Exploring on the Explorer. Lautoka, Fiji to Broome, Australia

[highplanesdrifters]

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Lizard Island, Australia 

The Lizard Island National Park consists of six islands some 33 kilometers off Cape Flattery and 93 kilometers northeast of Cooktown, of which Lizard Island is the largest. This is the only continental group of islands found near the outer barrier reef and Lizard has a height of 359 meters. Acacia and eucalypt, grassland as well as mangroves contrast with sparkling blue waters and rich reefs surrounding the island. Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island’s northwestern side has a beautiful beach and easy access to snorkel areas, as well as the possibility to start on trails leading to the top of the island and Cooks Look or to Mangrove Beach on the south side for views of the lagoon and surrounding reefs. Before Captain Cook came on the Endeavour exploring Australia’s east coast in 1770 and stepping ashore on Lizard Island to gain a bird’s-eye view of the reefs, the Dingaal Aboriginal people had used the island for ceremonial purposes and to collect shellfish, while later European and Asian visitors were looking for sea cucumbers. The name of the island goes back to Captain Cook remarking on the amount of yellow-spotted monitors seen ashore. Slightly more than 100 species of birds have been recorded, for some of which the neighboring Seabird Islets, Osprey, South and Palfrey are important. There is an airstrip with the northernmost resort on the Great Barrier Reef at the northwestern end and a world-renowned tropical marine research station at the southwestern side. 

[highplanesdrifters]

We did circles inside the reef today.  Rather enjoyable considering.  Winds died down and glasses stayed put. Had some good chats with the expedition team. Even sat on the veranda. We'll see if Lizard happens. Feeling positive. 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

13 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

For those that haven't read Terry's post, do so!  He does a much better job than I do!

 

Appreciate the very kind comment and follow-up from highplanesdrifters.  You also said: "If you have any pics feel free to post.  I'm sure everyone would love to see them."     Be careful what you wish for???

 

Glad you mentioned and have a connection with Lizard Island.  We flew over the Great Barrier Reef and then landed at Lizard Island for snorkeling and lunch on the beach there, etc.  Spectacular!!!  Great history there with Captain Cook, the damage done to his ships in trying to navigate through those coral reefs, etc.  Yes, we saw lizards on Lizard Island!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 243,085 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

 

In this area, we enjoyed our ride through these dramatic areas on the Kuranda Scenic Railroad.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

When hiking in the Daintree Rainforest, we encountered a number of scenic sights.:

 

In flying out over the Great Barrier Reef on our way to Lizard island, you better appreciate the size and importance of this major natural wonder.  Also, it's lots quicker to get there than riding on a crowded, long boat ride.:

 

Here is just one example for the fun of exploring and seeing the unique sights under water in these reef areas.:

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Fantastic @TLCOhio

Keep em coming!   Weather was too iffy for a flyover for us.  I bet your trip was fabulous.  We've just arrived at Lizard and conditions are looking. Thanks for the preview.

[MrsWaldo]

5 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Fantastic @TLCOhio

Keep em coming!   Weather was too iffy for a flyover for us.  I bet your trip was fabulous.  We've just arrived at Lizard and conditions are looking. Thanks for the preview.

Lizard is my second home.  
 

Mr Waldo resides in Mermaid.  If you get the chance it is the pick of snorkeling but you need to get out to the white buoy. 
 

the itinerary showed you there tomorrow so I was going to post tips this afternoon 

 

In Watsons just be careful around chinamans and the outlet from the creek. You may end up a little more close and personal with a croc.  They were trying to move them on. 
 

clam gardens are still good.  

[Tothesunset]

Lizard Island is lovely - we had 4 nights there about 15 years ago and loved it. Especially the free loan of little motor boats so you could cruise round the island and find your own little secluded beach. We were a little worried about the fabled saltwater crocs and had the following conversation with the marine biologist:

 

Me: "Is it safe to swim off the beaches here or are crocs a problem?" 

 

Him: "Don't worry, mate, we almost never see salties this far out." 

 

Almost never! 

[MrsWaldo]

3 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

Lizard Island is lovely - we had 4 nights there about 15 years ago and loved it. Especially the free loan of little motor boats so you could cruise round the island and find your own little secluded beach. We were a little worried about the fabled saltwater crocs and had the following conversation with the marine biologist:

 

 

Almost never! 

I have only ever seen 2 in 20 years of return visits...... both last November  Mumma croc whad obviously found a friend 

[TLCOhio]

18 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Fantastic @TLCOhio

Keep em coming!   Weather was too iffy for a flyover for us.  I bet your trip was fabulous.  We've just arrived at Lizard and conditions are looking. Thanks for the preview.

