The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

  The Great Barrier Reef is widely acclaimed as one of the world's great natural treasures, and we are pleased to announce that on August 3rd 2007 Charter Yachts Australia became the FIRST bareboat charter operator in Australia to be granted ECO Tourism Certification. 

This strengthens our commitment to protect and educate others about this fragile environment.

In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef gained international recognition through its inscription on the World Heritage List. The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is the world's largest and and is one of only a few World Heritage Areas that satisfy all four natural World Heritage Criteria.

With it's inscription as a World Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) assumed responsibility for managing the Great Barrier Reef for the global community.

Charter Yachts Australia work in conjunction with GBRMPA regulations, to ensure that we as a Bareboat Service, keep our environment as protected and as clean as possible.

Charter Yachts Australia have included an Environmental Package for all our clients to use throughout their charter. The reference material has been sourced to ensure that you and fellow charterers can understand the unique environment that is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.





The information supplied to all our clients:

• 100 Magic Miles - the definitive book on cruising in the Whitsunday's
  
• Tide Book
• Marine Fish Guide to GBR
• Great Barrier Reef & Marine Park Island Visitors Guide
• Great Barrier Reef & Marine Park Zone Guide (MPZ10)
• Great Barrier Reef Manual – Understanding & Essential of the area
• Whitsunday National Park Island and Ngaro Sea Trail Brochure
• South Molle Island National Park Guide
• Booklet – You Guide to visiting the GBRMP and GBR Coast Marine Park in the Whitsundays
• Brochure – Our Great Barrier Reef let's keep it great
• Diving in the Whitsundays
• Sea grass – watch DPI
• Information Brochure Dugongs Department of Environment
• Information Brochure our Coastal Home QPWS
• Information Sheets – Whitsunday nature, culture and history Department of Environment and Resource Management
• DVD - The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area.
• Responsible Reef Practices.

Charter Yachts Australia also includes a First Aid Kit and Small Ships manual with this package.

We encourage all our clients to recycle while you are on your charter with us. At Abel Point Marina there are facilities to recycle all your cans and bottles.

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Some usefull links

Responsible Reef Practices - http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/onboard/home/high_standards/responsible_reef_practices

GBRMPA – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority - http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/

EPA Queensland - http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/

Reef Education - http://www.reef.edu.au/

Department of primary Industries - Fishing Regulations & Closures http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_2981.htm

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Leaving the New Zealand winter behind and wanting to try boating in Australia, we headed straight for Airlie Beach.

We had a truly amazing experience - something we could not forget in a lifetime!

After a full and comprehensive briefing, including vessel operation, navigation and safety and care for the fragile local eco system by the team at Charter Yachts Australia we headed the catamaran 'Divocean' towards the Whitsunday Islands.

On the way we were enthralled by the antics of a pair of humpback whales slapping the waters of the Whitsunday Passage, broaching their bodies out of the water and performing water ballet with their tails protruding upright from the water for long periods. The sounds of their calls resonated through the hull at morning and evening whilst at anchor.

With magnificent corals and multi-coloured reef fish surrounding these islands the view from a snorkel and mask (gear supplied) was breath taking.

From the turtles at Butterfly Bay to the powdered white sands of Whitehaven Beach there is adventure for all ages as long as we all obey the instructions given and help protect this marine wonderland. Charter Yachts Australia is very pro-active in this regard and we thank them sincerely for all their help and advice and look forward to a return visit soon.

Steve & Barbara Loader
Waikato
NZ