Australia - Great Barrier Reef Bleaching

I have been an Aussie Specialist for over twenty years and been there many years. For the last two years I have had clients reluctant to visit Queensland because they had heard that the reef was so bleached it wasn't worth the trip. Normally, Queensland is always on the itinerary, and a visit to one of the islands such as Heron, or Hayman, are a must see depending of course on the budget and length of trip. I use several islands for honeymoons, or for diving enthusiasts.

There is another reef, the Ningaloo, off the coast of Western Australia which has not been affected by the bleaching. Very few tourists go there, because it isn't easy to get to but the reef is much closer to shore than the one in Queensland.

Glad to report that my colleagues in the Australian Travel Industry have told me optimism is rising among scientist that parts of the Great Barrier Reef that were severely bleached over the past two years are showing signs of recovery. Fourteen sections of the reef between Cairns and Townsville have been under close watch and it seems that the coral is already starting to reproduce.

Nearly two thirds of the Great Barrier Reef was affected by bleaching in 2016 and 2017 killing up to 50 per cent of coral in those parts. The mass coral spawning event on the reef occurs between October and December each year.

I usually recommend people stay in Northern Queensland, flying into Cairns, and take a day's boat trip out off Port Douglas which gives divers and snorkelers a couple of hours to experience the reef. If someone is wanting a dive holiday, then we put them on a live aboard yacht which goes to various parts of the northern reef. Even if you don't want to get in the water, you can go on the day trip and go in a submarine which will let you see the reef and its wonderful colorful fish. It is a great day out, with a wonderful luncheon on board the raft which the boat ties up to several hours.

Australia has so much to offer and is worth visiting.

Maureen Jones

Premier Aussie Specialist

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, CA 94025

www.allhorizonstvl.com

650-961-2340 direct

Maureen.Jones@Frosch.com