With education comes appreciation
Tropical North Queensland is where two World Heritage icons meet and together they form one of the world’s greatest natural treasures. Don’t miss out on a thing by taking advantage of the many guides who have accumulated a wealth of specialist knowledge over the years.
For instance, while there’s no way you’ll miss a giant potato cod out on the reef, a knowledgeable guide can point out the tiniest aquatic treasures such as a pygmy seahorse. Likewise in the Wet Tropics: it’s easy to spot the iconic southern cassowary but you might need help to see the well-camouflaged fernwren as it pokes about in forest litter looking for food.
Opportunities to interact with experts are everywhere, whether it’s talking to a marine biologist on a reef trip or listening to an informative talk at Reef Teach, the reef education centre in Cairns. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guides bring a deeper connection to these awe-inspiring landscapes. Take a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk through Mossman Gorge with a traditional owner, who’ll pass on their knowledge of the rainforest, or use traditional methods to catch a mudcrab on a Walkabout Cultural Adventures tour at Cooya Beach, just outside Port Douglas.
Why a guide is a great idea
Here’s how to tap into our greatest natural resource.
Ways to help the great barrier reef
There’s a sense of responsibility that comes when you’re visiting one of the world’s seven wonders; a calling to nurture nature. If leaving only footprints (or fin waves in this case) is high on your priority list, here are some ways you can help the Great Barrier Reef during your next holiday.
Reef Talk – A chat with marine biologist Gareth Phillips
The Great Barrier Reef is a thriving, living marine environment. It inspires all who visit, even those who see it every day, like marine biologist and owner of Marine Discoveries, Gareth Phillips.
Everything you need to know about Master Reef Guides
Anyone who’s ever done an organised tour will know the host or tour guide can make or break the experience. That’s why it pays to book a Great Barrier Reef tour with one of the Master Reef Guides, the official ambassadors of the world’s most famous reef.
25 Fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef
As you’d expect from one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is home to some weird, wonderful and just plain loveable creatures. Here’s 25 fun Great Barrier Reef facts about a marine world larger than Italy.