The Great Barrier Reef is one of the reasons so many tourists visit Australia. This World Heritage Area is a vibrant, beautiful ecosystem, which is very important to our country as well as the world. In 1981 the World Heritage Committee listed the Great Barrier Reef for all four natural criteria. The reef spans 2300 kilometers, is made up of over 3000 separate coral reefs, islands and sand cays, can be seen from outer space and is bigger in size than Italy! It has however been subject to a lot of media attention in recent times. Mainstream media and various “experts” are often looking for jucy news and to polarize opinions. Due to the complexity of the GBR the media reports are not always in line with reality. Hence there have been mixed reports about the state of the Great Barrier Reef, amongst others that the reef is almost gone. Although the reef is under great pressure this is certainly not the case!
We live in Cairns, Far North Queensland. Cairns is one of Australia’s key tourism destinations and one of the main gateways to visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Every year millions of tourists come to the region to do just that (over two million visitors to be more exact). Lucky for us we are out at the reef on a more regular basis and get to see what is happening firsthand.
We are fortunate to be working with a number of amazing people and organisations that have dedicated their time and efforts to monitoring the Great Barrier Reef on a regular basis. These people are out in the water regularly doing countless surveys of various reef sites to collect and provide data to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is Australia’s key management agency for the Great Barrier Reef, and works with government, industry, community organisations and individuals to help protect this spectacular area for future generations. GBRMPA is guided by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 to protect, reduce threats and improve the current and long-term outlook for the Great Barrier Reef. Amongst others, one of the key initiatives is to empower people and, through education and stewardship, help the community and stakeholders gain a clear understanding of the value of the reef and their role in protecting it.
Although the Great Barrier Reef has faced some great challenges in the past few years, particularly with climate change, that caused two significant bleaching events in 2016 & 2017 which would not have happened without global warming and COTS (Crown of Thorns Starfish) outbreaks, reports from surveyors indicate there are a lot of positive signs showing the reef is bouncing back. Research carried out by Reef Teach owner, Master Reef Guide and Marine Biologist Gareth Philips show there are vast areas with new coral growth at frequently visited reef sites off Cairns as well as rich diversity of marine life. This is a positive sign of this ecosystem fighting back as well as proof of its resilience.
Russell Hosp, Master Reef Guide, Environmental Manager at Passions of Paradise and our dedicated Eco-guide had this to say: “The Great Barrier Reef is an incredibly resilient ecosystem, and while it faces many different threats, it is important to remember that we are perhaps its greatest asset. By collecting data, engaging the public, and practicing best management strategies, we can help to ensure the long-term viability of this amazing natural resource.” Another optimistic point of view from a person who spends most of his days in the water.
Citizen Science – how can you get involved?
Since 2013 we have been offering a marine conservation program on the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. As part of our 12-day Marine Conservation program volunteers get the opportunity to become certified divers and then as citizen scientists help collect valuable data and learn about this amazing wonder of the world. Further, with supervised in-water training with Russell and by completing GBRMPA’s online Rapid Monitoring course volunteers can become official surveyors of the Marine Park!
It is our goal for volunteers to experience firsthand that the reef is fragile, that we have to make changes if we want to preserve the reef. By taking part in our program you will hopefully share your story far and wide and become an Ambassador for the Great Barrier Reef.
During the course of our program you will undertake Rapid Monitoring surveys as divers. Rapid Monitoring surveys is a tool designed for people with little, to moderate reef experience, who can either snorkel confidently, or dive. It enables reef users to record what they see on the reef and report that data to GBRMPA. Under the strict guidance of Russell you will learn about and then undertake a number of underwater Rapid Monitoring surveys, which will be then uploaded to the GBRMPA database. Not only do you get to help the reef by collecting valuable data you also become a PADI certified diver, meet amazing people (Russell and Gareth amongst others) and you get to hang out on one of the wonders of the world.
Join our program, set an example on how to make a difference for future generations and become an Ambassador for the Great Barrier Reef!
