Knuckle Reef to Heart Reef Helicopter Flight

Everybody should see the Great Barrier Reef from the air. Why? Because it’s absolutely awesome!

Our last post told you about the fabulous cruise to Knuckle Reef, which is located on the Outer Barrier Reef, some 95 kilometers east of Airlie Beach. Cruise Whitsundays offers a great day cruise commencing from Abel Point Marina and does pick up guests from both Daydream Island and Hayman Island along the way.

Once you arrive at Cruise Whitsundays permanent pontoon on Knuckle Reef, you have a bevy of activities to enable you to enjoy the experience, from semi sub coral viewing, glass bottom boats, the underwater viewing chamber on the pontoon or you can snorkel or scuba dive.

Yet there is a special and unique opportunity for you to see the Great Barrier Reef like no other and that is by taking a helicopter flight where you are some 500 feet above the sea. Views from above the Great Barrier Reef are totally awesome, plus you can take a flight over the world famous Heart Reef, which you can only see via the air.

Yes it does cost a little to see the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter, but believe me, it is an experience worth every cent. You can take a 10 minute flight or a longer 20 minute flight, the choice is yours. We strongly recommend the longer flight as even on that the time just seems to pass far too quickly.

It is only from above that you will grasp the enormity of the Great Barrier Reef. The beautiful colors and shapes of the various coral outcrops, the marine life that you can clearly see from the air and the natural wonder that is the Great barrier reef will leave you simply breathless. It’s awesome!

Join us below as we take you on our helicopter flight, via video, and see what is waiting for you out on the Barrier Reef.

You can take a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from all of the major tourist towns along the Queensland coast. From Port Douglas to Airlie Beach to Bundaberg, there are cruise companies that will give you an extra special experience.

Climb aboard and enjoy our short video footage of a helicopter flight from Knuckle Reef to Heart Reef in the wonderful Whitsundays.

Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the flight

From the air, it is easy to see where guests of Cruise Whitsundays floating pontoon can snorkel and dive at Knuckle Reef Lagoon. This is truly a great day cruise from Airlie Beach to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

In this regard, it is easy to talk about the condition of Knuckle Reef, where Cruise Whitsundays has located their floating pontoon. Anchored in Knuckle Reef Lagoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef, tourists have some of the best snorkelling conditions where they can enjoy the diversity of the amazing coral reef.

Knuckle Reef is located 95 kilometers off the coast from Airlie Beach and it takes the Cruise Whitsundays vessel Seaflight, a very luxurious 7-metre state of the art wavepiercer vessel, about 3 hours to make the journey. More of the fantastic day that Cruise Whitsundays provides will follow, but it is the awesome time you will have at Knuckle Reef I want to convey in this particular post.

What really stands out is the condition of the reef itself at Knuckle Reef Lagoon. Just 2 weeks ago we snorkelled the Outer Barrier Reef at Hardy Reef, which is virtually situated next door to Knuckle Reef. Whist it was good, we did come away from that trip a little disappointed after seeing the damage to the reef that is clearly visible to anyone who wants to see.

Knuckle Reef held no such disappointment for us, we came away with such a good feeling that Knuckle Reef is alive and well, we cannot wait to go back again. We appreciate the sad fact that over time Knuckel Reef will also be subjected to the human factor, which will undoubtably take it’s toll.

I saw how the human factor impacts on the health of the reef yesterday. While snorkelling, a huge parrot fish slowly glided into view, the person snorkeling near me became so excited he wanted to make sure his wife also witnessed this amazing scene and stood up to tell his wife. I watched in horror as his fins struck a piece of Staghorn coral, snapping off the beautiful, yet brittle horns. In that impulsive act, one human killed countless coral anemones. I felt like screaming!

All cruise companies tell passengers time and again during a cruise not to stand on the reef. Sometimes people do not listen or forget the fact that coral are living creatures. Whilst that incident did sadden me, it couldn’t spoil an otherwise awesome day. A truly remarkable experience, thanks to Cruise Whitsundays and their energetic staff.

You don’t go to the reef for the food that is served for lunch. You don’t go to the reef for what music is played during the cruise. Those type of things do add to the overall enjoyment of the day, but is not the main reason why you are taking a cruise. You take a cruise to the reef to see The Great Barrier Reef. This cruise delivers the goods.

