Eleven of Australia’s most passionate advocates for the Great Barrier Reef, with a whopping 129 years of combined work experience and an impressive 41,701 scuba dives on the World-Heritage-listed icon, took a one-day cruise to Hardy Reef off the coast of Airlie Beach yesterday. The tour marked the start of the 2022 Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival (August 4 – 7).
With members of the public invited to jump on board, it was thought to be the first time that marine lovers and eco-conscious travellers could have heart-to-heart access to such a range of world-leading reef guides on any single bookable day tour.
Known as Master Reef Guides, these 11 highly trained guides used their expertise to deliver an immersive, story-telling experience, crafted around the skillset of each particular guide and tailored to the interests of the day’s guests.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Assistant Director Reef Stewardship and Master Reef Guide program co-founder, Fiona Merida, said by personalising the experience, each guest gained a greater appreciation of the beauty of the reef and a deeper understanding of the difference each of us can make to its survival for generations to come.
“Guests were able to explore our World Heritage Natural Wonder and discover the foundation of life on the reef and its incredible symbiotic relationships,” she said.
“They came on a journey, piecing together the puzzle of the Reef with world-leading interpreters. Ultimately, we want guests to leave as ambassadors for Australia’s greatest natural treasure, spreading these messages from their hearts to yours.”
Averaging 40 minutes for each of their combined 41,701 dives, the Master Reef Guides have spent 27,800 hours or 3.17 years engaged in underwater observation and they have relayed the story of the Great Barrier Reef to around 2,334,000 visitors.
Great Barrier Reef Festival chairwoman, Margie Murphy, said for these reasons alone the trip to Hardy Reef was memorable.
“The trip was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to visit the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy unprecedented access to its most ardent ambassadors,” she said.
The Cruise Whitsundays Outer Great Barrier Reef trip was the launch activity for the annual Great Barrier Reef Festival to be held in Airlie Beach from August 4–7.
Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton, said the aim of this year’s festival was to build connection between humanity and the Reef.
“And what better way to do that than by having a true ‘heart-to-heart’ with a Master Reef Guide, and in the Great Barrier Reef’s physical and spiritual heart,” he said.
For more information, visit www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au
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