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Stingers in the Whitsundays

November 21, 2015 By Airlie Beach Online

21 Nov

Stingers in the Whitsundays is a concern for many travelling to our destination.

When is Stinger Season?

Experts prefer not to use the term “stinger season” as this implies that jellyfish are only prevalent during this time. Stings have occurred at all times of the year, however are more prevalent during the months of November to May. November to May is therefore termed “high season” or “peak season” for marine stingers as they are more active and more numerous during this time.

Irukandji

What are my chances of getting stung by an Irukandji?

Rare. Out of the millions of “people days” each year in the Great Barrier Reef waters, in a particularly bad year, only around 100 Irukandji stings occur in Queensland which require medical treatment. However, getting stung by one of these creatures, regardless of how rare, can be life threatening and at the very least can ruin your holiday. It is therefore important to follow a few simple precautions to further lessen the risk of being stung.

How can I prevent being stung?

  • Wear protective clothing such as a full body lycra or neoprene suit. This is the number 1 way of preventing stings, as suits protect up to 75% of the body and cover areas where stings more commonly occur. Not all suits offer equal protection – lycra or neoprene offer the greatest protection.
  • Wear protective clothing, even if wading, as most box jellyfish stings occur when wading.
  • Enter the water slowly (i.e don’t run in) as Box Jellyfish will often swim away if given the time and opportunity to do so.
  • Swim between the flags and follow Life Saver’s advice if swimming at patrolled beaches.
  • Be aware of high risk conditions for Irukandji – sustained NE winds, flat or calm weather, sea lice felt in the water and/or salps present (look like crushed ice washed up on the beach, or a machine gun bullet belt when swimming in the water).
  • Always carry vinegar when going boating or undertaking other marine activities.

Always ask your tour operator about wearing a sunsuit if it is not included in the price. They are the people that are out there everyday on the water and know the surrounds where they take you.

The other good piece of advice that I give out is, they are also a good sun protection.  It only takes one bad dose of sunburn to wreck your holiday and the sunsuit will protect the back of your legs and your back from our harsh sun whilst you are snorkelling. Don’t worry if you don’t look good, no one else is looking because they are all too keen to get in the water to see the fish and coral.

Box Jellyfish

The less common Box Jellyfish are typically large, with substantial bodies and numerous tentacles on each corner. Their stings can cause death in previously well humans in as little as 3 minutes. Different species reach different sizes, ranging from approximately 10 – 30cm tall.  The body is transparent, and usually difficult to see in the water. Box jellyfish stings cause immediate severe pain, often likened to an iron or hot oil burns. The tentacles are often left on the skin, and will cause additional stinging if not neutralized by vinegar. Severe box jellyfish stings will have a “ladder-like” appearance, and will “frost” the skin. Substantial stings covering half of one limb can be fatal.

Other Stingers and Jellyfish

Other Jellyfish and stingers are found in Australian waters. These may not be deadly, but can still induce nasty stings. The same preventative approach can be taken for stingers such as Bluebottle Jellyfish.

Please note: If you do happen to get stung by one of these “stingers”, do not by any means rub the sting area. Apply vinegar immediately and seek medical attention urgently. Dial 000 for an ambulance. Do not re-enter the water.

High-risk conditions
While research is still active in developing accurate prediction methods for Irukandjis, one or more of the following conditions appear to contribute to heightened risk:

  • Calm water, especially in sheltered bays
  • Height of summertime
  • Warm water temperature
  • Sandy beaches with low wave action
  • Proximity to river-mouth

Note that it is still possible to get stung during the following conditions:

  • Open water
  • Out of season
  • Bad weather eg south-easterly conditions

Diving in the Whitsundays

November 7, 2015 By Airlie Beach Online

7 Nov

Diving in the Whitsundays for certified divers and those wanting to try an introductory dive is available on day boats and overnight sailing boats. Not all boats offer this option and below is a list of those that currently (Oct, 2015) offer diving.

The day boats are;

  • Mantaray Charters and they will also take you to Whitehaven Beach as part of their day tour. Tour Cost is $197.00 per adult + $100.00 per person as an introductory dive or $80.00 per person as a certified diver
  • Illusions day sailing will take you snorkelling around Blue Pearl Bay & Langford Reef and offer 1 dive per person only. Tour price is $140.00 per adult + $75.00 per person as an introductory dive, $70.00 per person as a certified diver. This tour does not stop at Whitehaven Beach.
  • Great Barrier Reef day tour offers diving with Reef Safari out at the pontoon for certified and introductory divers.Tour cost is $230.00 per adult + $119.00 per person as an introductory dive or $99.00 per person as a certified diver.

Overnight sailing boats are;

  • Powerplay – 2 days / 2 nights
  • Kiana – 3 days / 2 nights
  • Summertime – 3 days / 2 nights
  • Atlantic Clipper – 2 days / 2 nights
  • Anaconda III – 3 days / 3 nights

There are other overnight sailing boats that offer ‘rendezvous diving’ and this is where a dive boat will meet up with the overnight sailing boat at a designated snorkel and dive spot.  It is a maximum of 2 x dives per person whether you are certified or just trying diving for the first time. It is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment if this option is not available on your Whitsunday overnight sailing tour as these options can change without notice.

There are two companies in the Whitsundays that offer dive courses and this includes the theory and practical over 4-5 days.

  • Whitsunday Dive Academy
  • Whitsunday Dive Adventures

For more information on any of the above tours, contact bookings@airliebeachonline.com au or call direct on (07) 4946 6222 within Australia or +00617 4946 6222 from overseas.

