Aus Great Barrier Reef - grounded bulk carrier ship leaking oil could break up: lazy Labor gvmt!

(Xinhua) — A Chinese-registered bulk coal carrier Shen Neng 1 ran aground on a reef Saturday night, about 70 kilometers east of Great Keppel Island off the Queensland coast, Australian Associated Press reported Sunday. Aircraft are flying over the 230-meter-long bulk carrier aground in the Great Barrier Reef to determine the extent of an oil spill from the vessel. The vessel, which was carrying about 65000 tons of coal from Gladstone, has 950 tons of oil on board. An unknown amount of oil has leaked in the water and a national oil spill response plan has been activated. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has airlifted a surveyor onto the vessel to carry out a damage assessment. Maritime Safety Queensland says it has approached the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority seeking permission to use aerial dispersants on the oil leak, and a dispersant-spraying aircraft is on standby in Rockhampton. The incident immediately sparks fears of environmental damage of the Great Barrier Reef from the oil spill. news.xinhuanet.com Grounded ship: 3km oil spill on Great Barrier Reef - environmentalists have expressed outrage that the state and federal governments for allowing the carrier to travel along the Queensland coast without the guidance of an Australia marine pilot. Greens leader Bob Brown said the Shen Neng 1 did not have a marine pilot on board when the accident occurred….. www.brisbanetimes.com.au Captain Patrick Quirk, general manager of Maritime Safety Queensland …

Wilson Island Great Barrier Reef Queensland

Australians call the Great Barrier Reef the eighth wonder of the world, and it’s on every traveller’s wish list. Alas, like so many reefs, this 1,500-mile stretch is ecologically fragile. But castaways can set sandal on the ‘new’ Wilson Island knowing that their creature comforts are based on sound environmental principles; heat and light are by solar power and each of the six tents are created out of natural materials. There are separate bathrooms for each tent.

Beachcombing and birdwatching, swimming and snorkelling, reef walks and relaxing in your hammock are what Wilson Island is about during the day. Wining, dining and socialising take place later in the communal Longhouse.

The only way you can get to Wilson Island is via Heron Island.

Wilson island could well be described as the ultimate castaway experience as you will realise shortly.

The accommodation and all the principles of Wilson Island are based on eco principles which are firmly adhered to!

Take a look at photographs at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/articles/14/1/Wilson-Island-Great-Barrier-Reef/Page1.html

Wilson Island as previously stated in on the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast, and quite frankly it is difficult to imagine anything more attractive, although the three day Wilson Island Package was about long enough.

Beauty, there is in abundance, but like most of us, I have been spoiled by the 21st century luxuries that we now associate with dream islands, such as luxury bathrooms, mains electricity, to name but two!!

Compensations are an unrivalled natural beauty, beautifully clean and clear water, wonderful coral, and tropical fish to snorkel and see easily.

It is however a castaway experience with six permanent tents. The six tents have been designed to combine simplicity and comfort. Based on a modern beachcombing theme, the tents have raised timber floors, king-sized beds and a private decking with uninterrupted reef views. You will be supplied with everything you need apart from en-suite bathroom, but you will need the complete insect screening, and repellent.

The views from the tents are quite breathtaking.

All electricity is I believe by solar power, and batteries, so none of your electrical appliances will work, and the fresh water is rainwater, so all drinking water is bottled.

A separate building houses six showers and dressing area (one designated for each tent), along with toilet and vanity areas. This I’m afraid took be back to my youth hostelling/camping days which I had left behind long ago.

Entertainment and food are not forgotten; each evening begins with sunset pre-dinner drinks and canapés on the beach. The main course is a candle-lit three-course buffet meal with wine, served in the resort’s entertainment building, the Longhouse.

After dinner, guests can join an evening star-gazing walk or even a beach walk to observe the turtles nesting.

A popular activity for early risers is a walk to an area of the island known as the ‘Flintstone Chairs’. These naturally carved coral chairs offer a spectacular view of the colourful Wilson Island sunrise.

Quite honestly this is a beautiful place, but there really is very little to do, apart from wonderful snorkelling, and scuba diving. It is a bit rustic for my taste but in fairness that is what is part of the initial appeal.

Two last things, the wines are very good, and there are no children under the age of sixteen.

Scuba Diving In The Great Barrier Reef - Australia

One of the world’s most famous scuba diving dive sites is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Australia is the only living organic collective on earth visible from outer space. The other is a man made structure, The Great Wall of China.

This reef is regarded as one of the wonders of the world and was declared as a World Heritage in 1981. It is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem. Being so huge, magnificent dive spots and beautiful marine life and sceneries abound.

The Great Barrier is more than 300,000 sq km in size and consists of more than 3000 reefs. Deciding where to dive in this huge diving destination can be a gigantic headache. Then again, that is a happy problem because of the many wonderful choices you have.