 

Appreciate this kind follow-up and knowing that so many others have had super fun experiences on Lizard Island.  Who would have guessed?? 

 

Be careful what you wish for in suggesting that i post more visuals.  I have thousands and thousands, but I will spare you with only a few more from these scenic and wonderful areas of Australia.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog;

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

 

This Kuranda Scenic Railway is fun and interesting with many great sights and experiences.  When hiking in the Daintree Rainforest, as shown in the third picture, you do feel like you are on an Indiana Jones adventure, right?:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

The beach areas in this region are spectacular and generally not too crowded:

 

On Lizard Island, our small group is gathered with our pilot and guide before snorkeling and having our beach lunch.  Plus, another underwater sight!:

 

 

In flying over the Great Barrier Reef, you better appreciate how far out it is and then you see the fast drop-off to the deep Pacific Ocean waters.  It is an amazing and unique part of the natural world.:

[TLCOhio]

Here is more to verify the greatness of Lizard Island.  

 

From the London/UK Telegraph this morning, they had this headline: “Australia’s 10 greatest islands" with this sub-headline: "The best Aussie isles to discover, from the sandy paradise of Fraser Island to the home of the country’s cutest marsupial.”

 

Ranked right behind Fraser Island, they had Lizard Island as number two with a spotlight on its "Seclusion on the Great Barrier Reef".  

 

Here were some of their reporting highlights: “It’s an hour’s flight north of Cairns but Lizard Island may as well be a million miles away. Tucked between the north Queensland coast and the outer barrier reefs that line the edge of the continental shelf, Lizard is home to an island resort and a small camping area close to a network of walking tracks. Cod Hole is a bucket-list dive site and the snorkelling is superb. The best views are from Cook’s Look, from where the explorer scanned the ocean for a navigable passage through the reef. Unless you book a resort package, access is by private boat or plane charter only.”

 

Their Aussie Top Ten Islands also included Kangaroo Island that we visited and super loved in 2014.

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/oceania/australia/australia-best-island-holidays/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 19,195 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[drron29]

Though TLCOhio Barron Falls that you have a picture of above in the Tourist months only has water going over it for the brief period the Kuranda train goes past. It is dry season and they open up a sluice gate just before the train arrives. Drive or walk to the lookout and the Falls are dry.

[highplanesdrifters]

15 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

Me: "Is it safe to swim off the beaches here or are crocs a problem?" 

 

Him: "Don't worry, mate, we almost never see salties this far out." 

 

Almost never! 

 

 

@MrsWaldo wrote

I have only ever seen 2 in 20 years of return visits...... both last November Mumma croc whad obviously found a friend 

 

Thanks for the heads up!

Crikey!  We did not see any at Lizard. But our Boydong reef has been canceled due to the presence of Salties.  Yikes!

 

And thanks for the snorkel tips. In general Silversea set us up in a spot with bouy markers to contain us and a Zodiac lookout.  For the most part they have been large areas so we're not constantly going bumpy bumpy. But I have been rammed by those who choose not to pay attention. 

 

 

Edited May 15, 2023 by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

Thanks @TLCOhiofor bringing all you fabulous photos and information to the thread. The more the merrier.

@drron29

What a great story about the waterfall. Makes me wonder if they released the sharks just before we snorkeled yesterday.😃

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Lizard Island, Australia

Great Barrier Reef

Sharks, Rays, and Giant Clams..

OH MY!

The Giant Clams stole the show. I've seen giant clams before. But, these were Ginormous Clams, so many, and the colors, wow. Prepare to be overloaded.

 

 

 

 

A look Deep in.

 

 

 

 

 

Release the Sharks. We had a few swimming about. Some much larger. 

 

 

Little stars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another favorite of the day. Titan Triggerfish, 2-3 feet long.  Zoom in on those teeth.

[highplanesdrifters]

Titan Triggerfish

Undeterred by my presence this big bad boy was focused on ripping the clam to shreds.

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

This group let me hang out with them. So fun to be part of their multi species school.  Spent a good 20 minutes being swept along with them and the current. Pause, eat, swim, repeat. There is webbing growing in between my toes.

 

Part 1, Pause and Eat

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Part 2- Swim

 

 

 

 

[taxatty]

Outstanding pictures and videos--thanks! A GBR trip is an absolute must on any trip to Australia.