Fraser Island via Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach?

November 1, 2015 By Airlie Beach Online

1 Nov

When I speak to most people in my tour booking and accommodation businesses, they all say that they will go to Hervey Bay to get to Fraser Island.  They are not aware that you can also access Fraser Island from the southern end of the coast at Rainbow Beach.

Hervey Bay is a lovely township to see the Whales during June to late September each year.  If you are time poor and need to be closer to Brisbane and still want to visit Fraser Island then you can travel down a little further to overnight at a small town called Rainbow Beach.  This township is closer to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.

There is also a company that will depart from Brisbane on day tours and overnight tours that stop at Noosa & Rainbow Beach at certain meeting points before crossing to Fraser Island.

Contact www.airliebeachonline.com.au via email at bookings@airliebeachonline.com.au or phone during our business hours within Australia (07) 4946 6222,  International +61749466222.

On the front page of the website is the time clock in Queensland in Australia. During the summer months Queensland is on a time difference to NSW and Victoria.

 

 

10 reasons to choose Anaconda III

October 24, 2015 By Airlie Beach Online

24 Oct

#1 – Anaconda III lasts longer than most!!! Departing on Tuesdays & Fridays the adventure lasts 3 days and 3 nights giving you the chance to do it all! Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands & Outer Great Barrier Reef

#2 – Who doesn’t love choice?!  With 12 cabins on Anaconda III there is the choice of; Queen, Private Double, Private Twin, Triple or Four Share cabins

#3 – En-Suite! All cabins on Anaconda III are en-suite for the chance to have a quick hot shower at the end of each day without the wait!

#4 – Air Conditioned Cabins. We love the tropical weather in the Whitsunday region but sometimes we all need to chill!

#5 – Free Scuba Dive Experience… interested in trying scuba diving, but hesitant to spend money because you’re unsure you will enjoy it? Anaconda III gives you the opportunity to experience scuba before you pay for anything! Get fully geared up and experience what it is like to breath out of a regulator while having the confidence of remaining in shallow waters. If you decide it is not for you, at least you gave it a try and didn’t spend a cent!

#6 – Need a charge? With power in most cabins and saloon areas there are plenty of sockets so it’s not a problem keeping cameras etc fully charged to capture the magic once in a lifetime moments

#7 – Scrumdiddlyumptious! Upon boarding you receive a chilled glass of Australian Wine and throughout the trip all food & meals are freshly prepared on board by our host/cook. With favorites such as roast chicken, beef tacos, a deck-top fish BBQ and salads, Anaconda III is sure to delight your taste sensations with true Aussie classics! We can cater to dietary intolerance, allergies and are more than happy to offer vegetarian alternatives, please just let us know upon booking!

#8 – Big is Better! Anaconda III has two separate saloon areas. The main saloon is great for relaxing, reading a book and is fully equipped with a television and dvd if you fancy having a movie night instead of star gazing in the southern hemisphere
#9 – Get Qualified! Learn how to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef…. Sounds like something on many peoples bucket list! With Anaconda III you can do it without having to compromise your Whitsundays experience.  Anaconda III offers the AUSI Open Water Dive Course combined with the 3 day/3 night trip (5 days total) so that you can obtain a certification recognised World-wide
#10 – Size matters!  Stretching an impressive 101ft Anaconda III has a huge deck. We said DECK!! Perfect for sun baking by day and seeing shooting stars by night

Book with www.airliebeachonline.com.au for the best price. In quieter times the boat will go on standby rates so best to keep in touch with Airlie Beach Online, your tour booking specialist in Airlie Beach!

Can I stay overnight at the Great Barrier Reef?

October 10, 2015 By Airlie Beach Online

10 Oct

It would be so exciting if you good sleep out at the Great Barrier Reef.  Guess what, you can in the Whitsundays!

There are two options to sleeping out at the Great Barrier Reef.  The first option is to have your own private cabin on the pontoon and it has a king bed with its own port holes. A lovely way to wake up in the morning. The second option is to sleep under the stars in a swag on the pontoon deck. A bit like camping but we will call it ‘glamping’, just a little bit more glamorous with a few modern facilities. Children must be over 12 years of age for families to stay.

The day starts with the normal day tour to the Great Barrier Reef departing at 8am.  You will travel via Hamilton Island where the boats stops to collect more guests. Once on your way you will enjoy morning tea and the staff provide commentary on the days activities and extra activities like diving, helicopter flights, guided snorkel tours with a marine biologist, massage and photographs. Lunch is served on the boat after 11.30am.

At 2.30pm, you will wave good bye to the boat as it heads back to the mainland.

The guests that have booked to sleep on the pontoon in the private cabin or swags, will stay behind with the staff.  Afternoon tea will soon be served and you can get acquainted with the other guests as well as enjoy more time to snorkel (under staff guidance).

In the evening, enjoy a BBQ dinner and the underwater world with the lights on from the underwater viewing chamber. On a calm night you can see the lights back on the mainland.

Breakfast is served in the morning, maybe there is time for another quick snorkel before the day boat arrives. I remember my time at the pontoon and I thought, nooooooo – I don’t wish to share my haven with everyone else!

Enjoy the days activities once again and at 2.30pm it is time to head back to the mainland arriving back at approximately 6pm.

Contact bookings@airliebeachonline.com.au to book your Reefsleep tour.  It is one item to add to your bucket list!

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