One of the greatest dangers to the reef, especially to the corals is the Crown of Thorns starfish. This starfish eat corals and have ravenous appetites. Vast stretches of underwater life had on many occasions been destroyed by the Crown of Thorns starfish. Do not try to save the reef by cutting up the starfish. It will not die that way, instead it multiplies just like viruses splitting themselves up to multiply their numbers.

Wreck diving is a favorite scuba diving activity. Amongst the many wrecks are Captain James Cook’s ship “Endeavour”. Another famous wreck is that of the HMS Pandora, which met its fate in 1791. There are about 30 shipwreck sites, most of them are opened to wreck divers.

More than 2 million people visit the reef every year spending about a billion US dollars collectively making tourism as the main pillar of the eastern Australia economy. Since tourism dollar is very important, it is vital for the Australian economy to protect the reef from destruction hence it is protected in many ways. As a form of protection, fishing is restricted in some areas and animals such as dolphins, whales, dugong (a seal look alike animal sometimes mistaken for mermaids) are protected.

For the more adventurous divers, there are dives to view shark feedings, especially the ferocious man eater, The Great White Shark. Divers are put into the water in steel cages to view these man eating sharks closed up. For non divers, there are island hopping cruises as well as whale watching cruises to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

Do Not Miss The Great Barrier Reef On Your Australian Tour

If you are looking for a vacation where you find yourself scuba diving and snorkeling, you owe it to yourself to check out Australias Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is where you can enjoy the immense beauty, color and richness of a truly natural underwater wonder. Do not forget The Wet Tropics Rainforest is just a short distance away from from any of the towns in the tropical Far North of Australia. You are sure to enjoy the salt spray while lounging on a tropical beach and take in the picturesque tablelands plateau.

The Great Barrier Reef is fun for all ages and group sizes. Sample luxurious resorts or stay in a more adventurous setting such as tent accommodations. Whatever you are looking for on your Australia vacation, A helicopter or seaplane ride is a once in a lifetime experience as you can get a birds eye view of the reef as well as marine life.

Thirty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises have been recorded as well as six species of sea turtles come to the reef to breed. Bring your family or friends to check out Humpback whale season which last from June until September. Sea Turtles lay their eggs on the beach and their young can be spotted from November through May. In the Southern Hemisphere, November is the equivalent of May in the Northern Hemisphere so prepare appropriately for summer weather. Salt water crocodiles live in and around the mangrove and salt marshes and approximately over 120 shark, stingray, skates or chimera species live on the reef.

If you have the budget you can actually stay on the Reef at either Lizard or Hayman Island. Lizard Island is a luxury tropical resort with two dozen secluded beaches along with a comprehensive Pavilion Day Spa. Hotel staff can even prepare a picnic basked, arrange for snorkeling equipment, and even arrange for you to take a trip in a glass bottom boat perfect for viewing the reef and the sea creatures below. Spend the whole day but bring an underwater camera so that you can share your experience with those less fortunate souls back at home as well as save memories for years to come.

In order to arrive at your resort destination, you will need to coordinate with your resort which airport or helicopter service is most appropriate. Also keep in mind that you may not be allowed to bring very much along with you. 15 kilograms is a good estimate as to how much luggage you may bring. Because of the remoteness of some of your travel, be prepared to bring only what you are willing to carry.

Visiting The Great Barrier Reef Islands

Australia vacations are all about fun, adventure, and discovery, which is why The Great Barrier Reef Islands are the perfect place to visit. They are visible from space, and is the largest coral reef system in the world, containing about 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch for 1,616 miles over an area of 132,974 miles in the Coral Sea.

The reef system is both composed of and supported by billions of tiny organisms known as coral polyps. Much of the reef is also protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and through these protection efforts, many of the vulnerable and endangered species that make the reef their home and are in fact endemic to the reef system are protected as well.

Among these animals are thirty known species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, six species of sea turtles, salt water crocodiles, the Irikandiji jellyfish, the giant clams, and various fish species. These animals call the reef their home year round, so be on the lookout it may be the only time that you will ever be able to seem them outside of a marine theme park.

Each of the islands on the Reef are unique, and more information about all of them can be found by contacting both your travel agent, and the Great Barrier Reef Visitors Bureau. Your Australia vacation is not complete without an exclusive tour of the reef and the chance to come face to face with tropical fish and a cruise of the reef for more exclusive site seeing opportunities.

On Hamilton Island, there are many aviation tour venue options, including sea plane, helicopter, and airplane tours. The nearby Whitsunday islands are known for their sparkling, clear waters, pristine beaches, and unparalleled natural beauty. A sea kayaking excursion is the perfect way to experience the Whitsunday islands, and can consist of a simple day trip, an overnight trip, a night trip, and any combination of these options.

The Great Barrier Reef is a beautiful and important wonder of the natural world, and one that everyone should experience in his or her lifetime. The abundant animals, beautiful beaches, clear water, and dazzling coral reefs are second to none, and with so many islands to choose from, you are guaranteed to never run out of things to do on your next Australian vacation. Anyone that has ever visited this destination, says it is a once in a lifetime experience.

