Southern Great Barrier Reef Dive Trail
-
Upload
bundaberg-north-burnett-tourism -
Category
Documents
-
view
215 -
download
0
description
Transcript of Southern Great Barrier Reef Dive Trail
1Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
queensland.com/SouthernGreatBarrierReef
Southern Great Barrier ReefIsland and dive trail
Bundaberg North Burnett | Gladstone | Capricorn
Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail2
Heron Island
Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Contents5 Where great begins Southern Great Barrier Reef
12 Southern Great Barrier Reef Island and Dive Trail One of the best ways to explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef
20 Shipwrecks of the Southern Great Barrier Reef Popular dive sites
22 Signature Events The year’s events
25 Island and Dive Trail Directory Helpful contact information
Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail 3
Map paGE
GR
EA
T B
A
RR I E R
RE
EF
Cairns
Townsville
Port Douglas
Cooktown
Palm Cove
Gold Coast
Sunshine Coast
Fraser Coast
Gladstone
MackayProserpine
Brisbane
Airlie Beach
Bundaberg
RockhamptonThe Wild North
Cairns and port Douglas
Townsville
Whitsundays and Mackay
Southern Great Barrier Reef
DARWIN
CAIRNS
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
A U S T R A L I A
HOBART
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
PERTH
GR
EA
T B
A
R R I E R REE
F
W
©
Tourism Queensland 2010
Bundaberg
Gladstone
Rockhampton
Monto
Eidsvold
Mundubbera
Gayndah
Biloela
BlackwaterEmerald
Blackall
Longreach
Barcaldine
inton
Childers
Biggenden Maryborough
Capella
RubyvaleSapphire
Anakie
Willows
WillowsGemfields
SapphireGemfields
Drummond
Alpha
Jericho
Barcaldine Downs
BowenDowns
Ilfracombe
Isisford
Emmet
Muttaburra
Yeppoon
Emu Park
The Caves
Marlborough
Curtis Island
Keppel Sands
Tannum Sands
Miriam Vale
Many Peaks
Callide
Banana
Theodore
Taroom
Moura
Rolleston
Springsure
Calliope
Benaraby
Mt LarcomDululu
Mt MorganMt Hay
Agnes Water
Moore ParkBargaraElliott Heads
Gin Gin
WoodgateBurrum Heads
Hervey Bay
Seventeen Seventy
Byfield
Lady Elliot Island
Heron Island
Llewellyn Reef
Round Hill HeadBustard Bay
Middle Island
Boyne Island BustardHead
Fitzroy Reef
Wilson Island
Pumpkin Island
Clermont
DEEPWATER NP
BURRUM COAST NP
LAKEMONDURAN
PARADISE DAM
LAKE WURUMA
LAKE CANIA
LAKE AWOONGA
LAKE NUGA NUGA
LAKEMARABOON
KEPPEL BAY ISLANDS NP
BYFIELD NP
CURTIS ISLAND NP
CANIA GORGE NP
KROOMBIT TOPS NP
GOODNIGHTSCRUB NP
EURIMBULA NP
GOODEDULLANP
PRECIPICE NP
EXPEDITION NP
NUGA NUGA NPCARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Salvator RosaSection
Ka Ka MundiSection
DeepdaleExtension
Mt Moffatt Section
Carnarvon Gorge
SectionMoolayemter
Section
BLAIR ATHOL
CUDMORE NP
BLADENSBURG NP
LOCHERN NP
WELFORD NP
IDALIA NPPALMGROVE NP
ISLA GORGE NP
TAUNTON NP
BLACKDOWNTABLELAND NP
GR
EA
T
DI
VI
DI
NG
R
AN
GE
Aramac
Yaraka
Opalton
Stonehenge
Tambo
Great Keppel Island
Fraser Island
Lady Musgrave Island
Jundah
GR E A T B A
R RI E
R R
EE
F
CAPRICORN HIGHWAY CAPRICORN HIGHWAY
BRUCE HIGHWAY
BURN
ETT HIGHWAY
BRUCE H
IGH
WA
Y
LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK
COMBO WATERHOLE CONSERVATION PARK
LANDSBOROUGH MATILDA HIGHW
AY
LEIC
HH
ARD
T H
IGH
WA
YDAWSON HIGHWAY
DAWSON HIGHWAY
DAWSON HIGHWAY
4 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail 5
Where great beginsImagine immersing yourself in the Earth’s largest natural formation, surrounded by tropical islands, pristine reefs and being reinvigorated by life-changing encounters with nature.
Welcome to Australia’s Southern Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Its many islands, crystal clear waters and year-round tropical climate make it an ideal destination for snorkelers, divers and lovers of nature. This special part of the world caters for anyone looking to escape the crowds, to experience rare, natural encounters in a secluded, stunning location.
The region is home to some of the most pristine reefs and islands of the Great Barrier Reef. It spans from Lady Elliot Island and the Bundaberg Coast through to Lady Musgrave Island, Seventeen Seventy and Heron Island and onto the Capricorn Coast and Keppel Bay Islands NP.
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is a well-kept secret located on the east coast of Australia, less than half a day’s drive or just an hour’s flight north from the Queensland capital of Brisbane.
Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
GR
EA
T B
A
RR I E R
RE
EF
Cairns
Townsville
Port Douglas
Cooktown
Palm Cove
Gold Coast
Sunshine Coast
Fraser Coast
Gladstone
MackayProserpine
Brisbane
Airlie Beach
Bundaberg
Rockhampton
Fitzroy Reef Lagoon
6 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Why is it so great?About 12,000 years in the making, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the richest and most complex ecosystems in the world with an unmatched biological diversity and has been recognised for its outstanding universal value by being declared a World Heritage Area.
Thousands of marine plants and animals call this place home. It’s a significant nesting and breeding area for a wide range of marine life including turtles, dugongs, dolphins, seabirds and whales.
More than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island clan groups express Native Title rights and interest in the ancient, natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef.
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is protected as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with stunning continental islands and unparalleled coral cays.
Even the most well-travelled visitors are often left speechless by the experience of getting up close and personal with life in this remarkable part of the world.
Heron Island
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is so closeRegular flights ex Brisbane to Bundaberg Gladstone Rockhampton
Lady Elliot Island 30 minute flight ex Bundaberg Also direct flights ex Gold Coast, Brisbane, Hervey Bay
Heron Island Helicopter and boat transfers to Heron Island ex Gladstone
Great Keppel Island 30 minute daily boat transfers ex Rosslyn Bay 30 minute charter flight ex Rockhampton
Lady Musgrave Island Day cruise ex Seventeen Seventy
Drive time Bundaberg, ex Brisbane 4 hours (363km)
Lady Elliot Island
7Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
How to best experience ‘Where great begins’There are many ways to experience the wonder of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
You can stay in a resort right on the reef, become a modern day Robinson Crusoe and camp on an uninhabited island or get shipwrecked in style in a designer tent with private bath house.