If you intend to take a cruise from Airlie Beach, then I would highly recommend that you book with Cruise Whitsundays, simply because Knuckle Reef Lagoon, where you are allowed to snorkel, has a healthier coral population. It makes one wonder what would a pristine reef look like where there was no commercial snorkelling or diving. Must be totally awesome.

Both of the major cruise companies in the Whitsundays, Fantasea and Cruise Whitsundays, give their passengers an unforgettable experience on the Great Barrier Reef. It is my opinion that the reef where you are allowed to snorkel is more spectacular at Knuckle Reef than that at Hardy Reef.

Knuckle Reef is amazing, so I will let the images below do the talking. Click the images to see a larger size.

Awesome snorkelling for both the novice or more advanced. Huge plate corals, an abundance of marine life and fish species live just below the surface. Knuckle Reef is about 95 kilometers from the tropical township of Airlie Beach, Queensland.

Knuckle reef in the Whitsundays is home to over 150 different species of hard and soft corals. Situated 95 kilometers from the coast, Cruise Whitsundays operated day trips to Knuckle Reef from Airlie Beach daily.

Some of the clams are so awesome with different patterns and colours. Underwater photo taken at the Outer Barrier Reef on a day trip with Cruise Whitsundays.

From Knuckle Reef you can take a helicopter flight to see the fabulous Heart Reef. Helicopter flights are an optional extra.

We here at Funtours create many good photography projects, and where we live, the beautiful Whitsundays, provide us with limitless opportunities to try out new technology and equipment. Underwater video is fast becoming a favorite as the Great Barrier Reef is part of our backyard.

We often post 10 best photos from somewhere we have been to carry out work or research. This time the post is our 3 favorite underwater videos taken in the fabulous Whitsundays.

The first video is awesome. Snorkelling with turtles is the greatest buzz you could have.

This footage was taken just off Catseye Beach, which is the main beach at Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is the most popular of the island resorts of The Whitsundays.

While all of the islands have fringing reefs, the turtles at Hamilton Island seem to be always in the vicinity, so there’s every chance you can snorkel with these magnificent marine creatures when spending some time on the island.

The second video was taken just a few days after tropical cyclone Yasi devastated parts of the Queensland coast.

The water isn’t as clear as it usually is, but when you consider the awesome ferocity that Cyclone Yasi produced and the damage it left in it’s wake, it is amazing that the water is as clear as it is.

This video was taken on Daydream Island’s fringing reef at Lovers Cove. Lovers Cove is a really good spot to snorkel as the coral is visible just meters from the shore.

Lastly we have a video shot on the Great Barrier Reef. If you get the opportunity, a day trip to the reef with Fantasea Cruises is fabulous. Fantasea has a permanent floating pontoon, Reefworld, situated on Hardy Reef, a reef that is 50 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide.

The snorkeling is superb at Hardy Reef, which you can easily see in this video.

All this video was taken with a Canon Powershot D10 underwater camera. You don’t need expensive equipment to make underwater video’s.

Gourmet wood fired pizzas are more than delicious at The Whitsundays finest bar. Mangrove Jacks, situated in the main street of Airlie Beach is world renown for their delicious gourmet pizzas and friendly service.

Mangrove Jacks, situated in the main street of Airlie Beach, advertise a $20 meal deal coupon, which is available for lunch or dinner.

Mangrove Jacks in Airlie are famous for their wood fired pizzas. We had a gourmet Italian pizza for lunch, which included 2 glasses of wine, and saved about $19.50 off the normal price with the coupon.

So if your a Whitsunday resident or a visitor who has purchased some goods from Woolies or Coles recently, check the back of your dockets. You could have a good meal opportunity and the chance to save some serious dollars.

And while your at it, why not check out some of the great adventure destinations that we have right on the doorsteps in the fabulous Whitsundays. The Whitsundays is one of the finest places on this planet and if you want to soak up some sun, this is the place for you.

Come on up to Airlie Beach, have a meal at Mangrove Jacks and take a cruise to one of the fabulous 74 islands that stamp The Whitsundays as the top holiday destination in our book. Airlie Beach is the ultimate holiday destination for fun in the sun, great party atmosphere with affordable accommodation and hassle free extras with out the huge crowds. Remember the old saying, “It’s beautiful one day and perfect the next”, that sums up the Whitsundays perfectly!

Tourism Queensland is also running a good campaign at the moment to attract people to enjoy the great Queensland climate. If you operate a business you could win a million dollar Queensland experience just for making your own video. Now there’s a million reasons why you should try to promote Queensland as a tourist destination. Watch the video below for more info.

