Information for Your Tropical Australia Travel Planning

Reef Teach is a live presentation about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. It will have you massively excited about your adventure to come, and you will be more informed and knowledgeable about your Great Barrier Reef experience. Paddy wants you to get the most out of  this incredible journey under the sea and during this two hour presentation, they will educate you about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef so that you will be relaxed, well informed and comfortable when you take this trip of a lifetime.
www.reefteach.com.au

The ICRI International Year of the Reef 2008 is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability, and to motivate people to take action to protect them. All individuals, corporations, schools, governments, and organizations are welcome and actively encouraged to participate in IYOR 2008.
http://www.iyor.org

Reef Check is the United Nations’ official community-based coral reef monitoring program that operates in more than 80 countries around the world. The global network of Reef Check volunteers collect valuable information on coral reef health using a scientifically standardised protocol and accredited training program. The main aim of the global Reef Check network is to educate the public about the value of coral reefs and the crisis facing the world’s reefs and to stimulate local action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.
http://www.reefcheckaustralia.org/

The little known dwarf minke whale was only discovered in Great Barrier Reef (GBR) waters during the 1980s, and research into its biology and ecology has only recently begun.   During the 1990s, live-aboard dive tour operators in the Cairns section of the GBR began reporting in-water interactions with these whales along the Ribbon Reefs during the winter months. Since 1996, Dr Alastair Birtles (James Cook University) and Dr Peter Arnold (Museum of Tropical Queensland), have been studying the biology and behaviour of these whales. At the same time, the dynamics of the interactions between the whales and dive tourists have been studied to develop a framework for managing these interactions in an ecologically sustainable manner.

The Divers Alert Network S.E. Asia-Pacific (DAN SEAP) is a not-for-profit member-based organisation dedicated to enhancing the safety of diving for all divers through a variety of pursuits.  DAN operates or funds 24-Hour Diving Emergency Hotlines, conducts research initiatives, provides training opportunities to members and beyond in the likes of first aid, CPR and Oxygen Provision, provides Worldwide Emergency Evacuation for diving and non-diving accidents, as well as offering Optional Dive Injury Insurance.

Scuba diving does involve some risk and some medical conditions can make the risk of serious injury while diving much higher. As a result, the regulations, requirements and medical standards relating to diving in Australia are amongst the strictest in the world, in order to ensure that Australia continues to be one of the safest places to dive in the world.

Cairns City Council has provided, through their website, some independant and great information about the region on their website.  This includes maps of Cairns,Theatre Guides, Botanical Garden Information, Bicycling Guides and Maps, Maps and Guides for Walking Tracks.  They also have a local event calendar that details fetes, mardi gras, and other items of interest for locals and travellers alike. 
http://cairns.qld.gov.au/

Relax and enjoy ‘living with locals’ in Hosted Retreats. Our Hosted Retreats have been chosen with different needs in mind and contain all the creature comforts you desire. A selection of tropical homes with wonderful hosts is available in the city suburbs, northern beaches and rainforest; from Cairns to the rainforest of Kuranda and south to Innisfail. Experience true local hospitality and lifestyle!