Ambassador for the Great Barrier Reef, Ambassador for the Great Barrier Reef, Ambassador for the Great Barrier Reef, Ambassador for the Great Barrier Reef
Epic waves and beach clean-ups in PNG with Parley for the Oceans
Our last Papua New Guinea surfing trip was one of the best ever – great crew, amazing weather and some of the best conditions we’ve had in a long time! PNG welcomed us with beautiful weather and a forecast for building swell. Day one was around the 2 foot mark, with one of the right handers in Kavieng providing cruisy waves for everyone to find their groove. Over the week the swell gradually built and by our fourth day the waves were pumping at around 6 foot. Another great spot in the region, a left-hander, absolutely switched on, with glassy, off-shore perfection spoiling our group for 3 days. The boys all caught some of their best waves ever… some also got a few memorable hammerings. The best part of the trip was we did not see anyone else the whole week. Once of the reasons you come on a PNG surf trip
On a side note, we were fortunate to be over in Papua New Guinea with a group of environmentally aware and dedicated people. On a particularly windy afternoon at the start of the week we all decided to sit out our second surf session instead opting to clean one of the uninhabited islands in the region. Although it does not seem like a lot, we collected over 19kg of rubbish in just 60 minutes for an organisation called Parley for the Oceans. Parley is dedicated to educating and addressing the fast-growing, complex and global issue of marine plastic pollution.
We are happy to say we have recently started working together with a focus on Papua New Guinea, to focus on community and corporate education to avoid using single-use plastics, and on marine debris interception by removing washed up rubbish from beaches, mangroves, rivers and creeks. Our aim is to create awareness in the country and together strive to uphold the natural beauty of the destination. One of the highlights of the trip (apart from the waves) was a completely unexpected turtle hatching while we were doing the clean-up, then witnessing another hatching at the resort we were staying at. Overall an amazing way to end the day, with a great bunch of people.
Our last Papua New Guinea surfing trip was one of the best ever – great crew, amazing weather and some of the best conditions we’ve had in a long time! PNG welcomed us with beautiful weather and a forecast for building swell. Day one was around the 2 foot mark, with one of the right handers in Kavieng providing cruisy waves for everyone to find their groove. Over the week the swell gradually built and by our fourth day the waves were pumping at around 6 foot. Another great spot in the region, a left-hander, absolutely switched on, with glassy, off-shore perfection spoiling our group for 3 days. The boys all caught some of their best waves ever… some also got a few memorable hammerings. The best part of the trip was we did not see anyone else the whole week. Once of the reasons you come on a PNG surf trip 🙂
On a side note, we were fortunate to be over in Papua New Guinea surfing trip with a group of environmentally aware and dedicated people. On a particularly windy afternoon at the start of the week we all decided to sit out our second surf session instead opting to clean one of the uninhabited islands in the region. Although it does not seem like a lot, we collected over 19kg of rubbish in just 60 minutes for an organisation called Parley for the Oceans. Parley is dedicated to educating and addressing the fast-growing, complex and global issue of marine plastic pollution.
We are happy to say we have recently started working together with a focus on Papua New Guinea Surfing trip, to focus on community and corporate education to avoid using single-use plastics, and on marine debris interception by removing washed up rubbish from beaches, mangroves, rivers and creeks. Our aim is to create awareness in the country and together strive to uphold the natural beauty of the destination. One of the highlights of the trip (apart from the waves) was a completely unexpected turtle hatching while we were doing the clean-up, then witnessing another hatching at the resort we were staying at. Overall an amazing way to end the day, with a great bunch of people.
Bougainville Island is the most eastern part of Papua New Guinea and is located just north from its closest neighbours the Solomon Islands. Bougainville was closed to visitors for many years due to political unrest. The island is rugged, basic in terms of development, yet rich in a natural, untouched beauty. It is the perfect destination for anyone wanting a true off-the-beaten track adventure. As you embark on a Bougainville tour you will find yourself surrounded by untouched nature – thick rainforest, countless rivers, pristine reefs, turquoise lagoons and even three volcanoes. It is also worth mentioning that you will be met with big smiles by the locals everywhere you go!
We recently did a Bougainville tour that started in Buka located in the north of Bougainville. Buka Town is only a short banana boat ride across the channel from the main island. From there you have the following choices of transport – 4WD Troop Carriers or open back trucks, packed to the rim with people traveling between Buka, Arawa and Buin. The road is rough, unsealed and follows along the coast most of the way… but that is part of the fun. Although the drive takes a few hours time flies as you pass many villages, river crossings, the odd WWII wreck on the side of the road and the untouched nature.
Whilst in the Arawa area we traveled to a nearby island called Pok Pok. Pok Pok island is a short boat ride south from Arawa and a haven for giant clams. The reef surrounding the island and the rainforest are amazing and once you get out to the outer shelf of the reef it is a heaven for snorkeling and potentially scuba diving. It is also an as yet undiscovered surf location with a number of reef breaks in the area.