This image shows the great diversity of beauty the the Great Barrier Reef holds. How can 3 clams living together be so different in appearance? Click image for larger size.

There has been some damage to the coral at Hardy Reef. I am not qualified to say whether it is from human activity or the cyclones that have battered the Whitsundays in 2010 and 2011. (Ului, Anthony and Yasi.) You can easily see that there is damage and my guess is that some of it has been caused by tourism and some by these tropical cyclones. While the coral damage is easy to see, Hardy Reef is still a spectacular experience.

There must be an argument that some damage is acceptable to a small amount of the Great Barrier Reef, if we are to share the reef’s the natural beauty with people from all over the world, and also showcase the need to protect the reef from many other forms of commercialism.

We must appreciate that The Great Barrier Reef is a living reef. Like all things that live, death is also part of the story. Some of the reef will die and in time, be replaced by new life.

The Fantasea Reefworld day trip departs from Shute Harbour at 8.00am daily and picks up more guests at Hamilton Island. Then it is roughly a two and half hour cruise to the floating pontoon situated on Hardy Reef. You arrive at Reefworld around 11.00 am departing about 2.30pm. This gives you over 3 hours to snorkel, scuba dive, take a helicopter flight over the reef or enjoy the Great Barrier Reef in glass bottom semi submarines or the underwater viewing chamber at the pontoon. There is also a special viewing place where the resident giant gropers can be appreciated.

I would highly recommend taking this cruise to see and enjoy The Great Barrier Reef to anyone who visits The Whitsundays.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is provided, as is all snorkelling equipment. Scuba dives and helicopter flights are extras and can be booked on the day of travel.

Hardy Reef is roughly 50 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide and is home to an amazing range of soft and hard corals. The reef is absolutely teeming with awesome marine life.

Fantasea Reefworld operates on perhaps a 200 to 300 meter strip of the reef, which is really minute in the scheme of things, yet delivers an unforgettable experience to so many people from around the world. When snorkeling, stick to the edge of the reef where the shallow water meets the deep. The coral has less damage at the edge of the deeper water and you will see larger fish.

Here are my favorite photos from a few hours of snorkelling Hardy Reef.

There are thousands of tropical fish making the Great Barrier Reef their home. Snorkelling is a easy way to enjoy all the varieties you will see at Hardy Reef. Click the image for larger size

There are many different coloured clams living on Hardy Reef. In deeper water there are spectacular giant clams which are so awesome to see. Click the image for larger size

Most corals are named simply by what they look like. Here is a fabulous outcrop of Staghorn Coral of hardy Reef. Click the image for larger size.

You don't have to be an expert snorkeller to enjoy the many species of marine life at Hardy Reef. Most fish come to you. Click the image for larger size.

The Great Barrier Reef is truly a beautiful underwater garden. You must snorkel or dive to fully appreciate the real beauty. Click the image for larger size.

Fantasea takes the safety of it's guests seriously, employing a lifeguard on the pontoon and one cruising the waters just in case someone has difficulties.

An amazing amount of marine creatures live on the coral of Hardy Reef. Some actually live by cleaning organisms from the coral. Click the image for larger size.

From the moment you enter the water at Hardy Reef, you are greeted by a wide variety of marine life. This swarm of Yellowtails are just as curious of you as you are of them. Click the image for larger size.

Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Breath taking views from the Cairns Skyrail gondola make the journey a true experience.

You can take a return journey across the top of the world or combine it with either a train ride or road trip to the beautiful village of Kuranda. Whatever option you do decide to take, it really is one of the worlds greatest journeys.

There are a couple of stops along the Skyrail route where you change cable cars and at one stop can have a guided tour through the rainforest with experienced rangers. There’s no better way to learn about the importance of the rainforest and gain a better understanding of the environmental role it plays in our world.

Of course a stop at the magnificent Barron Falls is a sight not to be missed. During the norths “Wet Season” or after some heavy rain the Barron Falls is absolutely spectacular. The force of the water is something to be seen. Right now it is terrifyingly awesome!

Take the time to have a look at this video that Cains Skyrail has put together. A picture is worth a thousand words, and the Skyrail video perhaps says it all.

I absolutely loved the spectacular views coming down the mountain.

Queensland is such a wonderland and we are lucky that there is so much pristine beauty that we can all enjoy. Come on up to Cairns and see the rainforest and reef. How great it is to have two natural wonders so close to each other.

