1. Romance is always in the air, with close to 500 couples saying 'I do' here in 2011.
2. You can view the biggest orgy on earth when the coral spawn occurs each year around November
3. The tiny larvae of coral reef fish are faster than our best Olympic swimmers with a speed of 20.6cm a second. A human swimming at that rate would complete 100 metres in three seconds. 
4. Nature's masterpiece the Daintree Rainforest, is home to Australia's largest fern, the king fern (Angiopteris evecta) and world's smallest kangaroo, the musky rat-kangaroo.
5. Prawns can be caught, sold and eaten on the same day in Port. 
6. Six of the world's seven turtles are found on the Great Barrier Reef. 
7. Indulge in a spa treatment at any one of the 10 spa resorts in the region, or have the treatment come to you. 
8. The Wet Tropics covers less than 0.1 per cent of the Australian continent, yet it is the country's most diverse region. 
9. It is the home of Australia's first and only origin chocolate made from locally grown cocoa. 
10. In 2012, it is the best place on the planet to witness the total solar eclipse as the central line crosses directly at nearby Oak Beach. 

For those who prefer to make their own way around, most roads are sealed but travelers venturing off these must check road conditions before they leave, and make sure to let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be gone. Pre-Booking of rental cars is recommended. 4WD travellers should take extra care in the more remote areas. Remember that creek causeways can quickly become impassable with heavy rain so don't cross unless you are sure that it is safe. A little patience spent waiting for the water to go down, usually at low tide, could prevent an accident. Always treat the road with the respect that prevailing conditions warrant.

In Port Douglas and Daintree, the rule is relax. The style is casual so all you need are comfortable, lightweight clothes. If you like, you can leave your jacket and tie behind, because they are not necessary even at formal restaurants. Don't forget to pack walking shoes, a hat, swimwear and sunglasses. Remember to minimize your sun exposure and bring a good sunscreen, or buy one locally. Don't forget your camera/video camera!

The Sit Down Comedy Club opened the Cairns Comedy season for 2012 to a full house of 260 people and 13 fabulous contestants at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's RAW COMEDY open mic competition.

All the upcoming shows at the Cairns Comedy Club are now locked in and ready for you amusement.  Fiona O'Loughlin, Chris Franklin, Greg Sullivan, Nik Coppin and more...Check out whos performing at www.festivalsupnorth.com.

Did you know if your birthday is on a Cairns Comedy Club date that you can come celebrate your birthday with us for free?  That's right, for a hassle free birthday with guarenteed laughs, grab your friends and head to the Sit Down Comedy Club.  *Proof of id required for refund or free entry

Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful tourism industry, over $10,000 worth of food and gifts have been donated to The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Uniting Care (formerly Lifeline) and the Douglas Shire community - all recipients of the Quicksilver Group’s 8th Annual Christmas Charity Appeal.

“The overwhelming support and generosity of the local tourism industry and friends of tourism continues to amaze and impress us,” said Michael Healy Quicksilver Group Director Sales and Marketing.  “It has been a tough few years for all industry in our region and the charities are in need more than ever. We hope we all can make a difference and everything donated will certainly help make this Christmas much happier for a lot of families and people in need.”

Quicksilver decided to once again to use the money they would normally contribute to buying gifts for agents and suppliers by instead purchasing goods for the local charities.

We would like to thank all the accommodation houses, tour desks, hotels, local suppliers and members of the community who have contributed to this year’s Appeal.

source: http://www.quicksilvergroup.com.au

Cairns, Great Barrier Reef: Mother Nature was on cue for the Great Barrier Reef’s annual coral spawning with passengers aboard Silverswift’s Night Dives excursions being witness to this unique spectacle. 

From Great Adventures’ Norman Reef platform, groups of local and visiting divers and snorkellers were able to participate in guided tours for a once in a lifetime experience. Many excited passengers said seeing coral spawning was something to tick off their bucket list.

With the conditions just right, being about 4 to 6 nights after the full moon in November, with warm ocean waters and little tidal movement, Great Adventures General Manager Operations, Brian Cave, described the spectacle as an upside-down snowstorm as the corals release millions of eggs into the water.

