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BEHIND THE SCENES WITH RESEARCHERS ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

The Great Barrier Reef is arguably the most impressive of the world’s seven natural wonders and certainly Australia’s most famous tourist attraction. Stretching along Australia’s eastern coastline and made up of over 3,000 individual reef systems, the Great Barrier Reef offers visitors a wealth of experiences in its tropical waters.

An experience on the Great Barrier Reef is by far one of the most requested highlights of any Alquemie itinerary and we love to send our clients out to see this magical marine beauty. Stays at luxurious resorts like Lizard Island, qualia on Hamilton Island and newly re-opened InterContinental Hayman Island give guests an opportunity to truly appreciate life on the reef.

In 2018 Alquemie became a founding member of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, an organisation using the collaborative power of the masses to reduce human caused environmental impacts around the globe (such as single use plastics) as well as supporting scientific research on the Great Barrier Reef. Through our contacts, the team at Alquemie can create bespoke experiences for guests that are interested in the work that is being done on the reef.

The types of experiences might include:

  • Fast tracking reef regeneration with baby corals / reseeding & restoring coral
  • Witnessing annual coral spawning (timed with lunar cycles and water temperatures – usually around October or November full moons)
  • Tracking marine mammals
  • Diving with marine researchers
  • Spending time on research / scientific vessels

Note that any of the above would require a donation to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef in addition to the costs of the experience.

If a behind-the-scenes Great Barrier Reef conservation experience appeals then please contact Alquemie to discuss what opportunities are available.

 

Australia’s Best Guides – Brendon Bevan | Naturalist & conservationist

Brendon Bevan

We talked to Brendon Bevan from Arkaba, one of Australia’s most experienced guides and a passionate conservationist.

 

Please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

My name is Brendon Bevan and I manage Arkaba Conservancy (A Luxury Lodge of Australia), The Arkaba Walk (A Great Walk of Australia) and the property’s conservation model.

 

What got you started with conservation and what do you find most interesting about it?

I guess since my younger years when my parents purchased a series of cattle farms in Africa and we set about de-stocking and restoring the land. Conservation is a pretty broad subject, but when you get to actually witness change and habitat improvement as a result of your efforts, it is truly the most rewarding thing on earth.

 

How do you bring conservation to life on your tours?

I like to get folks out of vehicles and into the thick of it! See it, feel it, smell it, taste it! Don’t make them spectate – let them participate.

 

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about conservation?

It’s everywhere! It is right under our noses and we get so caught up in “The real world” we take it for granted. We all have a roll to play in conservation.

 

If people wanted to find out more about conservation are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

To the contrary, I would say put down your book, switch off your television and disconnect your Wi-fi! Go outside and explore. Question the world!

 

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Got to be a Wedge-Tailed-Eagle! Just look at it!!!

 

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Has to be Arkaba!

 

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

So, so many things! Spending time in Arnhem Land would have to be right up there…

 

Is there anything else you’d like to add that hasn’t been covered by the questions already posed?

I guess the only thing I’d add is that there’s more to conservation than being a “Greenie”! There’s a real harsh coal face of conservation involving feral animal control and population dynamics. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is an absolute necessity.

 

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

I guess they can’t really! I’m on Facebook I suppose, but really need to get better at that sort of thing.

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie