Why not explore all that Townsville and the Tropical North has to offer before or after the conference? Below are some great ideas on how to experience the very best of the region. In most cases, special discounts are afforded for Ecotourism Australia Conference Delegates so please notify the Reservations staff when you are booking.

For additional pre and post conference touring options click either of the following:

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Adrenalin Dive
S.S. Yongala Wreck Day Trip - Australia's Best Dive! The SS Yongala shipwreck is a national historic site and lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The artefacts, marine life and variety of corals that cover the wreck are spectacular. It's a dive experience you'll remember for the rest of your life! The SS Yongala sank during a cyclone in 1911 with the loss of all on board. The wreck begins at 14m below the surface and extends to 28m.

Day Trip $130* includes 2 tanks, weights, light breakfast, lunch, morning & afternoon tea
Gear Hire $35 package includes full length wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, mask, snorkel, fins
Guided $30 2 dives with experienced dive crew, mandatory for divers with less than 15 logged dives
Wreck Tour $10 wreck orientation dive for experienced divers (optional)
Adventure Dive $20 choose from: wreck, boat, naturalist, multi-level, deep, photography
Levy $20 Levies & Charges, paid directly to Adrenalin Dive

Yongala Day Trip - 2 dives for certified divers with a minimum level of 6 logged dives. Divers with less than 15 logged dives are required to complete both dives with a dive guide (Guided Dives). All divers are required to present certification cards and log books on board.

PH: 0747240600 · Email: info@adrenalindive.com.au

Departures daily (subject to weather) from Townsville Breakwater Marina at 7:30am, and return to Townsville 5.30pm approx. Courtesy bus pick up is available from Townsville inner city accommodation on request, commencing at 6:30am.

Sea Conditions

Due to the location of the Yongala Wreck, surface conditions may be choppy. Passengers prone to seasickness should consult a pharmacist for anti-seasickness medication prior to departure, or may purchase Kwells on board.


Billabong Sanctuary
Discover a world of animal encounters. A series of unforgettable, hands-on adventures between you and Australia's native animals. The Billabong Sanctuary offers twenty-five acres of natural bushland, tropical rainforest and expansive wetlands. Billabong Sanctuary is Australia's Best Interactive Wildlife Experience. Guests do not just visit this unique wildlife park, but through a series of unforgettable hands-on adventures with Australia's native animals they have the time of their lives! Visitors hold a koala, hold a wombat*, hold a crocodile and wrap a python around their shoulders - all in a controlled environment to help educate visitors about Australia's wildlife. All photo opportunities are in natural surrounds. Billabong Sanctuary is one of a few wildlife parks in Australia to have received certification with the Ecotourism Australia, so guests can be assured of a quality experience.

Awaken your senses to the sights and sounds of the Billabong during the morning hours. So you don't take up the habits of a koala and go for a nap, our Rangers will escort your group to watch the ravenous feeding habits of our largest crocodiles, and get up close and personal with our cuddly koala, lizards and slithering snakes.

Nestled next to the waters edge you will be tempted by the range of snacks, cold drinks and meals on offer at the Blinky Bill café. Remember to bring your camera for some wonderful photo opportunities this day will bring. Your day at the Billabong will be one to remember.
*Koala and Wombat handling optional.

Special Rates for Ecotourism Australia Conference delegates: $22.00 per person
**This rate is a discounted rate for the Ecotourism Conference delegates ONLY. Individual entrants must identify themselves upon arrival for the discount to apply. Includes: Wildlife park entry and 18 Wildlife shows Daily - including Crocodile feeding, holding a python, holding a crocodile, dingo feeding, bird encounters and much, much more

We are open 8.30am to 5.00pm daily. The Billabong Sanctuary is just 20 minutes south of Townsville city. Our contact details are: - Billabong Sanctuary, Bruce Highway, Townsville.
Phone: 07 47788344 Fax: 07 47804569
E-mail: rangers@billabongsanctuary.com.au


Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge & Day Trip
Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge is unique amongst island retreats. Everything about the Lodge compliments the natural environment. The design and location of the Tree Houses, the minimal impact intent of the boardwalk and the general construction of the Wilderness Lodge are all specific to the features of Hinchinbrook Island. Guests are limited to 50 at any time and the atmosphere is very personal and welcoming. The Lodge is entirely self-sufficient, for example we have our own bore and dam, waste water treatment station and energy conservation policies. We are so very privileged to have such a spectacular and special location.