While the most spawning was witnessed at the outer reefs on Thursday night (17 November), inner reef Green Island also experienced significant coral spawning the preceding night as many excited staff snorkelled and dived to experience the natural phenomenon.

Quicksilver marine biologist, Russell Hore, explains that while corals have two reproductive methods, asexual where the individual polyps split and divide to increase overall size of the colony, to maintain a consistently robust gene pool corals need to have a sexual phase to exchange genes. This process is known as coral spawning.

Cairns, Great Barrier Reef: Mother Nature was on cue for the Great Barrier Reef’s annual coral spawning with passengers aboard Silverswift’s Night Dives excursions being witness to this unique spectacle. 

From Great Adventures’ Norman Reef platform, groups of local and visiting divers and snorkellers were able to participate in guided tours for a once in a lifetime experience. Many excited passengers said seeing coral spawning was something to tick off their bucket list.

With the conditions just right, being about 4 to 6 nights after the full moon in November, with warm ocean waters and little tidal movement, Great Adventures General Manager Operations, Brian Cave, described the spectacle as an upside-down snowstorm as the corals release millions of eggs into the water.

While the most spawning was witnessed at the outer reefs on Thursday night (17 November), inner reef Green Island also experienced significant coral spawning the preceding night as many excited staff snorkelled and dived to experience the natural phenomenon.

Quicksilver marine biologist, Russell Hore, explains that while corals have two reproductive methods, asexual where the individual polyps split and divide to increase overall size of the colony, to maintain a consistently robust gene pool corals need to have a sexual phase to exchange genes. This process is known as coral spawning.

Source: http://www.quicksilvergroup.com.au

Event organisers Footprint Music Festivals (FMF) will bring Port Douglas' largest open air concert once again but as The Mini Roadshow at the Port Douglas Yacht Club. Tickets will be on sale at the Door; Kids under 12 enter FREE, Kids 13 to 17 $5, and Adults $10. All proceeds going to charity and Sunset in the Park Community Concerts Inc. Door opens at 2pm with and bands starting at 2:30pm.

Established in 2007, Port Douglas' official Beer Festival will be on in October. With German Beer and Dancing Girls at the ready, come join in the slap happy festivities from 12noon. Court House Hotel Port Douglas.

Award winning local winery Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery has won the “ Most Successful Exhibiter “ in its section at the Perth Wine Show held 3 weeks ago.

Tony and Trudie Woodall have maintained the high standards they set for themselves since scooping the Australian Fruit Wine Awards in Cairns in 2006. 

Their Wine Consultant - Brian Wilson - who is also an occasional Grape Wine Judge states “The Shannonvale Winery have to uphold my own standards in wine making and winemaker Trudie Woodall is very good at making this happen. I am amazed at how Trudie has risen to the challenge. Her wines are truly impressive.“ 

“ Brian keeps me on my toes by insisting that second best is not good enough “ says Trudie ” and the challenge to be even better is always there. “

Proud husband and partner Tony takes great pleasure in selling their award winning wines at the Shannonvale Cellar Door and through their extensive Mail Order sales.  As he keeps repeating “ My cup runneth over ”

Results of the 2011 Perth Royal Wine Show.
11 of the 14 wines were entered by the Shannonvale Winery were awarded medals including:
Dry wines - Gold - Mango wine
         Silver - Passionfruit wine
         Silver - Pineapple wine
         Bronze - Jaboticaba wine

Sweet wines - Bronze - Mango wine

Dry Spice wines - Bronze - Ginger wine

Fortified wines - Gold - Purple Mangosteen
        Silver - Black Sapote
        Silver - K Lime Cello
        Silver - Orange
        Bronze - Jaboticaba

Most Successful Exhibiter - Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery

Tony and Trudie Woodall have been making commercial standard wine since 2000 and follow the principle that each wine will taste of the fruit it is made from and they will be single-fruit wines, not blends.

Contact Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery for more information

Thursday 29 September – The Help (M)

Friday 30 September  – The Change Up (MA15+)

Saturday 1 October – Zookeeper (PG)

Sunday 2 October – Red Dog (PG)

Season finishes on the 2 October, don't miss your chance to attend Moonlight Cinema on these final four screenings! 

