Southern Great Barrier Reef Dive Trail

Southern Great Barrier Reef Island and dive trail

Bundaberg North Burnett | Gladstone | Capricorn

queensland.com/SouthernGreatBarrierReef Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

1

Heron Island

2

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

Contents 5

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

GREA

DARWIN

T BA

R

RI

ER

R EE

F

CAIRNS BLAIR ATHOL

Clermont

Marlborough

AUSTRALIA

CUDMORE NP

BRU CE HIG HW

BRISBANE

Capella

PERTH Sapphire

Rubyvale

Sapphire MELBOURNE

ericho HIGHWA Y

Alpha

Willows

TAUNTON NP

Emerald

Anakie

Drummond

GOODEDULLA NP

SYDNEY

ADELAIDE Gemfields

LAKE MARABOON

Byfield

AY

CANBERRA

BYFIELD NP

Blackwater

CAPRI CORN HIGHWAY HOBART

N

Willows Gemfields

Mt Hay

BLACKDOWN TABLELAND NP

KEPPEL BAY ISLANDS NP

The Caves

G

E

Yeppoon Pumpkin Island Great Keppel Island Emu Park Wilson Island Keppel Sands Heron Island Rockhampton G R EA T Fitzroy Reef Curtis Island B Mt Morgan CURTIS ISLAND NP A Llewellyn Reef R R Gladstone IE Mt Larcom Dululu R Boyne Island Bustard Lady Musgrave Island Calliope R Tannum Sands Head WAY Middle Island IGH Benaraby H Bustard Bay Lady Elliot Island ON Round Hill Head LAKE AWOONGA EURIMBULA NP Seventeen Seventy WS DA Agnes Water Callide Miriam Vale DEEPWATER NP

AY H ARD T HIGHW

Bundaberg

Monto

Eidsvold

Biggenden Gayndah

Port Douglas Palm Cove Cairns

Townsville Airlie Beach Mackay

The Wild North Cairns and Port Douglas Townsville Whitsundays and Mackay

Rockhampton Gladstone Bundaberg

Southern Great Barrier Reef

Fraser Coast Sunshine Coast

Brisbane Gold Coast 4

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

Woodgate Fraser Island Burrum Heads

Childers

Hervey Bay

PARADISE DAM

Mundubbera

Taroom

Proserpine

Moore Park Bargara Elliott Heads BURRUM COAST NP

GOODNIGHT SCRUB NP

REEF

Cooktown

LAKE MONDURAN

LAKE WURUMA

PRECIPICE NP

ER

CANIA GORGE NP

AY

LE

EXPEDITION NP

RI

HW

Gin Gin

IC H

ISLA GORGE NP

Theodore

IG

WA Y IGH

R

PALMGROVE NP

H

T

Mt Moffatt Carnarvon Section Gorge Section Moolayemter Section

LAKE CANIA

ET

NUGA NUGA NP LAKE NUGA NUGA

Many Peaks

RN

E

Ka Ka Mundi Section CARNARVON NATIONAL PARK

DAW SON HI GHW A Y

Biloela KROOMBIT TOPS NP

BU

G Salvator Rosa Section

Banana

Moura

GREAT B A

N Tambo

F

A Deepdale Extension

Rolleston

Y

EH UC BR

R

HIG HW A

E

Springsure DA W SO N

Maryborough

Where great begins Imagine 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.

Fitzroy Reef Lagoon

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

5

Heron Island

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.

6

The Southern Great Barrier Reef is so close Regular 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)

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

Lady Elliot Island

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.

How to best experience ‘Where great begins’

Once in a lifetime experiences

There are many ways to experience the wonder of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Be awed by some of the life-changing experiences this special corner of the Earth has to offer.

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.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s only natural feature that can be seen from outer space.

•• 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!)

Fitzroy Reef Lagoon

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

7

Heron Island

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.

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.”

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.

8

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.

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

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”.

Southern 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

Southern Great Barrier Reef

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’.

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.