Become part of Queensland’s laidback coastal life and stay in a beautiful serviced apartment along the coastal route from Woodgate to Bargara, Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy and onto Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast.
Whether snorkelling with your partner, diving the famous Blowhole, sharing with your kids the turtle experience under a moonlight sky, or just rediscovering yourself on a secluded island, the Southern Great Barrier Reef is a corner of the Earth waiting to be explored.
To make the most of your escape, we’ve compiled some truly once in a lifetime experiences and developed an Island and Dive Trail to help you explore the region and navigate some of the not so well known sites.
Once in a lifetime experiencesBe awed by some of the life-changing experiences this special corner of the Earth has to offer.
• Experience the cycle of life and one of the true wonders of the natural world at Mon Repos near Bundaberg as hundreds of marine turtles return to the beach every year to nest. Witness their hatchlings make their perilous journey back to the sea
• Get up close and personal with the gentle giants of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the resident Manta Rays. With wings spanning up to 7 metres, don’t miss this experience on Lady Elliot Island, listed by PADI Dive as one of the Top 5 Manta Dive Destinations of the world
• Walk straight from your private resort sanctuary on Heron Island into the magical world of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and dive the Heron Bommie. Discover why Jacques Cousteau and others rated this as one of their top dive sites in the world
• Catch a glimpse of the elusive sea horse and snorkel the calm lagoon on a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island from the town of Seventeen Seventy
• Live the life of a modern day Robinson Crusoe and maroon yourself with a camping spot on an uninhabited island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Or indulge in a luxury safari tent on Wilson Island
• Surround yourself in the stunning world of the Southern Great Barrier Reef with a stroll on one of Great Keppel Island’s long sandy beaches (there are 17 to choose from!)
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s only natural feature that can be seen from outer space.
Famous for...
Heron Island Bommie was rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of his top 10 dive sites in the world.Lady Elliot Island is listed by PADI Dive as one of the Top 5 Manta Dive Destinations of the world.
Fitzroy Reef Lagoon
8 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Life on the reef - above and below The Southern Great Barrier Reef is a complex ecosystem, abundant with a diversity of life, above and below the water. Meet some of the people, places and critters who call the Southern Great Barrier Reef home and get ready for a spectacular holiday experience.
Heron Island
aBOVE
Islands – the region is dotted with islands and coral cays fringed by translucent waters. You can day trip or stay on an island with a choice of resorts, cabins, beach houses and safari tents. Many of the islands and coral cays are uninhabited and have camping available.
The people - a select few (estimated at less than 200 people) reside on the islands, predominately working in the resorts or research stations. Some have travelled all corners of the Earth to call this special place home.
Meet Elliot Burlin, a diving instructor from the Sunshine Coast, not of Queensland, but outside Vancouver, Canada. Replying to a job advertisement on seek.com, he now lives on Heron Island as the resort’s Marine Centre Manager. “There’s always something going on. The diversity of marine life, especially the turtles and Manta Rays is amazing. My top diving spot in the world? I’m not joking, it would have to be the Heron Bommie”.
Gabriele and Thomas Jehle from Germany have made this place home. They recently opened Coral Inn Resort & Flashpackers. “12 years ago we fell in love with Yeppoon because of the ‘Tropic of Capricorn’ – meaning perfect climate with 300 sunshine days, the winters are just magic. Pristine beaches, Great Keppel Island and all the other little islands are so close. We moved here with our little children exactly 10 years ago as this coast town is made for families. We also love Byfield National Park.”
Birdlife – Some 22 species of seabirds live and migrate to this region, soaring and nesting on the islands, with a variety of land-dwelling birds who are permanent island residents.
The Coast – the mainland features a number of quiet coastal villages offering a genuine, laidback Queensland experience. Many have accommodation, including serviced beachside apartments, beach holiday homes, cabins and holiday parks.
9Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Legend of the Seahorse
Many people have never seen a
seahorse, some believing they are
creatures of legend, but here on
the Southern Great Barrier Reef,
they are very real. Many people
describe them as “the most
beautiful thing ever seen”. It is
the male who carries the eggs
in a pouch until they hatch,
and then he releases fully formed,
miniature seahorses into the
water. Rare Zebra and Pygmy
seahorses have been reported
in the Great Barrier Reef.
BELOW
As beautiful as the coast and islands of
this destination are, it’s what lies below
that really counts. Meet the underwater
creatures that call the Southern Great
Barrier Reef home.
Big Creatures
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is home
to a large number of big creatures,
including whales, sea turtles, Manta
Rays, Dugongs, dolphins and sharks.
The biggest creature to traverse these
waters, growing to more than 15 metres
in length, is the Humpback Whale. You
can witness the migration of these giants
during the season as they make their
way from the Antarctic north to the Great
Barrier Reef to breed and then return with
their calves.
The Manta Ray is the next largest
resident in the Southern Great Barrier
Reef. This gentle giant has a wing span
up to 7 metres. They choose to reside
in shallower waters around islands and
reefs. Large populations of this majestic
creature are found here.
The region is particularly significant for
marine turtles, such as the Loggerhead
and Green Sea Turtle, as a breeding and
nesting area. During turtle season, the
sight of hundreds of hatchlings on the
beach is incredible.
Some of the fish you’ll come face-to-face
with can grow up to 3 metres,
such as the Giant Groper, also referred
to as the Queensland Groper, and the
Giant Trevally. Here you’ll also find
Giant Clams, some weighing more
than 200 kilograms.
With so many fish around it’s no wonder
there are also many different breeds of
sharks, with Leopard, Black Tip Reef
sharks and Spotted Wobbegong being
a common sight. Fish also attract the
social and playful Bottlenose dolphins,
commonly found throughout these
waters with adults growing to 4 metres.
One big creature you may not catch
a glimpse of is the shy Dugong, a
vulnerable sea creature called a ‘Sea
Cow’. Feeding mainly on sea grass,
they spend most of their time in shallow
waters along the coast.
Little Creatures
Whether snorkelling or diving, you can
get up close to the reef and witness a real
plethora of life.
Contrary to popular belief, the corals that
form the foundations of the shapes and
colours of the reef are tiny animals that
build colonies. Corals range from soft,
such as Daisy, Brain coral and Gorgonian
fans, to hard corals, including Staghorns
and Plate coral. Nearly a third of the
world’s coral species are found in the
Great Barrier Reef.
Shells of all shapes and sizes provide
homes and hiding spots for little
creatures such as brightly coloured
flatworms swimming past, nudibranchs
(colourful sea snails) and starfish,
including the Blue Starfish and Orange
Sea Star.
Watch blennies and gobies, the smallest
living animals on Earth with a backbone,
dart through the reefs and find crabs and
Painted Crayfish hiding in the reef and on
the ocean floor.