For more information visit www.moonlight.com.au 

Thursday 22 September – Horrible Bosses (MA15+)

Friday 23 September  – One Day (M)

Saturday 24 September – The Lion King in 3D (G)

Sunday 25 September – Final Destination 5 (MA15+)

Thursday 29 September – The Help (M)

Friday 30 September  – The Change Up (MA15+)

Saturday 1 October – Zookeeper (PG)

Sunday 2 October – Red Dog (PG)

Season finishes on the 2 October, only two weekends to go! 

For more information visit www.moonlight.com.au 

Port Douglas, 13 September 2011: In just 60 days, competitors from around Australia and around the world will be hearing the starting gun in the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Marathon on 12 November 2011 in Port Douglas.

Event organisers, Port Douglas Event Management, have received registrations and enquiries from all around the globe including Japan, Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as a flood of registrations recently from FNQ.

“We’ve received over 150 registrants and we are confident of the event’s success. We are hoping to gain clearance soon for the Ethiopian running team who have a long list of accolades including the 2010 USA marathon title. It is a huge achievement to be recognized on the international running circuit in our first year of operation,” said business development manager Bruno Bennett. Event ambassador and Australian marathon legend, Steve Monaghetti, is flying in to participate in the half marathon. He believes the local environment will present an irresistible lure to runners everywhere.

“The concept of a half marathon in the pristine environment of Port Douglas and The Daintree is terrific. An endurance run provides a great personal challenge but to share the adventure with likeminded people on a significant day in a special place will be astronomical! I love to run and I love the beauty of the Australian rainforests so this event is a winning combination for me,” said Steve Monaghetti.

The race event is part of the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival which also includes a 5km 'Fundy 5000' which encourages people to join in the fun and dress up or down in the name of charity.

'Monas' will be competing in the 2011 Great Barrier Reef Half Marathon and will also be attending both the festival events - the Pasta Powerup Party and the Ultra Celebration Dinner. The invitational half marathon has sparked global interest, while at home Cook MP Jason O'Brien was an early registration. "I'll be there, if not with bells on at least with every intention of being as competitive as possible," Mr O'Brien said.

The event is expected to attract around 400 competitors in its first year. Tourism Port Douglas + Daintree executive officer Doug Ryan said the marathon will be a great addition to the region’s events calendar. “It will see the region prosper in what is normally a quiet period. It is exactly in line with the Cairns Regional Council and and the area’s strategy to develop major events. The organisers have indicated the marathon has the potential to be developed into a biennial event, which would be an excellent outcome,” he said.

The event has accommodation components to suit every budget and requirement, from single runners to large families looking for an extended holiday. The organisers are offering fully hosted tour and holiday packages to enhance the marathon. For more information on the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival, including online registrations, go to www.greatbarrierreefmarathon.com.au

PASTA POWERUP PARTY - 11 November 2011
Join all the festival participants for a Pasta Powerup Party at the iconic Meridian Marina Mirage. Get ready to run the very next day by savoring a selection of the finest pasta in Port Douglas hosted by Lure Restaurant situated right on the beautiful boardwalk of the world famous marina. Steve Moneghetti will let all know how to get the most out of our selected event the next morning and one of Port’s favorites will entertain with “get-ready-to-run” music. All food and non-alcoholic drink is included. $65 per person

ULTRA CELEBRATION DINNER - 12 November 2011
Drag yourself along to the Ultra Festival Celebration Dinner on Saturday the 12th after the event. If you’re yet to experience a party in Port Douglas, then this is the night for you. If you’ve seen it before – well this time you will be partying with all the other participants in the Great Barrier Reef Ultra Marathon Festival – and what a party it’s going to be. Enjoy the view, the company, great music and with all food and wine, beer and softies supplied by award winning Port Douglas Catering. All food and drink is included. $135 per person.

Silversonic passengers and crew recently enjoyed an amazing experience, when an Ornate Eagle Ray (Aetomylaeus vespertilio) was spotted swimming around “Barracuda Bommie”, one of Quicksilver’s remote dive sites on the Agincourt reefs.

This gentle giant (one of the few species of eagle ray without a stinging barb) measured nearly 2.5m across the wings, and total length over 5m. The Ornate Eagle Ray is well named, as the patterns across the dorsal surface are exquisite, consisting of a mosaic of stripes and spots.