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

9

GREA

LEGEND

DARWIN

T

BA

R

RI

ER

R EE

Domestic Airports

F

CAIRNS

Train Route

(The Spirit of the Outback Queensland Rail Journey)

AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE

CANBERRA

PERTH

SYDNEY

ADELAIDE MELBOURNE

HOBART

15

Marlborough BRU CE HIG HW

BYFIELD NP

Byfield

AY

Mt Hay

The Caves

KEPPEL BAY ISLANDS NP

Yeppoon Pumpkin Island 16 17 Great Keppel Island Emu Park 12 11 Wilson Island Keppel Sands 13 10 Heron Island Rockhampton G 12 R EA 9 T 7 Fitzroy Reef Curtis Island B Mt Morgan CURTIS ISLAND NP A Llewellyn Reef R R Gladstone IE Mt Larcom Dululu 8 Boyne Island Bustard R 6 Lady Musgrave Island Calliope R Head Tannum Sands Y A W Middle Island IGH Benaraby H Bustard Bay N 4 Lady Elliot Island O Round Hill Head S EURIMBULA NP LAKE AWOONGA W 5 Seventeen Seventy A D Agnes Water Callide Miriam Vale DEEPWATER NP 14

E

E

F

AY

T

IG

HW

CANIA GORGE NP

AY

Monto

LAKE MONDURAN

Bundaberg

1

Moore Park Bargara 3 Elliott Heads BURRUM COAST NP

Woodgate Fraser Island Burrum Heads

LAKE WURUMA

LE

GOODNIGHT SCRUB NP PRECIPICE NP

Eidsvold

Biggenden Gayndah

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

Childers

Hervey Bay

PARADISE DAM

Mundubbera

10

2

Gin Gin

IC H

H ARD T HIGHW

ET

LAKE CANIA

WA Y IGH

RN

H

Theodore

EH UC BR

Many Peaks

BU

Banana

Biloela KROOMBIT TOPS NP

Maryborough To Brisbane

1

Bundaberg

2

Mon Repos

3

Bargara, Burnett Heads and the Coastal Route

4

Lady Elliot Island

5

Seventeen Seventy

6

Lady Musgrave Island

7

Fitzroy Reef Lagoon

8

Gladstone

9

Curtis Island

10

Heron Island

11

Wilson Island

12

North West and Masthead Islands

13

Rockhampton

14

Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast

15

The Swain Reefs

16

Keppel Bay Island Group

17

Great Keppel Island

Magic of the reef, Gladstone

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

11

The Southern Great Barrier Reef Island and Dive Trail One 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.

Heron Island

12

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

1

Bundaberg

2

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.

Mon Repos

3

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.

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.

Click here to dive in for a 360° tour

WWII Beaufort Bomber

Evan’s Patch

argara, Burnett Heads and the B 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.

Two Mile Reef Bargara Beach Hoffman’s Rocks

Barolin Rocks

Cochrane Reef

Bundaberg

Lady Elliot Island

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

13

Lady Elliot Island

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”.

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

Click here to dive in for a 360° tour

The Blowhole The Tubes

Severance Wreck

Hiro’s Cave

Encounters

Lady Elliot Island 14

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

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.

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.

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.

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 )

The Aquarium - is a large dive area inside the lagoon with many special species of soft and hard coral with many reef fish.

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.

Hidden Caves - a coral cave that divers swim through to experience a real cave with its inhabitants.

In addition to certified dive sites to the outer reef wall, introductory dives, with all gear supplied are available.

Manta Ray Bommie- coral domes and a ‘cleaning station’ frequented by groups of Manta Rays.

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.

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

Heron Island

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

Hidden Caves

Magic Drop-Off Wall The Aquarium Coral Gardens Manta Ray Bommie

Click here to dive in for a 360° tour

Lady Musgrave Island Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

15

Heron Island

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 nonstop flights from Brisbane with Virgin Australia and non-strop flights from Brisbane and Sydney with Qantas.

16

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 )

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

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.”

Click here to dive in for a 360° tour

Coral Grotto Hole in the Wall

Plate Ledge

Heron Bommie

HMAS Protector

Heron Island 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

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

Heron Island

17

Wilson Island

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

orth West and Masthead N Islands

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

eppoon and the Capricorn Y 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.

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 )

18

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

Wilson Island

Click here to dive in for a 360° tour

Outer Rock

Man and Wife Rocks Barren Island and Child Rock Bald Rock Egg Rock Parkers Bommie

Great Keppel Island

Keppel Bay Islands

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 selfcontained 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.

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

19

America Wreck HMAS Protector

Tambooroora

Polmaise

Barcoola Wreck

SS Glanworth

Cetacea Wreck

Karma Wreck Shipwrecks

Shipwrecks of the Southern Great Barrier Reef Unknown 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

20

Cetacea

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.

