INDIA NEWS
Oct 16-31, 2020 - Vol 1, Issue 8
TOURISM & TRAVEL
Ramp up your Whitsundays experience with Cruise Whitsundays Text and photos: Dr Ram Mohan and Deepika Banerjee
If the Whitsundays are on your list of holiday getaways and you are on the lookout for a tour operator that may offer you value for money in the form of a unique experience, then Cruise Whitsundays, one of the most experienced marine tourism operators, should be among your shortlisted choices. It offers a wide array of day cruises, including visits to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach and island resorts on Hamilton Island and Daydream Island. Camira Sailing Adventure – one of the most recommended Priced at approximately $ 209 per adult person and $159 per child aged between 4 and 14 years of age, this day cruise is recommended for people who want the real taste of the Whitsunday Islands’ experiencethe sun, the salty air, cool breeze and lofty peaks of the islands with their rocky outcrops and replete
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with greenery and most notably, the azure sea. The day long cruise on board the Camira, a swift 85-feet catamaran, departs from the Airlie beach at 8.15 am with the approximate hour of return being 5.45 pm; and cruises past Whitsunday Island, Daydream Island and Hook islands. On the eastern coast of the Whitsunday Island, the catamaran docks at the northern-most part of the Whitehaven beach. The 7 kilometre arc of gleaming white sand is considered to be Australia’s best beach. Besides a guided hike to the Hill Inlet lookout to admire the vistas of scenic beauty, which legend has it, was the path treaded upon by the Whitsundays’ natives, the Ngaro people; there are plethora of activities such as snorkeling and in general getting awed by the iridescent hues of the coral fish. Then back on the beach, where the silicon sand is invariably cool to walk on even on the hottest
of days, one can swim and stroll along the beach to one’s heart content. The day at the beach culminates with a barbecue lunch on board the Camira followed by the return journey and if you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of flying mackerels and even whales. The operating schedule of the trip is from 4 October to 11 October and then 12 October to 13 December with the cruise days being Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Do not forget to wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and protective clothing. In case of a cool or windy day, carrying a light jacket or sweater is equally crucial. Last but not the least, take a camera along unless you want to regret missing the chance to capture some really picturesque views! Great Barrier Reef full day adventure For all those who are game for an underwater adventure,
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the Cruise Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef full day adventure is the one to opt for. Located off the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is a world heritage site, which one can explore for a full day but the most exciting part of the adventure
and 5.35 pm. The tour is available on all days between 4 October and 11 October but from 12 October to 13 December, the operating schedule includes all days except Mondays and Thursdays. Do remember to bring your credit card if you are planning to enjoy
lies underwater. Among the optional extras, one is the guided snorkeling tour, considered the easiest way to view coral reefs which is offered to both inexperienced and experienced snorkeling enthusiasts. However if getting wet is not your cup of tea, you always have access to an underwater observatory or opt for a ride on a semi-submarine. But to experience marine life at close proximity snorkeling or scuba diving are definitely recommended. This package also includes buffet lunch and post-lunch, one has some more time to explore the reef. The most striking feature of this adventure tour are the four hours that one can spend at Hardy reef which also happens to be the location of the Reefworld, a multilevel reef facility. All the gear for snorkeling is provided, including wet suits and stringer suits. The per head charges for adults is $ 279 and for kids it is $ 129 but if you go for any of the optional extrasintroductory scuba dive, certified scuba dive or snorkel safari, then there are additional expenses for each. There are three departure options namely, Port of Airlie, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island with the corresponding departure times being 8.00 am, 9.00 am 8.20 am, respectively. The respective return times are approximately 6.10 pm, 5.00 pm
any of the optional extras. Swim wear, towels, hats, sunscreen and protective clothing must be carried along and of course, bring a camera to capture all the dazzling views. Hamilton Island Freestyle This customised experience is for those who wish to devote one full day to explore the whole Hamilton Island at their own sweet pace. If you opt for the day cruise with Popeye’s lunch then charges per head are $ 145 for adults and $ 69 for adults. Unfortunately, the day cruise with Marina Tavern lunch is currently unavailable. The most economical packages among all the Island Escape Day Cruises, it has several free activities such as swimming at Catseye Beach or the main resort pool; hiking to Passage Peak, One Tree Hill or along the South-East Head Trail; and exploring on the island shuttle buses. Other activities but at additional cost include exploring the wild life such as koalas on the island, nine-pin bowling, go-karting, jetboating or mini golf. Though it does not offer any grand buffet or barbecue lunch, one can certainly look forward to a sumptuous lunch of fish and chips at Popeyes. One also has full access to the range of shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants along the main street of Marina village.
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