· unique location on Australia's largest island National Park, perched amongst rainforest that has been protected since 1932
· Architecturally designed independent timber crafted pole Tree House accommodation with floor to ceiling glass frontage and private balcony, with both meals inclusive packages and self-contained value for money
· sandy Orchid Beach, right below the Lodge
· special access to other scenic areas of the island such as the Dugong Protection Area, expansive mangrove forest and 9km deserted beach, with Hinchinbrook Island Ferries
· continuously evolving interpretative program

Hinchinbrook Island National Park offers a unique journey into Australia's past.

The Day Cruise Discovery Tour aboard "Hinchinbrook Explorer" transports you into a wilderness in small groups without crowds, and will give you a true appreciation of this magnificent natural area. You will cross the Hinchinbrook Channel and may be granted a glimpse of the fabled Dugong, rare Irrawady Dolphins, green sea turtles, even see a crocodile, and more. You will cruise and learn about expansive mangrove forests, wander or swim a deserted 9km sandy beach and perhaps enjoy a walk in the rainforest. Our tour is about the location. So is our Wilderness Lodge. A low key retreat, where you can choose from a luxury Tree House or a budget Beach Cabin. Our staff will do their best to leave you thoroughly impressed by our standard of service and friendly hospitality.


Special Ecotourism Conference Delegate rates: Delegates who choose to stay two nights or more a 15% discount on accommodation. Rates start from $165 a night (2 adults) for a beach cabin or $300 a night (2 adults) for a tree house.

For our day cruise tour - a 10% discount off the normal ticket price of $90 an adult which includes lunch!

PH: 07 4066 8270 · Email: info@hinchinbrookresort.com.au


Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks

"We take only photos and leave only footprints".

Join in the fun excitement and adventure on this multi award winning tour with your friendly, experienced and qualified guide. Discover Magnetic Island's World Heritage National and Marine Parks from the quiet of your kayak while drifting over seagrass beds and coral gardens without disturbing the environment on the Island's first and only nationally "Advanced Ecotourism" certified tour.

Take a relaxing break and enjoy a tropical breakfast on secluded and picturesque beaches. Paddle within metres of huge granite boulders and let your worries drift away as you marvel at the rugged beauty of the coastline, view nature in the wild and learn about the areas history and ecology on the Island's most informative and only true 'ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY' tour.

· No experience necessary as full instruction provided for beginners and intermediates.
· Tours Start 08:00 Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island. Returns approx 12:45.
· Minimum age 7 years, each child under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
· Sea kayaking requires a reasonable level of fitness & takes place in remote and wilderness areas.
· Tours operate 7 days a week subject to numbers and weather conditions.
· We require a minimum of two passengers to operate and a maximum of ten.
· Steve Rowland Owner Operator of Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks is an Australian Canoeing Qualified Level 3 Advanced Sea Kayak Guide & Instructor with 25 years experience guiding & teaching kayaking around the world.
· Sunferries depart Townsville Breakwater terminal at 7:00am. Arrives Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island approx 7:30am

Special rate for Ecotourism Australia Conference delegates: $53 Tour only, $57 Tour including bus transfer (only available when booking direct and paid in advance)

PH: 0747785424 · Email: magneticisland@seakayak.com.au


Reef HQ

Reef HQ is the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and national reef education centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. It is the only coral reef aquarium on the Queensland coast for visitors to experience the reef from a fish-eye-view.

Come face-to-fin with fantastic marine creatures. Immerse yourself in the natural kaleidoscope of the living coral reef exhibits. Search the aquarium for the good, the bad and the ugly. Embrace the opportunity to experience one of the wonders of the world on land!

The full program of talks and tours on offer daily including a Dive Show from within Predator Exhibit at 11am and Animal Feeding tours at 3pm daily. Behind-the-Scenes tours are also available for an additional fee.

Admission is available all day and allows multiple entry on day of visit. Adult Admission: $21.50, Concession Admission: $16.50, Child Admission: $10.50
* Prices valid 2005/06.


Reef HQ is conveniently located in Flinders Street East. Just 13km from the Townsville Airport and only a few minutes walk to the CBD and restaurant precinct. Open 9.30am - 5pm daily.