Shane Down, Crew of Silversonic said, “The last time we saw an Ornate Eagle Ray was 3 years ago on Silversonic. It was an unbelievable sight and this new encounter may be the first one in Northern Australia that has been captured on video. It is a very rare and unique encounter – like winning lotto underwater.”

Doug Baird, Quicksilver Cruises Environment and Compliance Manager said, “The species is not well known, and this is only the second one we have seen at one of our reef sites and there are only a few records from the northern parts of Australia (the last time an ornate eagle ray was spotted was in April 2008). They only produce 4-6 live young, making them highly vulnerable. Eagle rays live in the open ocean rather than at the bottom of the sea. They eat snails, mussels and crustaceans, crushing their shells with their extremely hard teeth. They are excellent swimmers and are able to jump several metres above the surface. They are classified as Endangered”.

Video:www.quicksilvergroup.com.au

Thursday 8 September – Mr Popper's Penguins (G)

Friday 9 September  – Captain America: The First Avenger* 3D (M)

Saturday 10 September – Friends with Benefits (MA15+)

Sunday 11 September – Red Dog (PG)

Thursday 15 September – Cowboys and Aliens* (M)

Friday 16 September  – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 3D (M)

Saturday 17 September – Rise of the Planet of the Apes (M)

Sunday 18 September – Jane Ayre (M)

* No free list

Moonlight Cinema is an outdoor cinema screening new release, classic and cult films in the lush gardens of Sabaya Resort Port Douglas. Gates open at 6.30pm and screenings start at approximately 7.30pm. Bar and outdoor dining available on site. BYO seating (rugs, blankets, bean bags) or a limited number of Bean Beds are available for hire at the cinema for $6 (and a $10 refundable deposit).

Season finishes on the 2 October, only four weekends to go! 

For more information visit www.moonlight.com.au 

HI all,

I hope we had a wonderful weekend and Father's Day?

Just a quick note that this Sunday 11th September Moonlight Cinema will be showing the film Red Dog. It's a very popular film in the cinemas right now and is getting rave reviews.

RED DOG: Based on the legendary true story of the Red Dog who united a disparate local community while roaming the Australian outback in search of his long lost master.

Check out the preview www.reddogmovie.com/ You'll love it!!!

So, no Conan, yes Red Dog!

See you a the movies!

Well the sun is shining and conditions perfect for entertaining friends and family at the movies this week!

A great line up including Hanna with Aussie superstars Eric Bana & Cate Blanchett; CAPTAIN AMERICA - a cartoon remake with Hugo Weaving; the ever classic TOP GUN and BRIDESMAIDS - a special occasion where you can bring your pooch along!

For tickets you can book online at www.moonlight.com.au or buy tickets at the gate -

See you at the Movies!

Moonlight Cinema is escaping the chill and heading north this winter. Until October 2 the beloved Australian outdoor cinema experience will pull up a beanbag up a beanbag on the lush tropical lawns of the Rydges Sabaya Resort in Port Douglas.

It’s the first time that the cinema has left the country’s major urban centres behind, but away from the big city, Moonlight Cinema

Shine just as bright as ever. A mix of new release, 3D, classic and cult films will headline in the coming weeks from The Hangover 2, Top Gun and even a 3-D version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. 

www.moonlight.com.au

Vacations & Travel 1/8/2011

The Moonlight Cinema open air cinema experience has been embraced by locals and visitors in Port Douglas since it launched at the start of July.

After 15 years in the business, Moonlight Cinema now has seasons in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane, and the other giant metropolis of Port Douglas of course.

Moonlight Cinema Port Douglas is the national outdoor cinema’s first regional outing and is located in the picturesque gardens of the Rydges Sabaya Resort.

Audiences have enjoyed a relaxing social experience at dusk on the lawns and shared a bevvy or two while watching new releases, classics and cult films like the latest Harry Potter in 3D, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Top Gun.

If you can't be bothered bringing a rug, hire a bean bed (well worth the cash if you ask me), or splash out on the Gold Grass experience.

There’s food and drinks available for purchase at the venue, and discounts are available for families, local sporting clubs and selected hotels.  