Tropical fish provide a moving scene of
colour from the Angelfish to the brightly
coloured Parrot and Butterfly fish. The
stripes of some, such as the Harlequin
Tuskfish and Striped Surgeonfish are
almost fluro. Most popular are the Clown
Anemone fish, commonly known as
‘little Nemos’.
Southern Great Barrier Reef Southern Great Barrier Reef
10 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
W
©
Tourism Queensland 2010
DEEPWATER NP
BURRUM COAST NP
LAKEMONDURAN
PARADISE DAM
LAKE WURUMA
LAKE CANIA
LAKE AWOONGA
LAKE NUGA NUGA
LAKEMARABOON
KEPPEL BAY ISLANDS NP
BYFIELD NP
CURTIS ISLAND NP
CANIA GORGE NP
KROOMBIT TOPS NP
GOODNIGHTSCRUB NP
EURIMBULA NP
EXPEDITION NP
NUGA NUGA NPCARNARVON NATIONAL PARK
Salvator RosaSection
Ka Ka MundiSection
DeepdaleExtension
Mt Moffatt Section
Carnarvon Gorge
SectionMoolayemter
Section
BLAIR ATHOL
CUDMORE NP
BLADENSBURG NP
LOCHERN NP
WELFORD NP
IDALIA NPPALMGROVE NP
TAUNTON NP
BLACKDOWNTABLELAND NP
GR
EA
T
DI
VI
DI
NG
R
AN
GE
GR E A T B A
R RI E
R R
EE
F
CAPRICORN HIGHWAY CAPRICORN HIGHWAY
BRUCE HIGHWAY
BURN
ETT HIGHWAY
BRUCE H
IGH
WA
Y LARK QUARRY
CONSERVATION PARK
COMBO WATERHOLE CONSERVATION PARK
LANDSBOROUGH MATILDA HIGHW
AY
LEIC
HH
ARD
T H
IGH
WA
Y
DAWSON HIGHWAY
DAWSON HIGHWAY
Domestic Airports
Train Route(The Spirit of the Outback Queensland Rail Journey)
LEGEND
1 3
4
5
6
7
1112
12
1310
9
1716
15
14
8
2
Aramac
Yaraka
Opalton
Stonehenge
Tambo
Great Keppel Island
Fraser Island
Lady Musgrave Island
JundahBundaberg
Gladstone
Rockhampton
Monto
Eidsvold
Mundubbera
Gayndah
Biloela
BlackwaterEmerald
Blackall
Longreach
Barcaldine
inton
Childers
Biggenden Maryb
To Brisbane
orough
Capella
RubyvaleSapphire
Anakie
Willows
WillowsGemfields
SapphireGemfields
Drummond
Alpha
Jericho
Barcaldine Downs
BowenDowns
Ilfracombe
Isisford
Emmet
Muttaburra
Yeppoon
Emu Park
The Caves
Marlborough
Curtis Island
Keppel Sands
Tannum Sands
Miriam Vale
Many Peaks
Callide
Banana
Theodore
Rolleston
Springsure
Calliope
Benaraby
Mt LarcomDululu
Mt MorganMt Hay
Agnes Water
Moore ParkBargaraElliott Heads
Gin Gin
WoodgateBurrum Heads
Hervey Bay
Seventeen Seventy
Byfield
Lady Elliot Island
Heron Island
Llewellyn Reef
Round Hill HeadBustard Bay
Middle Island
Boyne Island BustardHead
Fitzroy Reef
Wilson Island
Pumpkin Island
Clermont
DARWIN
CAIRNS
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
A U S T R A L I A
HOBART
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
PERTH
GR
EA
T B
A
R R I E R REE
F
PRECIPICE NP
11Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Bundaberg
Mon Repos
Bargara, Burnett Heads and the Coastal Route
Lady Elliot Island
Seventeen Seventy
Lady Musgrave Island
Fitzroy Reef Lagoon
Gladstone
Curtis Island
Heron Island
Wilson Island
North West and Masthead Islands
Rockhampton
Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast
The Swain Reefs
Keppel Bay Island Group
Great Keppel Island
Magic of the reef, Gladstone
Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail12
The Southern Great Barrier Reef Island and Dive TrailOne of the best ways to experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef is to explore its Island and Dive Trail. Just follow the map and numbered descriptions including local information, web links and hidden secrets.
Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Heron Island
13Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Lady Elliot Island
1 Bundaberg
Bundaberg is less than an hour’s flight or four hour drive north of Brisbane. It marks the beginning of the Southern Great Barrier Reef Island and Dive Trail with direct, 30 minute flights departing Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island. (www.ladyelliot.com.au/rates/flights.asp)
The region is famous for its turtles at Mon Repos beach and iconic products of Bundaberg Rum and Ginger Beer . You can taste these regional flavours where they’re created.
You can learn to dive in Bundaberg or organise boat charters to dive sites from Bundaberg’s coast.
Hidden secret - Taste Mammino’s homemade ice cream. Try the Red Earth flavour, created to depict the rich soils of the region.
2 Mon Repos
Mon Repos beach, just 14 kilometres from Bundaberg, is the annual nesting and hatching site for Loggerhead, Flatback and Green Sea Turtles. From November to January, witness the incredible sight of these special creatures making their way up to the beach and laying their eggs. Just 6-8 weeks later, tiny hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea (from early January to March).
As Loggerhead Turtles are an endangered species, access to the beach is restricted to guided walks conducted by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers. Bookings are essential, and can be made through Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism on 07 4153 8888.
3 Bargara, Burnett Heads and the Coastal Route
Just east of Bundaberg is a relaxed destination where you can live the Queensland coastal lifestyle in serviced beach apartments at Bargara, walk the long white sand beach of Woodgate and see the Port of Bundaberg at Burnett Heads, home to Bundaberg’s Sailing Club and main port of entry for yachts entering Australia.
Along this coast, you can experience Queensland’s best shore diving. Thanks to its ancient volcanic history, the formation of black basalt rock boulders just offshore have created the perfect environment for tropical fish and other marine creatures. You can shore dive from Bargara Beach or just up the road is Hoffman’s Rocks and Barolin Rocks. In this area you’ll find soft coral gardens, Nudibranchs and Dugongs have also been sighted. By boat charter you can dive Evan’s patch, Two Mile Reef and the WWII Beaufort Bomber.
An underwater dive trail has been created by the local community just off the coastline, which guides divers through Cochrane Reef, a man-made reef consisting of three sunken planes, barges and boats. Click here for a grid map and GPS coordinates of Cochrane Reef: http://www.badarai.asn.au/images/Maps/aRT_REEF_Map_210906%20.pdf
Hidden secret - Dive the ‘Karma’ shipwreck, a 47 metre prawn trawler sitting upright in less than 30 metres of water. Access is by charter boat from Bundaberg aboard ‘Dive-a-holic’, via Bundaberg Aqua Scuba.
Only one in 1000 turtles survive to maturity and the females born at Mon Repos return thirty years later to breed and lay their eggs.