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

Barcoola

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.

HMAS Protector, Heron Island

Historic shipwrecks The 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.

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-inLaw 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.

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.

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.

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

Heron Island

21

Signature events 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.

January

September

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.

Whale Season – Humpback Whales are active, breaching regularly

Sea Birds – very active breeding time for the birds on islands.

Australasian Underwater Festival

Sea Birds – Many returning to the islands at this time

Gladstone Seafood Festival

February

June

Turtle Season – hatchlings continue to emerge on the coast and islands

Humpback Whales – northern migration from the Antarctic begins.

Sea Birds – chicks begin hatching on the islands

World Ocean’s Day (8 June) 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.

April Easter - Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race Gladstone Harbour Festival

World Turtle Day (23 May) 1770 Captain Cook Festival

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

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

May

October

November Turtle 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

December

Lady Elliot Island – Above and Below the Water Photograph Week.

Turtle Season – nesting continues for mother turtles

Winter – best water clarity for diving usually occurs during winter

Coral Spawning – occurs in either November or December

Eco Fest - Gladstone Year Round Island Weather

August

Sub-tropical, average year round daily temperature of 24oC (80oF)

Whale Season – good Humpback Whale sightings

Winter: - 20-22oC (68-70oF)

Winter – best water clarity for diving usually occurs during winter

Summer: 25-27oC (77-80oF)

22

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

*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.

Heron Island

Your role in protecting the reef & yourself The 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.

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 freeswimming 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

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.

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

23

Heron Island

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.

Remember you’re a guest entering someone’s home.

Be polite, look but don’t touch and take nothing with you but memories.

24

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

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

•• 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

Island & Dive Trail Directory ISLAND RESORTS & ACCOMMODATION Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort P: Australia Free Call 1800 072 200 E: reservations@ladyelliot.com.au www.ladyelliot.com.au Heron Island P: 1300 233 432 Outside Australia +61 3 9413 6288 E: travel@dncinc.com www.heronisland.com

Keppel Bay Marina P: +61 7 4933 6244 VHF 21 E: info@keppelbaymarina.com.au http://keppelbaymarina.com.au Bundaberg Dive Charters Via Bundaberg Aqua Scuba P: + 61 7 4153 5761 E: julian@aquascuba.com.au www.aquascuba.com.au

MON REPOS TURTLE EXPERIENCE

Wilson Island Via Heron Island www.wilsonisland.com Great Keppel Island Great Keppel Island Holiday Village P: + 61 7 4939 8655 E: admin@gkiholidayvillage.com.au www.gkiholidayvillage.com.au

Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism P: +61 7 4153 8888 E: callcentre@bundabergregion.org www.bookbundabergregion.com.au

COASTAL ACCOMMODATION

ISLAND CAMPING PERMITS

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.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) P: 13 74 68 Book a campsite http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits

Bundaberg Region - Bargara and Coast P: +61 7 4153 8888 E: callcentre@bundabergregion.org www.bundabergregion.info

ISLAND TRANSFERS, DAY TRIPS, SNORKELLING AND DIVE CHARTERS

Agnes Water Information Centre P: +61 7 4902 1533 E: agneswatervic@gapdl.com.au www.gladstoneregion.info

Svendsen’s Beach P: +61 7 4938 3717 E: sven.keppel@activ8.net.au www.svendsensbeach.com

Lady Musgrave Cruises (day trips and camping transfers to Lady Musgrave Island) Seventeen Seventy P: 1800 63 1770 or +61 7 4974 9077 E: info@1770reefcruises.com www.lmcruises.com.au Curtis Ferry Services (transfers to Curtis, Facing North West and Masthead Island camping) Gladstone Marina 215 Alf O’Rourke Drive, Gladstone P: +61 7 4972 6990 or 0418 729 641 E: info@curtisferryservices.com.au 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 Marina P: +61 7 4933 6888 www.freedomfastcats.com Sail Capricornia (snorkelling cruises) Keppel Bay Marina P: 0402 102 372 E: sailcap@bigpond.com www.sailcapricornia.com.au Funtastic Cruises Rosslyn Bay Harbour P: 0438 909 502 E: funtasticcruises@hotmail.com www.funtasticcruises.com