Reef HQ will open your eyes to an amazing world of natural beauty.

PH: 0747500800 · Email: info@reefHQ.com.au


The Undara Experience

Neither hotel nor resort, the Undara Experience is a wilderness experience totally in contrast to today's modern lifestyle.

Winner - Australian Tourism Awards, Undara Experience is situated just 5 hours NW of Townsville, right at the Undara Volcanic National Park and easily accessible with plane and conventional vehicle package options available to suit short and extended stays.

At Undara Experience, guests revisit a bygone era with genuine outback hospitality and authentic turn-of-the-century railway carriages that have been beautifully restored. The carriages are now used for accommodation, restaurant and guest facilities. Ensuites have been recently added to double rooms and Undara Experience offers a range of budget accommodation and camping to suit all tastes.

At night, a campfire crackles nearby - after dinner is the perfect time to take part in fireside tales and sing-a-longs. Each morning, you can enjoy a true Aussie Bush Breakfast surrounded by the birds at the Ringers' Camp.

Access the amazing Undara Lava tubes with highly trained Savannah Guides - groups are small and up to eight tours depart Undara Lodge daily. Tours include Full Day, Half Day, Two Hour lava tube tours, and the Wildlife at Sunset Tour.

Excellent resort facilities include the pool, wide range of bushwalks, pool table, shop, licensed bistro, free evening entertainment etc. Stay a while in the Outback and take time to enjoy the abundant wildlife and warm hospitality of this region. Ask about our pre and post Eco Australia Conference offer. Bookings essential, ph 1800 990 992 or visit www.undara.com.au

Special Ecotourism Conference Delegate rates: All Registrants and their partners: Free camping, 50% off accommodation, 2 for 1 Lava Tube Tours.

This offer is subject to availability. Conditions apply. Bookings are essential Ph 1800 990 992. This offer can be used with existing packages - for example we have a 2 Day Outback self drive package that includes a Half Day Lava Tube Tour, Wildlife at Sunset Tour, one night's accommodation in the carriages, plus meals and with the special offer, price would be reduced from $271 pp twin share to $180.50.


The Great Green Way Eco Tours
Operate 2 x 4hr tours daily 9am to 1pm & 2.30pm to 6.30pm morning or afternoon tea is provided. Special tours can be arranged if needed. We operate 2 vehicle and can carry 15 passengers.

Special rates are available for Conference delegates.  Please inform booking staff.

Pre conference price $50.00pp.
Post conference price $55.00pp.

PH: 0747785078 · Email: tggwet@optusnet.com.au


Reef EcoTours
Discover Magnetic Island's best Coral Reefs with local Marine Biologist, Dr Andy Lewis. Our Reef EcoTour includes

* pre-snorkel safety briefing and reef ecology discussion

* 1 hour guided snorkelling tour

* Hire of mask, snorkel, fins, and lycra suit or wetsuit

Our tours are safe & suitable for everyone, from novice through to advanced snorkellers. We have a thorough safety briefing before entering the water, and all our snorkelling locations are in shallow waters usually no more than 50-100m from shore. Our experienced staff take snorkel and dive groups all over the Great Barrier Reef, and our safety record is 100%!

Guided snorkelling tours through superb coral gardens. Magnetic Island has many well-developed reef communities with high coral cover, but you have to know where to look and when to go! Andy and the other staff are professional Marine Biologists that have been diving around Magnetic Island for more than 14 years, so we can take you direct to the best spots.


Expert commentary - our guides are all qualified Marine Scientists with experience in research on the Great Barrier Reef, so we can provide participants with the most up to date information on the ecology of coral reefs. We discuss the geological history of the reef, the larval life-stages of reef animals, life-history strategies of fishes and corals, and also current threats to the reef such as Coral Bleaching and Crown of Thorns Starfish. Plus, we are also able to identify just about every fish, coral, and invertebrate you will see around Magnetic Island!


Special Ecotourism Australia Conference delegate rate: We are offering conference delegates $10 off our standard rates (usually $65pp, or $55 for groups of 4 or more, $50pp for 8 or more).

Please contact Dr Andy Lewis for more information and bookings (andy@tevenei.com mobile 0419 712 579) and see our website www.reefecotours.com for weather information and updates on snorkelling conditions at Magnetic Island.


 
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