Two Mile Reef
WWII Beaufort Bomber
Evan’s Patch
Bargara Beach
Hoffman’s Rocks
Barolin Rocks
Cochrane Reef
Bundaberg
Click here to dive in for a 360° tour
14 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
4 Lady Elliot Island
Lady Elliot Island is one of only three island resorts on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and the only resort with regular, direct flight access. In this stunning location you can step right off the beach to snorkel and dive. The island is teeming with life, live corals and famous for its resident population of over 170 Manta Rays. The area is classified within the Marine National Park ‘Green’ Zone, affording it a very high level of protection to ensure its pristine state. This eco island resort offers shore-front dining and accommodation, with suites, eco huts and units.
There are easy walking trails on the island and an abundance of snorkelling and dive sites from the shore or within a short boat ride. Popular dive sites (although there’s many more) include:
The Blowhole - reached by boat, it is about 20 metres down with a horizontal swim into a long cave (about 15 metres
in length) and then heads up toward the reef flat. This superb dive has Lion Fish, Manta Shrimp, Wobbegongs and the unique Gnome fish. Inside the cave is a hive of activity with corals framing the reef wall entrance.
Hiro’s Cave - is a series of long caves requiring a torch to explore. It is populated by many large species of reef fish, Titan Trigger fish, Painted Flutemouth and Many-Spotted Sweetlip among them. Large Gorgonia fans decorate the main wall in this area.
The Tubes - is a spectacular dive site beginning with a descent over a ledge covered in hard and soft corals, and a great viewing platform for Cod and Batfish. There is a descent to the base of the wall where two, one metre wide swim throughs give this site its name.
Encounters - is a full-on coral dive with large plate and staghorn sections and explosive fish action in 6 - 12 metres depth. At times it can feel like “Manta Ray City”.
Lady Elliot Island
Severance Wreck - only a few minutes offshore, the ‘Severance’ is a two masted sailing boat which sunk off the island in 1998. Remnants of the sails can still be seen. The area has huge schools of pelagics (fish who live close to the water surface), Moray Eels and more.
For more dive sites of Lady Elliot click here for your free map www.ladyelliot.com.au/location/diveMap.asp
There’s a reason Lady Elliot Island is listed by PADI Dive as one of the Top 5 Manta Dive Destinations in the world. As scuba dive author, Tom Byron explains “Giant Manta Rays live in such abundance here that divers are continually swimming with them dive after dive; it’s unique and electrifying”.
Click here to take an underwater virtual tour of Lady Elliot Island www.ladyelliot.com.au/news/news_detail.asp?ID=178
Severance Wreck
Encounters
Lady Elliot Island
Hiro’s Cave
The TubesThe Blowhole
Click here to dive in for a 360° tour
15Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
5 Seventeen Seventy
Located on the coast between Bundaberg and Gladstone are two of Queensland’s most picturesque coastal settlements, Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy. It’s here Captain Cook made his first landing in Queensland and where you can access Lady Musgrave Island and Fitzroy Reef Lagoon.
If you need some ‘deco’ (decompression) days, this is the place to either chill out or try some adventure activities including learning to surf or stand-up paddle (Agnes Water is Queensland’s most northerly point break), sand boarding, twilight kayaking, kite surfing, yoga classes or the sand surfing tours.
A wide selection of accommodation is available from architecturally-designed beach houses with million dollar views to self-contained apartments, motels, backpacker accommodation and holiday parks. Click here for a 360° tour.
6 Lady Musgrave Island
Lady Musgrave Island has the largest navigable lagoon on the entire Great Barrier Reef at over eight kilometres in circumference. This protected lagoon offers great snorkelling and diving for beginner and experienced divers. Discover jewel-bright Starfish, Sea Urchins, Giant Clams and corals exposed at low tide. From November to March, marine turtles are often sighted laying their eggs with hatching occurring from January to late March.
Scuba divers and snorkelers stand an excellent chance of coming face to face with Manta Rays, Sea Turtles, Moray Eels, reef sharks and many of the large rainbow
Apart from the locals, few people know about the unique coral reef at Pancake Creek. Confirmed as one of the world’s few tidal creek reef systems, it lies in about 4-5 metres of water. Pancake Creek is north of Bustard Head, near Seventeen Seventy.
Bustard Head Light House can be accessed by the LARC! (an amphibious vehicle offering tours from Seventeen Seventy), with a trek to Pancake Creek.
Heron Island
Hidden Caves
Magic Drop-Off Wall
Coral Gardens
The Aquarium
Manta Ray Bommie
coloured fish, including Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Maori Wrasse, Potato Cod and Groper to name a few.
Popular dive sites include:-
Coral Gardens- magnificent coral structures habouring many of the large fish species.
Manta Ray Bommie- coral domes and a ‘cleaning station’ frequented by groups of Manta Rays.
The aquarium - is a large dive area inside the lagoon with many special species of soft and hard coral with many reef fish.
Hidden Caves - a coral cave that divers swim through to experience a real cave with its inhabitants.
Magic Drop-Off Wall - where the reef drops off to show a magic wall of superb colours and formations of coral and a variety of fish.
This uninhabited island has a National Park campground where numbers are limited to ensure a genuine castaway experience. You’ll need to book your camping permit and bring all your supplies with you. Click here to book a campsite ( http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits )
Lady Musgrave Cruises operates day trips from Seventeen Seventy and transfers for campers to the island. It operates the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s only floating pontoon, and combined with an underwater observatory and glass bottom boat, this is one place non-swimmers and inexperienced divers can really enjoy.
In addition to certified dive sites to the outer reef wall, introductory dives, with all gear supplied are available.
Lady Musgrave IslandClick here to dive in for a 360° tour
16 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
7 Fitzroy Reef Lagoon
Off the coast of Seventeen Seventy lies Fitzroy Reef Lagoon with many dive sites of varying depths for the novice and the experienced. Snorkelers and divers will be amazed at the vibrant colourful reef and abundant tropical fish. Access can be organised by charter with Lady Musgrave Cruises ex Seventeen Seventy.
8 Gladstone
This city is the economic hub for the region and offers boat and helicopter access to Heron, Wilson and Curtis Islands and many of the uninhabited coral cays where you can camp with a permit. Gladstone is serviced with non-stop flights from Brisbane with Virgin Australia and non-strop flights from Brisbane and Sydney with Qantas.
Here’s how an English visitor describes the experience -
“What we saw at Fitzroy Reef blew our minds; it was so beautiful.
There was a variety of several hard and soft coral species and their colours, everything from orange to brown, lime green, purples, pinks, reds and bright blue, were amazing. There were fish everywhere, some in shoals and some on their own. We were stunned at how bright they were and how different they all are from each other.
We saw Nemo, Dory and many of their friends all around.”
The city celebrates its water and seafood lifestyle with the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race in March and September stages the Gladstone Seafood Festival. Good seafood restaurants and a variety of accommodation is available in Gladstone. Boyne Island Tannum Sands and Turkey Beach are unspoilt coastal towns south of Gladstone.
