Thread: Questions about cruising Queensland, Australia answered

I have heard that many of the reefs have suffered terribly the last few years. They are still quite magnificent, aren't they?

Yes - it's true that the reef has been affected in areas by factors such as climate change and introduced species but the Reef is still amazing, has plentiful animal life, beautiful coral and that sparkly blue water that we love so much.

Interestingly, I didn't realise that was a question that someone from overseas might have. Are there any other concerns out there about Australia?

Whilst I was in Qld i did hear from a lot of operators that they are still receiving inquiries asking if they have recovered from the cyclone last year (tourism numbers have been at record lows). I am happy to report that QLD is 100% open for business with no evidence that such a cyclone even occurred in the cruise ship ports. If you are considering visiting for a cruise or a holiday you should continue to do so, you will have an amazing time!

Silly question maybe. Are there any cockatoo sightings available from any of these ports? Or parrots?

:-) Good question! And I had to look it up to be sure!Cockatoos are definitely one of the most famous birds of Australia and can be found all up the East Coast of Australia. That does not unfortunately mean that they are seen everywhere you are going - if you were doing a tour that might head a bit further out of town or where there were wider spaces you would be more likely to see them.

There is unique birdlife and animal life througout Australia and parrots can be seen (and heard in many of our ports). Many wildlife parks in Ausrtralia also include an aviary or section where you can see the various types of birds of Australia close up - there are even some parks where you can feed the birds, although it does tend to be at feeding times early in the morning or at dusk, which can make it hard with cruise ship times.

One such place is Lone Pine Sanctuary in Brisbane

I think I recall a Animal Planet or National Geographic special on the parrots in Australia and how they can get a bit "overzealous". The documentary showed them destroying a car, shredding the windshield wipers and tearing apart the seats.

Hopefully not all birds are that bad!

Actually, the reefs is a major interest of mine since I have had aquariums since I was 10 years old. Never had a salt water tank but I have admired them from afar and I try to keep up on the aquatic reefs.

Florida has a problem right now with lionfish from the Pacific that got lose in the Florida waters. Voracious, no natural enemies, and they will eat everything in sight. They also are prolific breeders. One of the few things that is working is "selling" them as an exotic fish dish. Once the poisonous spines are removed, the rest of the flesh is quite tasty I am told. A lot of restaurants are adding them to the menu.

Originally Posted by shoretours.com.au

:-) Good question! And I had to look it up to be sure!Cockatoos are definitely one of the most famous birds of Australia and can be found all up the East Coast of Australia. That does not unfortunately mean that they are seen everywhere you are going - if you were doing a tour that might head a bit further out of town or where there were wider spaces you would be more likely to see them.

There is unique birdlife and animal life througout Australia and parrots can be seen (and heard in many of our ports). Many wildlife parks in Ausrtralia also include an aviary or section where you can see the various types of birds of Australia close up - there are even some parks where you can feed the birds, although it does tend to be at feeding times early in the morning or at dusk, which can make it hard with cruise ship times.

One such place is Lone Pine Sanctuary in Brisbane

Thanks so much for the answer.