Contact
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Cnr of Captain Cook Highway and Cairns Western Arterial Road
PO Box 888
Smithfield, Queensland, 4878, Australia

Cruise Liner sits anchored offshore from Airlie Beach while tourists soak up the glorious sunshine. Welcome to The Whitsundays.

Today was just another of those perfect days in Airlie Beach.

There was a large cruise boat anchored off shore, the sun was shining brightly and people were enjoying the fabulous Airlie Lagoon. Yes, this is what it is like on most days in the Whitsundays.

We are not quite half way through March yet, so you still have lots of time to take advantage of the many Mad March Specials there is on offer from all the tourism outlets in the Whitsundays.

Personally I am going to take Fantasea’s 2 – 4 – 1 offer and go out to the Great Barrier Reef this week. It’s one of the best deals and for just $199 per adult, an offer too good to refuse. I suppose I should take the wife, seeing it’s a 2 – 4 – 1 deal, but perhaps a friend might like to come instead. You know how to contact me if you want to come guys. This deal finishes on the 11th so you better get in quick. Look for the photos here from Saturday onward. We will get hundreds to show you.

If you miss the Fantasea special, Cruise Whitsundays also have a great deals that you can take. Here’s what I think is their best. Knuckle Reef one day, then a half day cruise to the fabulous Whitehaven Beach another for just $199.00 pp. I think the Give Us a Break Combo Deal is really fantastic value. Imaging going to the Great Barrier Reef one day and then Whitehaven Beach the next. Life wasn’t meant to be this good, so this one will have to wait until the week after next, then I’m certainly also taking advantage of this great special. I won’t need to buy a boat if these great bargains stay around.

Perfect days are the norm in The Whitsundays. Just about everyday looks like this at Airlie Beach Lagoon, the ideal place to soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing dip in the man made salt water lagoon.

Don’t worry about what you hear about bad weather. The worst is behind us now and The Whitsundays looks gorgeous as usual. Just have a look how good it was today. Airlie Beach certainly impressed the people from the cruise boat today and is just waiting to knock your socks right off.

Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays. A special place with fantastic March special deals.

Click on the images above to see them in a larger size.

Now anyone can become an underwater photographer with inexpensive waterproof camers. The best place to practice your skills is on fringing reefs along the Queensland coast.

The real good news is that underwater photography is no longer the domain of the professionals with sophisticated equipment. Amateurs can purchase inexpensive waterproof point and click cameras that can take amazing underwater shots, just like the pros.

Because the Great Barrier Reef runs parrallel to the Queensland coast from almost the tip of Cape York to the waters off The Town of 1770, the snorkelling opportunities are endless. All you need is to know how to swim.

Great underwater photography can be found just off the beach at many of the islands along the Queensland coast. this image shows the close proximity of the fringing reef at Green Island Cairns.

As you can see, awesome snorkeling sites are to be found anywhere up and down the Queensland coast. Another bonus is that it doesn’t cost big piles of money to see coral quays and all the fabulous marine life that exists in these fringing reefs.

Fringing reefs, such as this one at Daydream Island in The Whitsundays, are easily accessed just meters from the shore. You can take a day trip to Daydream island for just $40 and hire snorkelling equipment once you are there.

For example you can take a day cruise from Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays to Daydream Island for just $40 pp return with Cruise Whitsundays.

Daydream Island is not far from the mainland and there are no inclusions with the cruise. However a cruise from the Town of 1770 to Lady Musgrave Island will cost $175.00 per adult with morning tea, lunch, snorkelling equipment provided, glass bottom boat tours, underwater viewing chambers and a guided island walk all included in the price. Believe me, the cruise to Lady Musgrave Island is one you will remember forever.

It is the thrill of seeing beautiful coral and such an abundance of marine life that will completely addict you to underwater photography. Our home is in The Whitsundays, but we can attest that other areas are just as good as the beautiful waters around our backyard.

You will never forget the thrill of snorkelling the waters close to a turtle. There is something so magical that you realise that the environment must be saved so our children and grandchildren can also enjoy swimming with these gentle creatures. Yours truly snorkelling with turtles on Catseye Beach, hamilton Island.

Our 3 most highly rated day cruises for underwater photography, considering both price and experience would be Big Cat Green Island Cruise from Cairns. Snorkeling off Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island (always turtles) and the fabulous fringing reef of Lady Musgrave Island.