[Port Power]

I didn’t snorkel out to the edge of the reef, unfortunately.  There was something painful in my, so I had to return.  My son was out for ages and also saw the giant clams.  He was impressed, and really enjoyed an e tended period out.  
 

So disappointed we are not able to snorkel again, but safety first.  I am still hoping we can snorkel around Ashmore Reef, although one expedition team member said they were only planning viewing birds and sea creatures from zodiacs. Fingers crossed there is a change of plan. 🤿 

 

We are looking forward to the walk to the tip of the Gulf of Carpentaria this afternoon.  Red group.

 

High, please give me a call on 325 so we can meet up.  Today I am wearing shorts and a royal blue with orange flowers blouse.  I have caught up with Kathy, and Bob and Janice. Carol

[highplanesdrifters]

18 minutes ago, Port Power said:

High, please give me a call on 325 so we can meet up.  Today I am wearing shorts and a royal blue with orange flowers blouse.  I have caught up with Kathy, and Bob and Janice. Carol

Will track you down!  See you at the cocktail party for sure.  😃

Edited May 16, 2023 by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

UP NEXT....or not?

Little Boydong Reef

 

CANCELED...crocodiles have take over. Major disappointment but understandable.

 

We've been hearing more and more about salties on the reef and  their population growth mainland. Will try and get more info from expedition team.  

 

Here's the Chronicle blurb anyway.

Little Boydong Reef

The sandy shores of Little Boydong Reef and Island lie off the far reaches of the Cape York Peninsula, some 700 kilometres (440 miles) north-west of Cairns. Falling under the Denham Group National Park, this is as remote as the Great Barrier Reef gets. Little Boydong Reef offers prime snorkelling opportunities to the limited few who make it this far. Take the plunge and enjoy the cast of colourful reef life - the Great Barrier Reef boasts of 1625 (and counting) species of fish as well as 600 species of corals. So, there’s more than enough to see wherever you are! Make sure to keep an eye out for both green and hawksbill turtles too, as these fascinating reptiles use the beaches in the region for breeding. The nearby Milman and Aplin Islets are closed to visitors for this reason.   Above the surface, the area’s birdlife is no less diverse. While walking the island one can enjoy looking for some of the 10 species of tern and 39 species of waders that frequent the shores and beaches. A multitude of other island species including the rather noble-looking Pied Imperial-pigeon, ruler of Little Boydong Reef, call this small slice of paradise home.

 

[highplanesdrifters]

UP NEXT

Cape York

 

Well, I guess it's something. It is the northernmost part of continental Australia.  We are going to walk to the sign stating that. Then there will be a cocktail party to watch the sunset. I here there will be free booze.🤣

 

Cape York, located in the state of Queensland, is the northernmost point of the Australian continent. It is a 25 km long and 19 km wide peninsula that juts north-northeast from the mainland into Torres Strait, separating it from the island of New Guinea.

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

53 minutes ago, taxatty said:

Outstanding pictures and videos--thanks! A GBR trip is an absolute must on any trip to Australia.

You are so kind. Thanks for the encouragement. 

[highplanesdrifters]

Cape York, Australia 

 

Even though she tossed us a bit, we sadly said goodbye to the Coral sea.  Slipping through the Albany gap we made our way to Cape York and the Torres Straight.  The Expedition Team skillfully landed us on the slippery shore of the northern most point of Continental Australia for a leg stretch and photo opp.  Unlike so many of the places with signs that claim to be the most extreme geographic North, South, East, West of some island or continent it appears that this place actually is!

 

While not the snorkel we had all hoped for on the GBR, a rather pleasant afternoon with some great rocks.

 

The northernmost tip of continental Australia, sans sign.😉  York island Straight ahead.

 

 

A zodiac lap around York Island.

 

 

 

Edited May 17, 2023 by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

After our little excursion to Cape York, Silversea arranged a cocktail party on the grill deck with free drinks for everyone. 🤣  More significantly we got to finally meet @Port Power and @FauxNom. What a delight!  We are the richer for it.

[highplanesdrifters]

UP NEXT

Mornington Island, Australia 

 

Mornington Island is the largest of the Wellesley Islands and is around 1000 square kilometres wide. The entire island is mostly uninhabited except for the town of Gununa at the bottom end. In this town there are around 1200 people that call Gununa home, the vast majority indigenous Australians. Among the lasting creations was the Mirndiyan Gununa art centre with its Indigenous majority staff focused on locally relevant programs to produce internationally significant artwork. On the island there is only one local market. Around the town you can find semi-wild horses roaming around.