9 Curtis Island
16 kilometres off the coast of Gladstone lies Curtis Island. Bush camping is available on the northern end of Curtis Island in the National and Conservation Park. The island’s coastline feels unspoilt and remote with wind-swept scrublands and quiet beaches. A QPWS camping permit is required and you’ll need to bring all your own equipment. Access is by Curtis Ferry Services from Gladstone Harbour or by charter or private boat. Click here to book a campsite ( http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits )
Heron Island
17Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
10 Heron Island
Described ‘like no other island on Earth’, it is often listed as one of the top diving spots in the world by snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. You can immerse yourself in the reef with over 20 dive sites and snorkelling straight off the beach.
During Turtle Season (November to late March), this island comes alive with Green and Loggerhead turtles on the beaches. The sight of baby hatchlings making their way to the shore is really something to behold. So environmentally significant is this location, the University of Queensland has a research station located right on the island.
You can try Discover Scuba Diving for beginners or become a certified diver in just two days. Dive sites are just 5 – 15 minutes away and night dives are available. Some of these unique dive experiences include:
Heron Bommie – the island’s signature dive site, with six large coral heads that start in five metres of water and sloping to 18 metres. A major cleaning station for all animals in the area including Manta Rays, Banded Pipefish and “Fatty” (the resident Flowery Cod). Listed as one of Jacques Cousteau’s top 10 favourite dive sites, this is a must-see.
Coral Grotto – You can dive in zigzag along a coral wall swimming through gutters. Turtles come to rest and feed here daily. Hidden under a ledge are Wobbegong and the Epaulette shark.
Hole In The Wall – aptly named after a natural hole in the reef, it’s large enough for a couple of divers to swim through. Surrounding the wall are steep drop offs, tunnels, channels and overhangs decorated with underwater tropical growth, filled with little critters.
plate Ledge – A large dive site with many exciting gutters and channels to explore, Plate Ledge is home to some of the most spectacular Gorgonian Fans in the area. Keep an eye out for various species of sharks, Manta Rays and the elusive Octopus.
Situated on a natural coral cay, Heron Island Resort offers resort suites, cabins and a beach house with direct beach access. You can indulge your senses in the resort’s spa and taste the best in local cuisine in the restaurant overlooking the Coral Sea.
HeliReef departs Gladstone Airport and a boat launch departs Gladstone Marina daily. To ensure the exclusive experience, there are no day trippers to the island.
Take an underwater virtual tour here: http://www.heronisland.com/seaview.aspx
Plate Ledge
Heron Bommie
HMAS Protector
Hole in the Wall
Coral Grotto
Heron Island
Heron Island
Click here to dive in for a 360° tour
18 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
11 Wilson Island
Wilson Island is a tiny island accessible by a 45 minute boat transfer from Heron Island. If you’re looking to get shipwrecked in style, you’ll find heaven on Wilson Island. The island takes just 12 guests at any one time with six luxurious safari-style tents, all with reef and ocean outlooks. This is understated indulgence, just you, your friends, a chef and bartender.
Day trips for snorkelling are available to the island from Heron Island, with sumptuous lunch, morning and afternoon teas included.
Its unique location and orientation make Wilson’s reef exceptionally sheltered and is home to a large Acropora (table-like) coral colonies.
Click here for a 360° tour.
12 North West and Masthead Islands
For those seeking a remote, natural island experience (with camping fees less than $6 Australian dollars a night or about $23 for a family), North West and Masthead Islands are beautiful, uninhabited coral cays surrounded by crystal clear waters with snorkelling from the shore. You’ll need to book your campsite through QPWS (booking can be made 11 months in advance) and bring all your supplies with you. Access is via Curtis Ferry Services or charter boat ex Gladstone. Day trips are also available to other uninhabited coral cays in the area including Erskine and Tryon Islands.
Click here to book a campsite ( http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits )
13 Rockhampton
You can access this regional business hub, known as the ‘Beef Capital of Australia’, with Virgin Australia and Qantas. The city has a wide variety of accommodation and good dining, especially along the heritage-listed streetscape of Quay Street on the Fitzroy River. The Capricorn Coast, with access to the Keppel Bay Islands, is a short 30 minute drive east. Charter flights are available from Rockhampton airport direct to Great Keppel Island.
14 Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast
Yeppoon is located 38 kilometres north east of Rockhampton and is centrally located along the Capricorn Coast. Along this coastline are quiet seaside villages and near the shores are several volcanic plugs rising from the water. There is a wide variety of accommodation available
from resort to beachside apartments, motels and backpacker accommodation. Rosslyn Bay, seven kilometres south of Yeppoon is home to Keppel Bay Marina and Rosslyn Bay Boat Harbour which has daily ferry services to Great Keppel Island, plus snorkelling, bareboat and skippered sailing as well as dive charters.
Click here for a 360° tour.
15 The Swain Reefs
More than 200 kilometres from the mainland, it can take a day and night’s travel to reach. The Swains is often referred to as ‘virgin territory’ and is a vast patchwork of coral reefs, sometimes with more than 20 metres water visibility, sandy atolls and shallow lagoons. The diving includes towers, terraces, swim throughs and spirals of coral with an abundance of marine life including sharks, Manta Rays, Sea Snakes and tropical fish. Access to the Swains is via boat charter from Gladstone or Keppel Bay Marina on the Capricorn Coast.
Wilson Island
Wilson Island
19Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
16 Keppel Bay Island Group
Surrounding Great Keppel Island is a number of smaller islands with good snorkelling and diving. In addition to the secluded beaches and clear waters, some have plunging cliffs and diverse plant communities, making these islands unique. Camping is available on North Keppel, Humpy, Conical, Middle and Miall Islands. You need to book a camping permit through QPWS. Click here to book a campsite (http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits). Access to the islands is via charter from Keppel Bay Marina, and don’t forget to bring everything (including water) with you.
Some of the well-known diving spots in the Keppel Island Group, include:
Outer Rock – located north east of Great Keppel, the site descends to 18 metres with a good variety of resident fish, including possible sightings of large Maori Wrasse, striking coral as well as large Painted Crayfish.
Man & Wife Rocks – located between Great Keppel Island and Outer Rock, the plateau drops to around 18 metres. Good coral can be found at 10 metres, making this easy diving, with a variety of soft corals on the rock face to the islands.
Barren Island & Child Rock – is a great site due to its interesting underwater landscape with diving to about 35 metres with a good variety of hard and soft corals. A narrow gully separates the Island and the Rock, dropping straight down with masses of fish.
Egg Rock – is a deep water site with a cave located in a Marine National Park ‘Green Zone’, so it’s totally protected. As such, it’s home to some very large fish, some weighing up to 60-70kg. Coral Trout, Clown Fish, Sea Snakes and Cod are also abundant.