BARRIER REEF - I See Hawks In LA

I See Hawks In LA video for “Barrier Reef,” from Hawks CD “California Country,” in the woods of Vermont and the Mojave Desert, and parts in between

Great Barrier Reef - Travel Video

www.pleasetakemeto.com Said to be the worlds largest living structure and the only one visible from outer space, the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2000 kilometres and is home to tens of thousands of species of brilliantly coloured fish, coral and other marine life including whales, dolphins and turtles.

Old 97’s Barrier Reef

@Stubb’s (sxsw 2008).

Two Fantastic Ways to Experience the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a magnificent sight and you can experience it in numerous ways. Two fantastic ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef are to take a light aircraft flight over the reef and snorkeling from a platform in the Pacific Ocean.

It is easy to drive to Whitsunday Airport, Queensland from Airlie Beach to catch the one hour pleasure flight over the Whitsunday Islands and ‘Heart Shaped’ Reef. You will be given a safety briefing before the pilot leads you to the 4-seater plane on the grass field runway. You will probably get the best seats if you can sit in the front of the aircraft! The pilot heads out over the Airlie Beach area and the views are stunning. A few minutes later the aircraft takes you over the very popular Hayman and Daydream Islands. It takes almost half an hour before the Great Barrier Reef comes into view. What a view it is! This is definitely a fantastic way to experience the reef because you can see how vast it really is as it stretches out for miles into the distance.

The highlight of the trip is circling the famous ‘Heart Reef’. The pilot tilts the plane both ways so that everyone gets a good view of the ‘heart shaped’ reef so have your camera ready. After leaving the reef the pilot takes you towards Whitsunday Island and the famous Whitehaven Beach. The Whitehaven beach stretches out for almost 4 miles and is arguably one of the ten best beaches in the world. The Hill Inlet sand formation is a superb view from the air and is well worth seeing. The aircraft flies over the vacation friendly Hamilton Island and Shute Harbour before returning back to the airport. The Whitsunday Islands are a marvellous place for a vacation but don’t miss the chance to see them from the air.

Snorkeling has got to be one of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Port Douglas, Queensland is a good base to catch the Catamaran that takes you out to the Barrier Reef. The Quicksilver Catamaran takes you to the Agincourt Reef in almost two hours and you can enjoy the magnificent views of the north Queensland coastline as you swiftly move through the water. The platform is a superb place to explore the reef because you can also take a submarine type boat in addition to snorkeling. If you do not want to get wet, but still want to enjoy the reef then this option is ideal.

All the equipment for snorkeling is available at the platform so take advantage of it. It is almost a fantasy world when you snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef. The colors of the tropical fish are amazing and you can see them so clearly because they swim so close to you. Watch out for the Clownfish and then you will be able to claim that you have ‘found Nemo’ at the Great Barrier Reef. Be careful not to touch the intricate coral reef because it is actually a living organism and easily damaged. My personal advice is to swim away from the immediate crowds and then you can have this world all to yourself.

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef is an experience that will never be forgotten so don’t miss the chance to see the reef, from above and below, if you travel to Australia.

A Great Barrier Reef Vacation On Heron Island

A Great Barrier Reef Vacation on Heron Island is a unique experience. Heron Island is a small coral cay right on the Great Barrier Reef Australia, where you can snorkel straight off the beach amidst teeming marine life on an endless multicoloured coral reef.

It is what you don’t see that really makes this such an outstanding destination as a Great Barrier Reef destination. You see there are no buildings above the tree line. There are no daytrippers, because Heron Island is only for its guests, and you won’t find that in many resorts around the world.. The island isn’t large, but it is beautiful, and you could walk around it in about 30 minutes, but it’s large enough to escape from the stresses of 21st century life within a few hours of arriving.

Heron Island has a unique atmosphere, which is one of relaxation, total relaxation., sophisticated casual relaxation, in a completely understated way, and this sets Heron apart from other resort islands

Heron is not the place to visit on your Great Barrier Reef Vacation if you need sophisticated nightlife, or a multitude of daytime activities, because the emphasis here is on the natural attractions and exploring the island..

The reef diving here is second to none, the snorkelling superb, so you may see turtles, dolphins, humpback whales migrating north, sharks, stingrays, many colourful fish and birds and they are all within easy reach which is fantastic.

The reef walks will teach you about the unique ecology of the Great Barrier Reef. Added to this is the abundance of bird life especially Noddy Terns.

On the other hand you can just lie around, read, and relax!!

In the evenings there might be live entertainment, or you can dance or just have a pleasant drink at the Pandanus Lounge. You will find the food is excellent with a, huge breakfast buffet, and three dinner buffets every week.

If you are a nature lover who doesn’t mind a helicopter transfer then Heron Island is probably the ideal Great Barrier Reef Vacation Spot you could ever find.

Bedarra Island is another gem and is a true Great Barrier Reef luxury resort, only for the rich and famous.

For more Australian Vacations and information about the Great Barrie Reef, go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Oceania%26%2339%3Bs-Hidden-Hotels/Australia/

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