Page 29 - Tropic Magazine Issue 21

TROPIC • TOURISM

New directions big five. It takes in the famous Osprey,

Escape and Ribbon Reefs and isolated
INNOVATIVE PIONEER
Hope Island, while sunset drinks are
The Great Barrier Reef’s pioneer sipped from Sudbury Cay. Guests will
expedition cruise company is also be treated to tours with indigenous
guides and visits to Fitzroy Island’s Turtle
changing course. Rehabilitation Centre and Lizard Island’s
Words: Renee Cluff Great Barrier Reef Research Station
ensuring they leave feeling well-informed
Backed by 34 years of expert knowledge and empowered.
and an enduring progressive spirit, Coral Commercial Director Jeff Gillies told Tropic Two new theme cruises are also on offer.
Expeditions is entering a new era, offering the introduction of an all-new blue-water Revitalise on the Reef, an ocean-going
longer and more immersive experiences. expedition fleet by 2021 has created the health retreat, focuses on both modern
The company’s new seven night sailings perfect opportunity to revitalise its ever- and indigenous forms of fitness and
aboard the yacht-like Coral Discoverer will popular expeditions. “Coral Expeditions wellness practices as well as nutritional
feature the extraordinary marine life of pioneered expedition cruising on the menus. For a more in-depth indigenous
Australia’s World Heritage icon and there’s Great Barrier Reef in 1985,” he said. “We cultural experience, the Torres Strait and
also a focus on sustainability, wellness and have now gone back to the drawing board Cooktown expedition features singing,
cultural experiences. to redesign our program to reflect how dancing, art and storytelling, along with
our guest expectations and the geography explorations of remote reefs and islands.
of the Reef itself have evolved over three
decades. The Great Barrier Reef remains The Great Eight
as relevant today as it did a thousand years Whales Potato cod
ago and we are proud to welcome a new Manta rays Giant clams
generation of guests to experience one of Clownfish Maori wrasse
the wonders of the natural world.” Turtles Sharks
The new seven night Great Barrier Reef
cruise departing from Cairns focuses
on the search for the ‘great eight’ marine MORE: coralexpeditions.com
species, Australia’s answer to Africa’s

Rainforest luxury

LOCAL BREAK
Iconic rainforest eco-lodge
Silky Oaks is offering a locals-
only deal ahead of its major
refurbishment.

Perfect for a fine-dining lunch or dinner
among the treetops, a sumptuous spa
treatment or a special occasion stay in a
luxury treehouse-style suite, Silky Oaks
Lodge has been loved by locals Kangaroo Island and Capella Lodge on
for decades. Lord Howe Island – and plans are at hand
The Daintree icon has been recently for a major refit in 2020. Silky Oaks will
bought by Baillie Lodges – a collection close for the refurbishment, which will
which also runs Longitude 131° at Uluru- give it a new, contemporary style while
Kata Tjuta, Southern Ocean Lodge on maintaining its cool rainforest vibe.
Existing and new local operators will
offer guests an unforgettable experience
of the Daintree, Cape Tribulation and the a locals-only special from December 1,
Great Barrier Reef. 2019 to April 20, 2020, which includes an
The Treehouse Restaurant has already overnight stay, breakfast and a $50 credit
had a makeover, with former Longitude each towards dining and the Healing
131° head chef Mark Godbeer moving to Waters Spa from just $349* per suite –
the tropics to take the lead in the kitchen. a saving of more than 40%.
For Queenslanders looking for a cheeky *Conditions apply.
getaway and a chance for a sneak-peek
preview of Silky Oaks Lodge as it enters MORE: silkyoakslodge.com.au
a whole new era, the resort is offering

29 • tropicnow.com.au