A Bougainville tour would not be complete without visiting Panguna Mine. Panguna Mine used to be a gold mine and the centre of where the conflict started. The mine is now closed, however you can still envision what it must have been like whilst there. It is actually the largest artificial hole in the world and used to be one of the biggest open mines. Panguna certainly makes an impression!
Today Bougainville is ready to welcome visitors. There is no sign of any conflict and the locals are friendly and eager to share their culture with visitors. Travel to Bougainville and discover new snorkeling spots, surf uncrowded breaks, trek some volcanoes, find some WWII wrecks scattered in the jungle or just soak in the atmosphere that awaits you there. What are you waiting for? Bougainville awaits…
Port Moresby one day, islands and volcanoes the next… Welcome to Papua New Guinea.
We recently traveled to Papua New Guinea to attend Lukim PNG Nau, an annual tourism fair hosted by the Tourism Promotion Authority of PNG and the Tour Operators Association. During the event travel agents from all over the world had the opportunity to learn about the various products on offer and to meet local tour operators. For some it was their first opportunity to experience PNG. While in Port Moresby all tourism expo participants stayed at The Stanley Hotel, one of the capital’s latest properties. Impressive would be an understatement.
Lukim PNG Nau was held in Port Moresby and attended by participants from Australia, Japan, the UK and USA as well as Europe and China, the newest market for the Tourism Promotion Authority.
After a couple of days in Port Moresby we set off on a Rabaul adventure tour that would include diving, snorkeling, island visits, cultural performances and visiting WWII sights. Flying Air Niugini we took the route via Buka, the interim capital of the island of Bougainville. The views from the plane when landing were stunning and enticed to come back for a longer visit. After landing at Tokua Airport in Rabaul-Kokopo we transferred to our boat to head out to one of the islands off the coast. After a snorkel in the pristine waters we took a tour of Simpson Harbour and came face to face with Mt. Tavurvur. Mt. Tavurvur is an active volcano that erupted only a couple of years ago (Aug. 2014) and standing next to it you can feel it is a sleeping power. It was great to be back in Rabaul!
Over the next two days our Rabaul adventure tour consisted of many highlights. It is difficult to pinpoint the best part of the trip as there were so many. It is hard to bypass swimming with dolphins, probably one of the most amazing experiences we’ve ever had. Then there was the diving, which was also great. The Rabaul region offers many superb dive locations. Pristine waters, reef walls, wrecks, abundant marine life – Rabaul has it all. We were lucky enough to dive a ship wreck. Sitting at around 20-25m the ship rests on, literally, the reef’s edge overlooking a big drop. How it stays up is baffling? At the end of each day we came back to our accommodation and enjoyed freshly caught seafood with cold beer – life is beautiful.
We finished off our Rabaul visit with a historical tour of old Rabaul Town (Rabaul was destroyed during the major eruption in 1994), the hot springs, a few significant WWII sites including Gen. Yamamoto’s bunker and the volcano observatory. The bonus came when it turned out we would witness a Baining Fire Dance, the traditional performance of the Baining People.
Rabaul is a wonderful destination and offers something for even the most picky of travelers. There are nice hotels, but also budget accommodation options, plenty of activities, friendly people, tropical setting and it never gets cold. With frequent flight connections Rabaul is the place for you if you are looking for a short or longer getaway.
After a couple of days in Port Moresby we set off on a Rabaul adventure tour that would include diving, snorkeling, island visits, cultural performances and visiting WWII sights. Flying Air Niugini we took the route via Buka, the interim capital of the island of Bougainville. The views from the plane when landing were stunning and enticed to come back for a longer visit. After landing at Tokua Airport in Rabaul-Kokopo we transferred to our boat to head out to one of the islands off the coast. After a snorkel in the pristine waters we took a tour of Simpson Harbour and came face to face with Mt. Tavurvur. Mt. Tavurvur is an active volcano that erupted only a couple of years ago (Aug. 2014) and standing next to it you can feel it is a sleeping power. It was great to be back in Rabaul!
was also great. The Rabaul region offers many superb dive locations. Pristine waters, reef walls, wrecks, abundant marine life – Rabaul has it all. We were lucky enough to dive a ship wreck. Sitting at around 20-25m the ship rests on, literally, the reef’s edge overlooking a big drop. How it stays up is baffling? At the end of each day we came back to our accommodation and enjoyed freshly caught seafood with cold beer – life is beautiful.
Rabaul is a wonderful destination and offers something for even the most picky of travelers. There are nice hotels, but also budget accommodation options, plenty of activities, friendly people, tropical setting and it never gets cold. With frequent flight connections Rabaul is the place for you if you are looking for a short or longer getaway.
