Quickies Issue # 102, Winter 2010

We’re delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new product into the Cairns market – The Night Dive, designed for small groups of adventure-seeking certified divers.

This is Cairns only night dive excursion, departing at 5.30pm to the Outer Reef and returning at 11.15pm. Launching on Thursday 1 July, The Night Dive will initially be conducted each Thursday, subject to weather conditions.

Discover a new kind of night life and dimension to the Great Barrier Reef!

Travelling aboard the luxurious, custom-designed Silverswift, certified divers can feel the adrenaline rush with two fully guided night dives with our experienced dive masters.

It’s a different world at night! After the sun goes down, there’s a whole new cast of creatures to discover... The lionfish are prowling, the reef sharks are cruising, the corals are feeding and the parrotfish are tucked away in their bubbles for a safe night...» Read More

After 19 months of rehabilitation, Matilda the Hawksbill sea turtle has been released back into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef at Green Island, and in a first for our region, has been also been fitted with a satellite tracking device. After making a full recovery from ‘floaters disease’ under the care of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre » Read More

Based on strong demand for their dive courses over the past few years, Pro Dive Cairns are moving ahead with plans to expand their current purpose built Dive Training Centre in Cairns.

Managing Director Rod Punshon explains, “Having purchased adjoining land a couple of years ago, we are now ready to commence work on the building phase of this project. » Read More

The first of the humpback whales have been spotted off Queensland’s South East coast and are starting to make their way to their annual “winter break” in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef.Amongst the gentle giants, all eyes will be keenly looking out for Migaloo, the famous albino humpback whale. » Read More

A webcam has been installed permanently on Green Island with a live feed throughout the day showcasing the beautiful coral cay.  Vision is streamed from the top of the underwater observatory on the jetty, looking onto the island and over the clear aquamarine waters. Our "Great Adventures Green Island Webcam" forms part of TTNQ’s regional branding » Read More

While the humpbacks are on the way to the Great Barrier Reef, their smaller cousins, the Minke Whales are also frequenting our warm tropical waters at this time of year.

Amongst the gentle giants, all eyes will be keenly looking out for Migaloo, the famous albino humpback whale. Last year was a spectacular treat for Quicksilve » Read More

With a “Vintage Port” theme, the annual Port Douglas Carnivale’s colourful street parade was a spectacular event as thousands of locals and visitors alike lined the streets to join in the excitement.  Naturally, the fabulous Quicksilver crew joined in the fun, taking to the street in stylish vintage costumes! » Read More

 

Guests travelling aboard our Silversonic and Silverswift adventure dive and snorkel vessels can now contribute directly to the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. By making a small voluntary contribution onboard the vessels to Greenfleet, an accredited organisation to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment, passengers can offset their carbon footprint generated by their cruise.

Many furry four-legged friends at Paws and Claws will benefit from Quicksilver’s 10th annual 500 Card Game with a donation of  $1,310.  With thanks to 64 enthusiastic players from the tourism industry and friends of tourism having a day of fun and laughs on Quicksilver VIII, they also see it as an opportunity to donate » Read More

Great Adventures annual community event, the Green Island Family Day is set for Sunday 27 June. Cairns locals are invited to enjoy discounted fares and a day of tropical island fun activities. The day also raises funds for local charities through the entertaining beach volleyball challenge featuring teams from 16 Cairns businesses. » Find Out More

As part of the inaugural Cairns Ukulele Festival, Green Island will be hosting two world-renowned ukulele artists at Great Adventures Ukulele Island Gig on Friday 2 July.
 
Hawaii-born Jason Arimoto and US artist Matt Dahlberg will both perform separate concerts and conduct kids’ workshops » Find Out More

Mark your diaries for Sunday 26 September for the annual Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim. Once again the 1.5km and 3km swims will take place on the leeward side of the island. There will also be a “Nippers Swim” for the kids. More information and online registration is available at http://www.green-island.com.au/oceanswim.htm

Meet some of our Fabulous Engineering Team

Ensuring our guests experience the wonders of the reef in comfort, safety and reliability are all part of our engineering team’s daily charter.Throughout the year, our experienced and talented engineering team of 42, including 6 apprentices, tend to our fleet of vessels » Read More

 just wanted to write and say that we had the best holiday we've EVER had, with you guys recently. Not only because it's such a beautiful place, but you're staff were exceptional.

I wanted to make particular mention of Russell, a waiter in your restaurant - not only was his service impeccable, he was warm and friendly and we only regret we weren't able to bring him home with us! Also wanted to mention Dominic, his night tours were so much fun and the kids really loved it, he made us feel right at home.

Thankyou to all the staff at Green Island! My wife, children and I plan to visit you again soon.

Regards
RC, Darwin

You will often hear the term Bommie used when discussing dive and snorkelling sites. The term is not normally used in scientific papers but is usually understood to describe anything from a single coral boulder to a large reef structure. Technically it is a small patch of reef in column form in usually a sheltered lagoon. It is attractive to divers and snorkellers because of the diversity and abundance of marine life.