You can access these diving spots either by charter or via Great Keppel Island.
17 Great Keppel Island
A stunningly beautiful secluded island just 13 kilometres off the mainland, Great Keppel is the largest of the 20 continental islands in the Keppel Group. Fringed with 17 powdery-white sandy beaches, crystal clear and calm waters and just a 30 minute boat ride from the coast, this would have to be one of the most accessible, beautiful continental islands in Queensland. Don’t miss a stroll on aptly named, Long Beach and there are several walking tracks across the
island. Good reefs for snorkelling and diving are found on the north and eastern shores around Wreck Beach or Butterfish Bay, and the island is recommended for night and drift diving.
Bald Rock – is in Wreck Bay and features black coral trees, flat plate coral and sponges.
parkers Bommie – is a good site located near the extreme south-eastern point of Great Keppel. This beautiful sea garden drops to 17 metres with Gorgonia fans and an abundance of colourful fish.
Although the main resort has closed (due to its redevelopment), there are several accommodation options: Great Keppel Island Holiday Village with cabins, safari tents and dorm accommodation and facilities; Keppel Lodge, a self-contained guest house and holiday homes (which you can rent through the Capricorn Visitor Centre); become a castaway at Svenden’s Beach in one of their two boutique style tent-bungalows. Daily access to the island is via Freedom Fast Cats from Keppel Bay Marina on the mainland and there is an air strip on the island with charter access from Rockhampton.
Keppel Bay Islands
Outer Rock
Man and Wife Rocks
Barren Island and Child Rock
Bald Rock
Parkers Bommie
Egg Rock
Great Keppel Island
Click here to dive in for a 360° tour
20 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Shipwrecks of the Southern Great Barrier ReefUnknown to many are the number of shipwrecks located in these waters. There are thought to be more than 1000 shipwrecks off the Queensland coast, with the Great Barrier Reef claiming many of them. Some popular wreck dive sites in the Southern Great Barrier Reef include:
Severance is a two masted sailing boat which sank off Lady Elliot Island in 1998 and remains undamaged, where remnants of the sails can still be seen. Small patches of coral have appeared and provide food for a variety of reef fish. Huge schools of pelagics hang in the area and you are likely to come into contact with Moray Eels and other exciting marine life. This site is easily accessible from shore and has a depth of 18-23 metres.
Karma is the region’s premier diving site found just south of 1770 at Deepwater National Park. She’s a 47 metre trawler washed up on the beach in November 2003 after suffering engine failure and
was sunk to 18-26 metres. Home to thousands of fish and other marine life, the vessel sits upright, making it easily accessible to both open water and more advanced divers.
Cetacea is a steel trawler that sank in 1992 and rests in 32 metres of water on a sandy bottom. She is home to an array of marine life including large rays, Queensland Grouper, Cobia, Tuna and hundreds of Trevally. There are usually Sweetlip, Red Emperors and Batfish all gathered around the stern. The nets are encrusted in soft corals and are home to Stripey Snapper, Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Coral Trout and Morwongs. Inside the wheelhouse are a school of Cardinalfish and several large estuary Groupers.
Barcoola - this old barge lies in 41 metres of water and is rated as a stand-out dive for advanced divers, offering fantastic marine life at a serious depth. In 1994 she sunk on a vast sandy bottom to create an ecosystem that attracts a massive amount of life. Experienced divers have described her as “the best dive ever done” and she teems with Groupers, Cod, huge Kingfish, Giant Cobia, large rays, Bull Sharks and Bronze Whalers.
You’ll find most of the wreck dive sites mentioned above off the coast from Bundaberg and Seventeen Seventy, with more located throughout the region.
Cetacea Barcoola
America Wreck
HMAS Protector
Barcoola Wreck
SS Glanworth
Tambooroora Polmaise
Cetacea Wreck
Karma Wreck
Shipwrecks
21Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Historic shipwrecksThe Southern Great Barrier Reef has claimed quite a number of shipwrecks with historical significance. Below is just a sample of what can be found near Gladstone.
HMaS protector, Heron Island
Most recently, divers on an expedition organised by The Australian National Maritime Museum found the remains of a 187-year-old shipwreck of the Royal Charlotte off Gladstone.
The ship, a convict and troop transporter, was en route to India with a contingent of troops when it sank in a gale on Frederick Reef in 1825. Survivors spent six weeks on a sand cay until they were rescued by a government brig. Although not much remains, this shipwreck offers great insights into convict and troop transportation in the 19th century.
Lying in just five to eight metres of water, the SS Glanworth sank in 1896 at Settlement Point, just off the coast of Gladstone. Striking rocks while entering Gladstone’s North Channel, the wreck now provides an Aladdin’s cave housing Wobbegongs and a treasure trove of fish including Coral Trout and the Mother-in-Law Fish.
Swim down from the boiler, which you’ll see just below the surface, to between the propeller and rudder under the stern to enjoy the best of this wreck. With up to 10 metres visibility, this site is best dived in winter.
In 1879 the Polmaise Reef near Masthead Island claimed the steamer SS Tambooroora who was wrecked on Polmaise Reef near Masthead Island. Lying in shallow water with her stern very close to the surface, her boilers, rudder and propeller still remain providing a haven for fish in the area.
You can also explore the remains of an unidentified timber wreck within 50 metres of the Tambooroora and you’ll find two other wrecks of historical significance, including the polmaise, from which the reef earned its name, about 800 metres away.
Heron Island
The america is a historic shipwreck identified in Peter Stone’s Dive Australia. Built in Quebec in 1827, the ship sailed to Hobart, Tasmania in 1831 with 186 female convicts. She then sailed north but the southern reef claimed her and she was abandoned on Wreck Island Reef off Gladstone.
One of the most visible historic shipwrecks is the HMaS protector, where on her last voyage in WWII she was badly damaged near Gladstone and was beached near the entrance to Heron Island’s harbour.
Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Signature events
JanuaRy Turtle Season – female turtles are continuing to lay their eggs with turtle hatchlings being seen at Mon Repo and on many the islands, particularly Heron and Lady Elliot.
Sea Birds – very active breeding time for the birds on islands.
FeBRuaRy Turtle Season – hatchlings continue to emerge on the coast and islands
Sea Birds – chicks begin hatching on the islands
auGuST Whale Season – good Humpback Whale sightings
Winter – best water clarity for diving usually occurs during winter
SepTeMBeR Whale Season – Humpback Whales are active, breaching regularly
Sea Birds – Many returning to the islands at this time
australasian Underwater Festival
Gladstone Seafood Festival
OCTOBeR Whale Season – whales begin heading south with their calves.
Turtles – nesting season commences with many mating in the water common during this time.
Great Barrier Reef Swim – Heron Island
apRIL Easter - Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race
Gladstone Harbour Festival
DeCeMBeR Turtle Season – nesting continues for mother turtles
Coral Spawning – occurs in either November or December
JuLy australia’s National Whale Day (2 July)
Whale Season – Humpback Whales are frequently sighted in the region.
