfortunately is not a diver so we'll wait to see the locals, that is always the best advice, local advice. thank you muchly for replying. cheers airlian

einshernfrau,

I do hope your trip goes well and I would think that Daintree Air, a prominent high end tourism market operator will have right knowledge to book you on to a good Whitsundays cruise.

The poster airlian whilst being critical of other links seems to be consistently pushing links where he has personal knowledge of the operators, and that not necessarily a good thing.
We have had some further avid discussion on another thread and seeing as airlian had never heard of Daintree Air, pushing particular sites to me has a danger, especially where there are some odd things involved.

On the internet it really is a case of buyer beware, beware the unknown, both web sites and those who seek to promote them and so I post here for you, just a couple of posts from the other thread.

"airlian on Mar 12, 09 at 06:51 AM
Good one Bushranger.
ozadventuresailing.com.au ceases operation on the 1st April, so that is a great link. It is aq company that advertises it's own boats and noone elses. It is a coop for boat owners. I thought you'd know that considering that you continually push them even for GBR daytrips which they don't do.
Your other links are indvidual companies and I am sure you would get unbiased opinions from them. No doubt they would let you know if another company had the best optiion for you, yeah right.
www.whitsundaysailing.com.au is a state wide site that doesn't specialise in The Whitsundays so why would you use a company that is based 1000km's away and more than likely have never seen the boats let alone know them.
www.sailing-whitsundays.com owners also own around 5 boats so no guesses which boats they will recommend. He is also a director of the nearly defunct Ozadventure sailing group so I'm sure there would be unbiased advice there.
www.blueparadisesailing.com.au never heard of these guys and I notice they have no phone contact details so they aren't local. At least they seem to have a good range of cruises including the very bottom dwellers, but still doubting their knowledge.

Now I know you know everything but how do you know what sort of knowledge the agents I recommended have. Why can't anybody have in depth knowledge of the sailing market. I personally could rattle off the names of the entire fleet available here from all of the companies, are you telling me a local agent that makes their livelyhood out of these vessels can't have that same knowledge, sorry you are wrong.

Again for the best advice contact a LOCAL Whitsunday agent.
Libby & Bob www.whitsundayaccommodation.net
Kerry www.vacationsaustralia.com
Mike&Tina www.whitsundaybookings.com
All are LOCAL and know what they represent.
You will get the best advice from these guys. They don't own any boats and they represent all of the companies here, what more can you ask for. The best boat for your needs. cheers airlian

airlian on Mar 12, 09 at 06:58 AM
By the way Solway Lass is a Dutch built vessel mad of German Blue steel and served WW1 on the German side before serving WW11 on the allies side and being refirbed for the tall ship bicentennial celebrations in Sydney in 1988. She is a good old vessel and still does an excellent 3day/3night island trip. Probably more for the younger brigade although she can have a good mix of demographics on her. She is around 105 years old and still looking good. airlian

Bushranger on Mar 12, 09 at 09:30 AM
Of the three sites you have there airlian
. first gives an address at Mt Julian
. second has that particular look about it
. and third comes up with "Oops it appears broken"

You do know do you not that a site gives an impression of professionalism just as a post here can and there's still something very fishy but Mt Julian! - its a long way from the beach - seems like you're promoting backyard home office organisations.

elnap29, I would be very wary of dealing with people on any of those sites that airlian mentions - like if someone is running a business from Mt Julian, that's rather odd!

If you want a more central, general booking agency
http://www.whitsundays.com.au/ is another and as for airlians knowledge, on another thread he opebly admits to never having heard of Daintree Air which is quite a prominent tourism as well as a flight organisation.

I posted above that there is a huge range of sailing options available, and I have not posted anywhere near what is available, a lot of those companies you can book with diectly yourself but do some searching yourself and you'll quickly pick up on what may be an organisation you want to deal with as against home operators looking to cash in on the tourism trade."

I have also alerted the forum moderator to the oddities that seem to be there with sites promoted by airlian and I am sure if you view those and compare with other sites you can make your own decision.