Wherever you go in the Whitsundays there is a photo opportunity waiting. The entire area is just so beautiful that it seems impossible to take a bad picture.

Living in Airlie Beach I never get tired of the fabulous views and often pack a lunch and simply go somewhere to eat, just to enjoy the beauty that exists right in my own backyard.

I am proud that I can share with you some of my favorite photos taken in and around the Whitsundays. The Whitsundays are waiting for you to come and enjoy the area as much as we locals.

Make sure you click on the image to see a larger size.

Famous across the world Whitehaven Beach is truly a wonderful sight. Pure silica sand attracts tourists to this iconic beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays group.

Perfect place to soak up the sun and work on a golden tan, Airlie Beach Lagoon attracts hundreds of people to enjoy the safe waters at the edge of the Coral Sea.

It's just a short stroll from the Airlie Beach main street to the beach front. In the background, a large cruise liner sits while passengers enjoy a day on the mainland and great shopping at Airlie Beach village.

The view at Airlie Beach Lagoon must be among the best in the world. You don't have to be a swimmer to enjoy the real beauty of the Whitsundays.

The tropical waters of the Whitsundays literally teem with many types of colourful fish and marine life. There is great snorkeling straight from most beaches. You really must click on this image and see the larger size. these fish are so beautiful.

Clear blue skies and torquoise waters are the normal sights around Airlie Beach.

Just a short drive from Airlie Beach, the deep water at Shute Harbour is ideal for larger vessels and is the port where barges begin their servicing of the resort islands of the Whitsundays.

Long Island is one of the Whitsundays first resort islands and is steeped in history. A beautiful island with calm sheltered bay, Long Island is perfect for a quiet holiday at affordable rates.

Most islands and mainland beaches have fringing reefs where coral thrives in the warm tropical waters. Snorkelling is best way to enjoy the fringing reefs.

You don't have to be an expert photographer to take fabulous underwater shots. This Parrot Fish was taken with an inexpensive underwater camera in about one meter of water at Daydream Island.

The 3 Mermaids lure tourists to the beautiful Daydream Island Resort. You can stay at the Daydream Island Resort or take a day trip cruise from Airlie Beach.

No visit to the Whitsundays would be complete without taking at least a day trip to Hamilton Island.

Hundreds of people enjoy the safety of swimming in the man made Airlie Beach Lagoon daily. With gorgeous views and a short walk from the main street of Airlie Beach, tourists and locals know they are safe from the threat of marine stingers.

I have blogged before about the benefits of making Airlie Beach your base, then exploring all the opportunities for adventure that the Whitsundays hold.

The good part about Airlie Beach being your base is the diverse range of accommodation in the area.

You can stay at the many backpacker hostels if you come to the area via bus or car, there are great holidays parks for the caravan enthusiast with budget cabins for families wanting a little more privacy than a backpackers hostel. And of course there are plenty of holiday units and more luxurious accommodation houses, from bed and breakfasts to five star luxury hotels with gorgeous sea views.

You also have a choice of swimming venues, with the most popular being the man made Airlie Beach Lagoon. Built right on the shores of the Coral Sea, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is just meters from the main street and is right in the centre of the village, close to most accommodation. There are beautiful views all around and the Lagoon is probably the place to work on that perfect tan, catch up with friends or just relax in the cool clean water, safe from any chance of marine stingers.

If you like swimming in the ocean there is a safety beach at Cannonvale protected by a stinger net. You can walk from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale via the Bicentennial Boardwalk.

During the wet season, it is wise to either swim in protected waters or use a stinger suit while enjoying the ocean anywhere in the Whitsundays.

Marine Stingers are active from November to the end of March and whilst the number of reported stings are low compared to the amount of people who actually swim, snorkel or dive in the Whitsundays, it pays to protect yourself at all times.

Cannonvale Beach is a very picturesque location. There is good accommodation houses facing the water and you are just a few hundred meters from Whitsunday Shopping Centre. Cannonvale Beach is about 1 kilometer from Abel Point Marina and 3 kilometers via the Bicentennial Boardwalk from the main street of Airlie Beach.

So if your looking for somewhere a little quieter than Airlie Beach, give Cannonvale serious consideration. Nice quiet beach and affordable accommodation, yet close enough to all the action and nightlife that makes Airlie Beach famous.

The choices are endless when you visit the Whitsundays.