Sea Birds – nest building begins.
Dive Festival – Heron Island (25-29 July)
Gladstone Celebration – Gladstone Harbour
Lady Elliot Island – Above and Below the Water Photograph Week.
Winter – best water clarity for diving usually occurs during winter
MaRCH Turtle Season – some hatchlings still being sighted.
Sea Birds – still active with some returning south.
May World Turtle Day (23 May)
1770 Captain Cook Festival
Eco Fest - Gladstone
JuneHumpback Whales – northern migration from the Antarctic begins.
World Ocean’s Day (8 June)
Winter – best water clarity for diving usually occurs during winter
nOveMBeRTurtle Season – nesting season commences with many sea turtles returning to Mon Repos near Bundaberg and the island to lay their eggs.
Coral Spawning* – occurs in either November or December
The Southern Great Barrier Reef has many naturally occurring and sea-based celebrations staged throughout the year. With her year-round tropical climate, seasons can be deceiving, but underwater there are significant seasonal changes that bring new and unique experiences every month.
*Coral Spawning – known as ‘sex on the reef’, it’s an annual synchronised event where egg-engorged corals simultaneously release masses of pretty pink eggs and sperm into the sea. It is thought to be related to the water temperature and phases of the moon, usually occurring in November or December.
Year Round Island Weather
Sub-tropical, average year round daily temperature of 24oC (80oF)
Winter: - 20-22oC (68-70oF)
Summer: 25-27oC (77-80oF)
22
23Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
your role in protecting the reef & yourselfThe Great Barrier Reef belongs to all of us and everyone has a role in ensuring this great natural icon is protected for future generations to enjoy just like we do. There are some great ways to minimise your impact and to protect the reef and yourself.
Heron Island
EYE ON THE REEF – GETTING INVOLVED
Eye on the Reef is a powerful environmental monitoring, education and stewardship program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that enables anyone who visits the Great Barrier Reef to contribute to its long-term protection.
The Eye on the Reef program collects valuable information about reef health, marine animals and incidents and provides Marine Park managers and researchers with up-to-date information on reef health status and trends, the distribution of protected and iconic species, and early warnings of environmental impacts.
MINIMISING YOUR IMpaCT
When snorkelling and diving here’s some simple ways to minimise your impact:
• Avoid resting, touching or standing on living coral
• Keep the water clear by not kicking up sediment with your fins
• For divers, controlling your buoyancy will help to minimise you and your gear bashing against the coral
• Never chase, try to ride or grab a free-swimming animal. Take care not to block their path
• Take all rubbish with you, and don’t leave a legacy behind. An orange peel can take six months to decompose, a cigarette butt 10-12 years, a plastic bag 20-1000 years and glass takes over 1 million years
24 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
SUppORTING THOSE WHO SUppORT THE ENVIRONMENT
Many of the experiences available in the region are leading the way in conserving our environment and protecting the reef, with many businesses eco-certified. For example, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is becoming the first island on the Great Barrier Reef to eliminate selling bottled water in a step to reducing their environmental footprint. Keep an eye out for these logos and support those who support the environment.
pROTECTING YOURSELF
Scuba diving and snorkelling, as with any water activity, have their risks. Here’s some handy hints on protecting yourself on the reef:
• The general rule underwater is DO NOT TOUCH
• Poisonous spines and stings from Firefish and Fire Coral, Scorpionfish, Butterfly Cod, Stonefish, Cone Shells and the Blue-Ringed Octopus can be very painful and in some cases, although rare, fatal
• Hiding under ledges and deep holes can be eels and Sea Snakes. Olive Sea Snakes in particular are venomous and potentially deadly. They are generally placid creatures that keep to themselves if left alone
• Coral can be hard and merely brushing by it can cause a cut. Make sure you clean any coral cut with antiseptic
• Wear shoes with strong soles near the reef
Remember you’re a guest entering someone’s home. Be polite, look but don’t touch and take nothing with you but memories.
• If you are planning to scuba dive, don’t forget to give yourself 12 hours between flying and diving
• Keep an eye on currents and drifts, particularly if you don’t have a guide or certified diving trainer with you, and always snorkel and dive with a buddy
• On the coast, don’t swim near mangroves and murky water, this is crocodile country
• The Queensland sun easily penetrates the crystal clear waters. Be sun smart and “slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat”
• Marine stingers, including the deadly Box Jellyfish and tiny Irukandji occur in tropical waters , along the coast north of Agnes Water between November to May annually. Generally, swimming and snorkelling is safe on outer reef islands, but check first with the locals
Heron Island
25Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Island & Dive Trail Directory
ISLaND RESORTS & aCCOMMODaTION
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort p: Australia Free Call 1800 072 200 E: [email protected]
Heron Islandp: 1300 233 432 Outside Australia +61 3 9413 6288E: [email protected]
Wilson IslandVia Heron Islandwww.wilsonisland.com
Great Keppel IslandGreat Keppel Island Holiday Villagep: + 61 7 4939 8655E: [email protected]
Svendsen’s Beachp: +61 7 4938 3717E: [email protected]
ISLaND CaMpING pERMITS
Queensland parks and Wildlife Service (QpWS) p: 13 74 68Book a campsite http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits
ISLaND TRaNSFERS, DaY TRIpS, SNORKELLING aND DIVE CHaRTERS
Lady Musgrave Cruises (day trips and camping transfers to Lady Musgrave Island) Seventeen Seventyp: 1800 63 1770 or +61 7 4974 9077E: [email protected] www.lmcruises.com.au
Curtis Ferry Services (transfers to Curtis, Facing North West and Masthead Island camping)Gladstone Marina215 Alf O’Rourke Drive, Gladstonep: +61 7 4972 6990 or 0418 729 641E: [email protected] www.curtisferryservices.com.au
Kanimbla Boat Charters (fishing and dive charter to Swains Reef ex Gladstone)Gladstone p: 1800 677 202 www.kanimblacharters.net.au
Freedom Fast Cats (daily ferry services Great Keppel Island)Keppel Bay Marinap: +61 7 4933 6888 www.freedomfastcats.com
Sail Capricornia (snorkelling cruises)Keppel Bay Marinap: 0402 102 372E: [email protected]
Funtastic Cruises Rosslyn Bay Harbourp: 0438 909 502E: [email protected]
Keppel Bay Marina p: +61 7 4933 6244 VHF 21E: [email protected]://keppelbaymarina.com.au
Bundaberg Dive Charters Via Bundaberg Aqua Scuba p: + 61 7 4153 5761 E: [email protected] www.aquascuba.com.au
MON REpOS TURTLE EXpERIENCE
Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism p: +61 7 4153 8888E: [email protected]
COaSTaL aCCOMMODaTION
Contact the accredited local visitor information centres for information and booking coastal accommodation. A wide range of accommodation is available including resorts, self-contained apartments, beach houses, motels, cabins, guesthouses, hostels and holiday parks.
