I would suggest the Reef Encounter out of Cairns. We spent several days out
there in March. Two divers and two non-divers. It is a first class
operation. If you can (it is a honeymoon!) take the helicopter out to the
boat and back. The food and rooms are excellent. The crew is great!
John
> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Thanks,
> Aaron
A lifetime dive is the Yongala--a horrid boatride from Townsville (slam,
slam, slam, puke (if you're a sickie...), slam...repeat), but I heard they
have hour boat rides from Alva Beach (S of Townsville a ways, near Ayr?)
I'd get a hotel near there and dive the Yongala 3 straight days. Huge,
historic wreck, huge fish and just plain one of the best dives in Oz. Great
folks down there, as well, VB is the beer to drink, Aussies don't drink that
Foster's crap. It's wintertime down there, so expect rougher sea
conditions.
Repeat, don't miss out on the Yongala, trust me (no snorkeling, but might be
on the beach down there while you are out diving).
Did I mention not to miss out on the Yongala?

Signature
Rapid Rick
"Just Dive, Baby"
> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Thanks,
> Aaron
Greg Mossman - 21 Jul 2006 06:07 GMT
>A lifetime dive is the Yongala--a horrid boatride from Townsville (slam,
>slam, slam, puke (if you're a sickie...), slam...repeat), but I heard they
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>drink that Foster's crap. It's wintertime down there, so expect rougher
>sea conditions.
As someone who's drunk lots of VB and Fosters, I can tell you that they
taste exactly alike. It's almost kinda funny that all those upside-down
Aussies believe their beloved BV is so much better, but not really.
G Winstanley - 27 Jul 2006 13:14 GMT
> A lifetime dive is the Yongala--a horrid boatride from Townsville (slam,
> slam, slam, puke (if you're a sickie...), slam...repeat), but I heard they
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> on the beach down there while you are out diving).
> Did I mention not to miss out on the Yongala?
Very true...don't miss the Yongala. I've been living here in Townsville
for the last year, and the reef here is nice to dive, but it takes a
while to get out there, and it's not so nice at this time of year. As
you say, you can get there from Ayr with a company called Yongala Dive
(www.yongaladive.com.au), and the boat ride is then only 35-40 mins.
I've got a few photos from both the reef areas around here and the
Yongala if interested:
www.snaq.net/PhotoAlbum/Australia/
Yongala photos are ones with green turtle, big ray, groupers, sea
snakes, or just scenic with vast numbers of small fish. Oh, and the
batfish.
Stan
Have a look at http://www.wannadive.net
Maybe you'll find some good dive sites for your next trip
If you dive others, don't miss to add them to ths open dive sites atlas.
Regards,
Chris