Mt Julian is not btw a Whitsundays suburb as airlian would have you believe and if you googlr Mount Julian you will get a map showing it to be a rural area closer to Proserpine which is some 35 km. from Airlie Beach.

Oh my goodness.
The above comments have more to do about a perceived ownership of a forum than they do of offering relevant travel advice. There also appears to be a total inability to understand that sometimes others offer alternate advice that may be better & more relevant than your own.
I think there are some amongst us who are bordering on obsessive, compulsive & have lost touch with what these forums were designed for. To share & swap travel knowledge with a like minded community.
To imply that fellow Fodorites are merely posting for their own monetary gain is mischeiveous, unwarranted & unsubstantiated.
This is not the first time allegations of this type have been spruiked on this forum.
I hope that the moderators do act, & silence those who choose to unfairly target those whose only error was to offer good advice.

http://www.fantasea.com.au/links.aspx
http://www.cruisewhitsundays.com/accommodation.aspx
http://www.pacificsunrisewhitsunday.com/ps/links/
These are 3 of the biggest comopanies here. fantasea and Cruise Whitsundays are the major daytrip operations based here and are the only 2 companies that offer GBR daytrips from Airlie.
pacific Sunrise is in my humble opinion the best overnight cruise available here.
Look at these pages and you will notice links from these 3 big players to www.whitsundayaccommodation.net .
Do you really think that these big time players in our market would recommend a backyard shonky business, I doubt it. You may also notice that they don't recommend any out of town or internet only sites as you do Bushranger.

Oh and I don't know Daintree air, why would I it is based 800 kms away from The Whitsundays, so how could they have an intimate knowledge of Whitsunday cruises? I have never bagged them I just haven't heard of them, please excuse my ignorance.

Mt Julian is 16 km's from Airlie Beach, check your google map. It is in between Proserpine and Airlie. Proserpine is where our seats of power lay as in The Whitsunday shire council and is very much the heart of The Whitsundays, so I can't see how you would say Mt. Julian is not a suburb of The Whitsundays. Maybe I have been mistaken all of these years and Strathdickie, Mt. Marlow, Dingo Beach, Hydeaway Bay and Conway Beach are not part of this area, funny they always used to be.

Airlie beach has only been around for 30-40 years while Proserpine was founded by pioneering stock over 150 years ago
So yes I am Proserpinian as all born and bred locals are. Does that mean I don't know the islands, I doubt it, I have ventured to the islands and reef before I could walk with my father and his mates. We used to go to Hamilton island before there was a resort there.

The reason I say use a local agent is simple and has been explained before.

If you want a good quality cruise and get in touch with www.ozsailing.com.au they will recommend pacific Sunrise because it is in their stable. I have no problems with that as she is a fine vessel.
If you contacted www.australiantallships.com they would recommend Whitsunday magic which again is a fine vessel.
If you contact www.barefootcruises.com.au they will recommend Coral trekker another great boat. But none of these companies will recommend all 3 because they don't want to give business to the opposition.

A good local agent will more than likley mention all of these boats plus maybe Descarada which is a 1 boat company as well as possibly iceberg which is another 1 boat company. So the agents represent all of the companies and have all of the boats at their disposal not just ones that belong to a certtain business. That is the only way to get true unbiased advice which in the end gives you the best choices available to you. Surely that is not tooo hard to work out.

The reason I joined this forum is to stop the spread of massive amounts of misinformation that is being peddled on this site and sites like it. remember your devestataed resorts with cash flow problems, that is a prime example.
The reason I joined this forum is to offer local knowledge to the many people that request it.
The reason I joined this forum is to help people make the most of their stay in my backyard.
The reason I joined this forum is to help people, too bad you can't say the same.
Run to the moderators all you want, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide. All i ahve done is offer excellent advice on the best way to experience one of the most beautiful places in Oz. cheers airlian

airlian and bushranger; get a grip! you are ruining my vacation planning!!!