Bundaberg Region - Bargara and Coastp: +61 7 4153 8888E: [email protected]
agnes Water Information Centrep: +61 7 4902 1533E: [email protected]
Gladstone Information Centrep: +61 7 4972 9000E: [email protected]
Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre p: 1800 675 785 E: [email protected]
HaNDY LINKS
Southern Great Barrier Reefwww.queensland.com/SouthernGreatBarrierReef
Bundaberg North Burnett Tourismp: 1300 722 099www.bundabergregion.info
Gladstone area promotion Development Ltd (GapDL)p: +61 7 4972 4000www.gladstoneregion.info
Capricorn Enterprisep: +61 7 4972 2055www.capricornholidays.com.au
Queensland Holidayswww.queenslandholidays.com.au
Great Barrier Reef Marine park authority (GBRMpa)p: + 61 7 4750 0700 E: [email protected]
Queensland parks & Wildlife Service (QpWS)p: 13 74 68www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_bookings.html
Dive Queenslandwww.dive-queensland.com.au
Lady Elliot Island
26 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Bundaberg West Information Centre
271 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg 4670
Open Daily 9.00am-5.00pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Public Holidays 9.00am-2.00pm.
Tel 1300 722 099 Tel +61 7 4153 8888 Fax +61 7 4153 8880
www.bundabergregion.info www.bookbundabergregion.com.au [email protected]
Customs House Visitor Information Centre
208 Quay Street, Rockhampton 4700
Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm. Weekends and Public Holidays 9.00am-4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Tel 1800 805 865
Heritage Village Visitor Information Centre
Boundary Road, Parkhurst 4701
Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm. Weekends and Public Holidays 9.00am-4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Tel +61 7 4936 8680
Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre
Ross Creek Roundabout, Yeppoon 4703
Open Monday to Sunday 9.00am-5.00pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Tel 1800 675 785
Central Highlands Visitor Information Centre
3 Clermont Street, Emerald 4720
Open Monday to Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm. Sunday 10.00am-2.00pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
Tel +61 7 4982 4142
Biggenden Information Centre
26 Edward Street, Biggenden
Monto Information Centre
Corner Lister and Newton Streets, Monto
Mt perry Visitor Information Centre
Heusman Street, Mt Perry
Mundubbera Heritage Information Centre
Bicentennial Park, Strathdee Street, Mundubbera
Gayndah and District Historical Society
Simon Street, Gayndah
The Tropic of Capricorn Spire Visitor Information Centre
Gladstone Road, Rockhampton 4700
Open Monday to Sunday 9.00am-5.00pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Tel 1800 676 701
Rural Hinterland Visitor Information Centre
Exhibition Avenue, Biloela
Tel +61 7 4992 2400
Biloela Visitor Information Centre
Callide Street, Biloela
Tel +61 7 4992 2405
agnes Water Visitor Information Centre
71 Springs Road, Agnes Water
Open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm. Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 9.00am - 4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday.
Tel +61 7 4902 1533
Tannum Sands Visitor Information Centre
25 Ocean Street, Tannum Sands
Open Monday to Sunday 10.00am - 3.00pm. Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday.
Tel +61 7 4973 8062
Miriam Vale Visitor Information Centre
Roe Street (Corner Bruce Highway), Miriam Vale
Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9.00am-5.00pm.
Tel +61 7 4974 5428
Gladstone Visitor Information Centre
Marina Ferry Terminal, 72 Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone
Open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm. Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 9.30am - 4.30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Tel +61 7 4972 4000
www.gladstoneregion.info [email protected]
Childers Information Centre
Palace Building, 72 Churchill Street, Childers 4660
Open Monday to Friday 9.00am-4.00pm. Saturday and Sunday 9.00am-1.00pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Public holidays reduced hours.
RM Williams australian Bush Learning Centre & Information Centre
A3 Australia’s Country Way, Eidsvold Qld 4627
Open Monday to Friday 9.00am-4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.00am-3.30pm. Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday. Public holidays 10.00am-2.30pm.
Tel +61 7 4165 7272
www.rmwilliamscentre.com.au [email protected]
Gin Gin Information Centre
Mulgrave Street, Gin Gin 4671
Open Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm. Saturday and Sunday 9.00am-1.00pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Public holidays reduced hours.
This symbol indicates the Visitor Information Centre is accredited for the provision of quality, independent visitor information services
Talk to a local
27Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive TrailSouthern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Getting there…
From To Travel Time by Road Kms Travelled
Brisbane Bundaberg 4 hours 40 mins 368 km
Brisbane Gladstone 6 hours 45 mins 531 km
Brisbane Rockhampton 7 hours 50 mins 632 km
Bundaberg Agnes Water/ Seventeen Seventy 1 hour 45 mins 122 km
GladstoneAgnes Water/ Seventeen Seventy 1 hour 45 mins 125 km
Gladstone Rockhampton 1 hour 25 mins 108 km
By AirInternational – Brisbane is the closest international airport to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with several domestic carriers to Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton:
Qantas p: 13 13 13 www.qantas.com.au
Virgin australia p: 13 67 89 www.virginaustralia.com.au
Sea air pacific (to Lady Elliot Island) p: +61 7 5599 4509 Daily flights from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast), Brisbane (Redcliffe) and Gold Coast (Coolangatta). www.seairpacific.com.au
peace aviation (to Great Keppel Island) Non-scheduled service available Rockhampton to Great Keppel Island. 30 minute flight. p: +61 7 4927 4355 http://peaceaviation.com/
By Land Royal auto Club of Queensland (RaCQ) p: 131 905 www.racq.com.au/travel/drive_travel/trip_planner
Car Hire – several car hire companies service the region, where you can pick up and drop off at airports from Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton.
By Rail Queensland Rail Travel p: 1800 872 467 www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au
By CoachGreyhound australia p: 13 14 99 www.greyhound.com.au
Oz Experience p: 1300 300 028 www.ozexperience.com
By Sea Liveaboard ex Brisbane (Big Cat Reality) p: +61 7 3204 9340 E: [email protected]
28 Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail
Disclaimer – Tourism and Events Queensland has compiled and produced this guide in the interest of promoting Tourism in Queensland. The material contained within this
guide has been researched, assembled and included with all due care. Tourism and Events Queensland should not be held responsible or liable for any costs,
losses, damages, charges, and/or expenses incurred or sustained by any party relying on the material contained, incorporated or included in this guide. All
editorial, maps and photographs appearing in this guide are strictly protected by copyright. Any unauthorised use of same will result in prosecution. All enquiries
should be directed to Tourism and Events Queensland +61 7 3535 3535.
Find us on Facebook:
facebook.com/visitqueensland
Follow us on Twitter:
twitter.com/Queensland
Find us on YouTube:
youtube.com/Queensland
Download our free
Queensland iPhone app on iTunes