Now that we've settled in with our very own cinema, Film Program 2 listing all the upcoming films to screen between 11 August – 2 October is now being finalised. A sneak peak at the list to date includes Green Lantern in 3D, Captain America in 3D, Friends with Benefits and Cowboys and Aliens.
 
The three month season concludes on October 2 so make the most of it. Screenings are four nights a week, Thursday to Sunday, and tickets can be purchased online or at the Box Office located at the Rydges Sabaya resort.

Gates open at 6.30pm and screenings start at approximately 7.30pm. The Cinema is located between the lap pool and the gym recreation centre at the rear of the resort. For more details visit the Moonlight Cinema website.   

We are delighted to announce that the Tablelands branch of Hire For Baby will open on Monday!  Juanita Hunter (nee Paronella) is a born and bred Tablelander and is looking forward to assisting with all your baby equipment requirements!

Phone 4091 1047 or email  tablelands@hireforbaby.com

The humpback whale season is in full swing and whale encounters are a daily occurrence across the Quicksilver range of vessels.

Silversonic had a wonderful whale encounter last week just south of Undine Reef.  Shane “Sharky” Down who was one of the crew on board said “On our way to the Reef on Wednesday we spotted a humpback 200 metres in the distance and the Skipper stopped the vessel.  The small adult dived and we waited for about 5 minutes to see him surface, but when he did it was beside Silversonic.  For the delight of all our passengers and crew he then proceeded to put on a really nice display and was so curious as if he just wanted to say hi to everyone on board.  This is one of only a few times a whale has ever popped up alongside and he stayed for 30 minutes.”

The season has only just started so we are looking forward to many more whale encounters.

Source: www.quicksilvergroup.com.au 

Great Adventures Outer Reef cruise passengers were delighted to spot a playful humpback frolicking between Moore Reef and Green Island at about 4.00pm on Saturday.  Great Adventures, Reef King, first sighted the whale which was approximately 6m in length, and the Ship’s Master stopped the vessel. The whale then swam towards the vessel, breeching and playing in the spotlight for 20 minutes.

Michael Healy, Group Director Sales and Marketing said “It is always an amazing sight and the passengers just delight in being part of this wonder of the ocean world. All our vessels have been sighting whales in the last few days and they seem to be arriving in large numbers. We are also keeping our eyes open for Migaloo who we sighted off Port Douglas last year on the 21st July.”

Beautiful sounds of jazz, island, and pop music added an extra special island atmosphere at Green Island as two world renowned ukulele players performed at Great Adventures Ukulele Island Gig.

Thrilling the crowd with his energetic and fun performance, famous Japanese ukulele artist Iwao Yamaguchi, said the ukulele was a peace instrument in bringing people together.

And it certainly was as an enthusiastic gathering of the four-stringed instrument’s fans came together to enjoy the amazing performances by Hawaii-born Craig Chee and Iwao.

Part of the Cairns Ukulele Festival, Craig was also joined on stage by other performers including Matt Dahlberg, Victoria Vox and Lorenzo Vignando.

Following their hour-long performances, Craig and Iwao conducted a workshop for enthusiasts to learn some news playing skills. A fun jam session followed to complete the day’s program.

Source: www.quicksilvergroup.com.au/news/

We are delighted to announce that the Tablelands branch of HIRE FOR BABY will open on 1st August 2011.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people living in or visiting Atherton, Mareeba and the surrounding areas to take advantage of HIRE FOR BABY's fantastic products, fantastic prices and fantastic reputation! 

Contact cairns@hireforbaby.com for more information!

Thursday 25 August | The Hangover 2 (MA15+)

Friday 26 August | Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (PG)

Saturday 27 August | Green Lantern in 3D (M)

Sunday 28 August | Cars 2 in 3D (PG)

Thursday 1 September | Hanna (M)

Friday 2 September| Bridesmaids (MA15+)

Saturday 3 September | Captain America: The First Avenger in 3D (M)

Sunday 4 September | Top Gun (PG) 

 * = No Free Tickets 

Future Program available at http://www.moonlight.com.au/program.php?location=PortDouglas

The new film program is now online! 

Gates open at 6:30pm and screenings start at approximately 7:30pm