Gladstone Information Centre P: +61 7 4972 9000 E: gladstonevic@gapdl.com.au www.gladstoneregion.info Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre P: 1800 675 785 E: yeppoon@capricorntourism.com.au www.capricornholidays.com.au

HANDY LINKS Southern Great Barrier Reef www.queensland.com/SouthernGreatBarrierReef Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism P: 1300 722 099 www.bundabergregion.info Gladstone Area Promotion Development Ltd (GAPDL) P: +61 7 4972 4000 www.gladstoneregion.info Capricorn Enterprise P: +61 7 4972 2055 www.capricornholidays.com.au Queensland Holidays www.queenslandholidays.com.au Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) P: + 61 7 4750 0700 E: info@gbrmpa.gov.au www.gbrmpa.gov.au Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) P: 13 74 68 www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/ camping_bookings.html Dive Queensland www.dive-queensland.com.au

Lady Elliot Island

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

25

Talk to a local Bundaberg West Information Centre

Tannum Sands Visitor Information Centre

Heritage Village Visitor Information Centre

271 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg 4670

25 Ocean Street, Tannum Sands

Boundary Road, Parkhurst 4701

Open Daily 9.00am-5.00pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Public Holidays 9.00am-2.00pm.

Open Monday to Sunday 10.00am 3.00pm. Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday.

Tel 1300 722 099 Tel +61 7 4153 8888 Fax +61 7 4153 8880

Tel +61 7 4973 8062

Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.

Weekends and Public Holidays 9.00am4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

www.bundabergregion.info www.bookbundabergregion.com.au info@bundabergregion.org

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.

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 10.00am2.30pm.

Tel +61 7 4165 7272 www.rmwilliamscentre.com.au info@rmwilliamscentre.com.au

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.

Gladstone Visitor Information Centre

tannumsandsvic@gapdl.com.au

Miriam Vale Visitor Information Centre Roe Street (Corner Bruce Highway), Miriam Vale

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 +61 7 4974 5428

yeppoon@capricorntourism.com.au

Agnes Water Visitor Information Centre

Tel 1800 675 785

Central Highlands Visitor Information Centre

71 Springs Road, Agnes Water

3 Clermont Street, Emerald 4720

Open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 9.00am - 4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday.

Open Monday to Saturday 9.00am5.00pm. Sunday 10.00am-2.00pm.

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.

Tel +61 7 4902 1533

Tel +61 7 4982 4142

agneswatervic@gapdl.com.au

emerald@capricorntourism.com.au

Biloela Visitor Information Centre Callide Street, Biloela Tel +61 7 4992 2405 biloinfo@people.net.au

Rural Hinterland Visitor Information Centre Exhibition Avenue, Biloela Tel +61 7 4992 2400 qldheritagepark@bigpond.com

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.

Open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm.

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 9.30am - 4.30pm. Closed Christmas Day.

Tel 1800 676 701

www.gladstoneregion.info gladstonevic@gapdl.com.au

touristinfo@capricorntourism.com.au

Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9.00am-5.00pm.

Marina Ferry Terminal, 72 Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone

Tel +61 7 4972 4000

Tel +61 7 4936 8680

info@capricorntourism.com.au

Customs House Visitor Information Centre

Biggenden Information Centre 26 Edward Street, Biggenden

Gayndah and District Historical Society Simon Street, Gayndah

Monto Information Centre Corner Lister and Newton Streets, Monto

Mundubbera Heritage Information Centre Bicentennial Park, Strathdee Street, Mundubbera

Mt Perry Visitor Information Centre Heusman Street, Mt Perry

208 Quay Street, Rockhampton 4700 Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.

Weekends and Public Holidays 9.00am4.00pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Tel 1800 805 865 touristinfo@capricorntourism.com.au

26

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

This symbol indicates the Visitor Information Centre is accredited for the provision of quality, independent visitor information services

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

Gladstone

Agnes Water/ Seventeen Seventy

1 hour 45 mins

125 km

Gladstone

Rockhampton

1 hour 25 mins

108 km

By Air

By Land

International – Brisbane is the closest international airport to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with several domestic carriers to Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton:

Royal Auto Club of Queensland (RACQ) P: 131 905 www.racq.com.au/travel/drive_travel/ trip_planner

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/

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 Coach Greyhound 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: info@bigcatreality.com

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail

27

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

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.

28

Southern Great Barrier Reef – Island and Dive Trail