- Part 24

Anemone Fish or Clown fish – Species of the Reef

OK, I was holding off including these little fellas, as they are superstars in their own right already and we were respecting their privacy as celebrities. It is tough for these guys to just blend in with the crowds anymore and the simplest of tasks such as taking the kids out often ends in a frenzy of paparazzi. But due to popular demand I have to include them.
There are 28 different types of clown fish, the largest being about 18cm (7″). The clown fish forms a symbiotic relationship with its host anemone and will defend its home with vigour. Spawning season lasts all year. The female lays their eggs next to the host anemone, which they then are guarded by both parents. The eggs take 7 days to hatch and hatch about an hour after sunset to avoid predators.
Now how does the clown find find his way home? Research at JCU suggests that the anemone fish smells the scent of the host anemone. When the baby clown fish are ready to move out and find a place of their own they use this scent to locate a suitable anemone.

Humpback Whale – Species of the Reef

An annual favourite with crew and guests alike, the annual whale migration (June-November), as whales swim north to escape the cold of winter. Whales were the earliest tourists to Cairns and for centuries have known what humans are now just discovering.
The humpback whale’s common name is derived from the humping motion they make when diving below the surface (as seen in the above photo). They have a social networking where they hang out together for a few hours and then move on. They eat a variety of fish and they hunt fish by direct attack or by stunning them by hitting the water with its pectoral fins or flukes.
The humpback whale population has continued to grow at an average of 11% and is steadily returning to pre-hunting days, although these threats still exist even today. Their playful antics and curiosity amuse everyone and have to been seen in real life to get the true appreciation of this species.

Hong Kong to Cairns – Specials from Cathay Pacific

Want to break out of Hong Kong to visit Australia and Dive or Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef for a long weekend or take even a longer break? Well now the only thing stopping you is you, grab your partner, friends and anyone else interested in a good time and head on down to Cairns. You must book before June 4th so there is time to round up the whole gang. Don’t delay too long though as seats are limited.

Hong Kong to Cairns travel from 01 May 09 to 30 Jun 09 – HKD $3,700
Hong Kong to Cairns travel from 23 Aug 09 to 30 Sep 09 – HKD $4,830

For further details and to book the flights visit the Airlines website. Don’t forget t0 check the dates you want to travel on and make sure that there is availability to get to the Great Barrier Reef.

Jetstar's 5th Birthday Specials

Jetstar as part of their 5th brithday celebrations are offering both domestic and international specials to Cairns. The latest is their take a friend for free promotion. So if you are thinking of coming on a trip to Cairns and don’t think your friend/partner is worth the airfare or if they are just too cheap, this is the deal for you!

Here is an example of what’s on offer.
Adelaide Cairns – $169 That’s $84.50 each!
Brisbane Cairns – $119 That’s $59.50 each!
Cairns Darwin – $169 That’s $84.50 each!
Cairns Gold Coast – $99 That’s $49.50 each!
Cairns Perth – $199 That’s $99.50 each!
Melbourne Cairns – $199 That’s $99.50 each!
Sydney Cairns – $179 That’s $89.50 each

That just means more great times to be had in Cairns when you get here. As per always, before you book your flights please make sure we have availability on our boats for you and your freeloading friend/partner.
Please check the airline website for full details and flight dates.