Discover the Great Barrier Reef with an Introductory Dive

From the surface the endless shimmering blue horizon of the Great Barrier Reef is a delight to behold. Miles upon miles of woven turquoises and sapphire blues fringed by powdery white sands and pristine rainforest have earned the Great Barrier Reef recognition as one of the natural wonders of the world. Yet beneath the glistening waves another world is waiting, one that is alive with colour and charm along the bountiful coral gardens. The best day to discover this underwater Eden is with an introductory dive on the Great Barrier Reef Cruise.

Freedom and Flexibility Beneath the Waves

Scuba diving is all about ducking down beneath the surface and having the freedom and flexibility to move and even breathe underwater. The special equipment employed for diving techniques ensure that you don’t fall short of breath and that you can explore the schools of exotic fish, the gentle reef sharks, the blooming rainbow gardens and more without having to come up for air.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most enchanted spots in the whole world to snorkel and scuba dive.  From sunken ships to sheer underwater walls, shallow reefs and a myriad of colour, even if you have never ducked down into the deep before, with the introductory dive you can dabble in the delights of diving.

Taking the Plunge

Of course before you plunge in at the deep end you will need to brush up on a few firm skills that will

be taught to you on the introductory dive with the Great Barrier Reef Cruise. Expert trainers will take you through all the equipment, show you the safety skills and ensure that everything is in order before you hit the open water. Once the diving instructor is satisfied you can spend an exciting day splashing through the ocean, breathing underwater and exploring the incredible wealth of marine life beneath the endless shades of blue of the Great Barrier Reef.

Check you are in the Clear

Even though the introductory dive doesn’t require previous experience it is essential that you are in tip top health. Individuals who suffer from respiratory problems like asthma or lung or chest diseases will need to talk to their doctor first. Those who suffer from seizures and epilepsy or convulsions of any kind should also seek medical clearance before diving as should pregnant women and those who take insulin for diabetes.

Finding Nemo in a Rainbow Paradise

Diving the Great Barrier Reef is a once in a lifetime opportunity, the thriving waters are teeming with colourful coral life and brightly painted fishes. You can even drift alongside emerald green sea turtles, exotic butterfly fish, and friendly reef fish and if you are really lucky you can of course find Nemo in this exhilarating underwater safari.

Tour of the Week - Hunter Valley Wine Tour

Tantalize your taste buds with a journey through the rolling greens and gold’s of the magnificent countryside with Hunter Valley Wine Tours. This decadent experience will take you to the heart of the valleys where the tangled vines hang heavy with grapes, the rustic charm sweeps small towns with artisan eateries, galleries and open cellar doors and you can breathe in the splendour of the great Australian outdoors.

Sommelier Secrets

Hunter Valley Wine Tours will show you some of the best kept sommelier secrets from the doors of Drayton to the heights of the Hope Estate. With over 120 wineries growing, maintaining and crushing grapes across the endless estates this is without a doubt the best spot for discovering la crème de la crème of new world wine.

A Perfectly Curated Tour

This magnificent and perfectly curated tour will take you to the heart of the Hunter Valley starting with Draytons Winery. As one of the pioneering families of winemaking, the Draytons know their grapes and will introduce your palate to some floral notes that rise from the whites and rich ruby reds that tingle with bright fruit flavours. The surrounding area of the Draytons is a bounty of natural wonder, rising mountains shimmer beneath a blue sky, wild herbs permeate the soft air and the sprawling vineyards run off into the horizon. Take lunch at the local gem of the Log Stone Café and wander the shelves looking for fresh coffee, intricate teas and crafted wines to take back home.

Fat Fruits, Artisan Pizza and Craft Beer

Hunter Valley Wine Tours will show you the charm of the Hope Estate, the Victorian style vineyards are laced in romance, beauty and of course award winning wines to quaff. From the breath-taking vistas you can feel the sea breeze roll in making the soil dark and fertile and perfect for growing world glass grapes. Take a sip of the most infamous wine from the estate; the ripper, and let the fat fruits, slight spice and wild herbs roll around the tongue. After an exceptional wine tasting experience you can enjoy sampling artisan craft beers and devouring the simple gourmet pleasures of a wood smoked pizza.

Discover the Bounty

Discovering the bounty of the Hunter Valley is the perfect way to see why Australia is such a renowned wine and dine destination. Spend the day hiking the hills, ducking in and out of trendy boutiques and small galleries and of course delighting in the finesse of Hunter Valley wine.

Dundee Restaurant on Cairns Water Front

 Get swept away with a Cairns sunset harbour tour and taste world class cuisine at the Dundee Restaurant. The Cairns sunset harbour tour is the perfect way to toast the end of another day in paradise. As you step on board you can grab a glass of wine, nibble on fresh seasonal platters and sail away into a blooming sunset to discover rich mangroves, shimmering mountains and the bright lights of Cairns across the waters.

Tantalize your Taste Buds

Make your evening an extraordinary experience and upgrade to the exclusive dinner package offered with the Cairns Sunset Harbour Tour. A stone’s throw away from the marina you can tantalize your taste buds with an evening of gourmet delights at the Dundee Restaurant. Sitting prettily on the Cairns water front you can watch the boats drift to and fro across the Great Barrier Reef, relax in the warmth of ambient surroundings and sample some of the best dishes Australia has to offer.

With an opulent menu offering everything from home cooked pasta dishes to seasonal grills, bright and zesty salads and of course the freshest seafood straight from the boat, discovering world class cuisine has never been so relaxed and laced with romance then at the Dundee Restaurant.

World Class Steaks and Daily Fresh Seafood

Start with a bowl of steaming seafood chowder served with crusty aromatic bread, the thick creamy broth is a treasure trove of taste. Those wanting something light and zesty will adore the smoked salmon and avocado stack served with pearl caviar and a generous dollop of dill and crème fraiche.

Bring a little aphrodisiac style to the table with a platter of glistening oysters freshly shucked the same day. Dipping plump oysters into a delicate sauce with rising notes of lime and ginger is the perfect accompaniment to a crisp glass of chardonnay. Carnivores can chow down on 21 day matured steaks from purebred Black Angus bred cattle raised on the local pastures. Decadent diners can pull out all the stops with the BBQ lobster grilled to perfection and served with citrus mayo and a bright mango and mixed leaf salad.

Heavenly Deserts to End the Day

Finish in style with a mouth-watering array of divine desserts including the baked cheesecake with shards of honeycomb and the sticky date and ginger pudding served a la mode. This Cairns Waterfront eatery has become an institution for those wanting to celebrate with fine food, exceptional service and delectable views from their table. Make your trip something special with the Cairns Sunset harbour Cruise and dinner at the Dundee.