Archive for the ‘Environmental’ Category


Celebrating 10 years of Kimberley Cruising

February 22nd, 2010 by Liz

1st February 2010 Kylie, Trippy, Jezza and I boarded the plane in Broome heading towards Brisbane (via Darwin) to start our 10 year celebrations.

We were all very excited to be heading over to the major cities to celebrate with our guests, past and present, 10 successful years of The Great Escape Charter Co. We also surprised everyone when we introduced our special Sydney & Melbourne guest, Mr Wayne Poon!!

This was our chance to shout everyone those beers that Kylie, Trippy, Poonie and Jez had always promised. The parties were a great opportunity to catch up on ten years passed – what yarns were spun and laughs were had by all!! Some even stayed after the party to show us the sights of the big city!!

The functions were also a great opportunity for us premier to our guests, our brand new Rowley Shoals DVD, click here to see for yourself.

permalink | trackback

Posted by Liz Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Dive Stories, Environmental, Kimberley Attractions, News | 2 Comments »


Could the Timor Sea oil leak be on a scale with Exxon Valdez?

October 26th, 2009 by Liz

Having failed for a fourth time to plug the massive oil spill that has been leaking into the Timor Sea for over two months, environmentalist fear the extent of the impact of the oil spill, as details of the spill finally makes the international press (images below courtesy of WWF report).

“The team has described the leak as a “massive environmental disaster” on a scale with the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, considered one of the most devastating, human-caused environmental disasters ever to occur at sea.” Kara Burns/WWF

Oil-spilling into the Timor sea

Oil-spilling into the Timor sea

Emaciated dolphin swimming in the oil

Emaciated dolphin swimming in the oil

Sea snake in the oil

Sea snake in the oil

Slideshow of images from The Times Online.
Article from The Times, UK press
In other media…

Closer to home, there are doubts on the reliability of the tests being carried out on the marine life caught up in the spill. Click here to read more from The Age newspaper.

permalink | trackback

Posted by Liz Posted in Environmental, News, save the kimberley | No Comments »


Oil Spill off the Kimberley Coast

October 23rd, 2009 by Liz

Oil and gas is such a contentious issue at the moment in Australia’s North West. Many are for and many are against the development of the a LNG plant 60kms north of Broome. If this goes ahead we will see unimaginable changes in the landscape, community and environment in the next 5-10 years in the Kimberley region.

In the meantime, we are faced with the negative side of oil developments with the reality of the oil spill in the Timor Sea off the Kimberley coast. This has been leaking 300-400 barrels of oil per day for the last 9 weeks!! You just cannot begin to imagine what the damaging effects will be, yet we are hearing very little about such an environmental disaster.

Click here to read about other risks it poses and the latest from the ABC news website.

permalink | trackback

Posted by Liz Posted in Environmental, News, save the kimberley | No Comments »


Combatting Ocean Pollution

October 21st, 2009 by Liz

Project Aware is an not for profit group dedicated to cleaning up our oceans.

Project Aware divers and volunteers regularly clean underwater environments and this year 19th September was International Clean Up Day and as marine debris increases, especially the plastic bag, these ocean clean ups are becoming increasingly important for the sustainability of our aquatic eco systems. All data collected on the Clean Up Day, will contribute to the Global Marine Debris Index which recorded in 2008 that 1.4 million plastic bags were collected in just one day. For more information go to www.projectaware.org

permalink | trackback

Posted by Liz Tags: , ,
Posted in Dive Stories, Environmental, News | No Comments »


Rowley Shoals Marine Park

October 20th, 2009 by Liz

It maybe bye bye Kimberley cruising for 2009 but it is hello, Rowley Shoals…

In addition to the tropical currents and spectacular coral gardens, there are teams of scientists and expedition divers who are working on research out at the Shoals.

For a more detailed account, click on Grant Bradly’s blog and short video clip from a recent visit to the Rowley Shoals, sitting approx 300kms NW of Broome.

You can also check out The Great Escape Charter Company at the Rowley Shoals at Greatest Dive Sites – this is a work in progress, so feel free to send in your dive stories and images.

permalink | trackback

Posted by Liz Posted in Dive Stories, Environmental, save the kimberley | No Comments »


World Parks Day

September 18th, 2009 by Liz

The Department of Environment and Conservation have announced that tomorrow, September 19th, will be the second annual WORLD PARKS DAY. This is an initiative of Parks for Life: International Urban Parks and Green Space Alliance.

The initiative is aiming for us to celebrate the parks and spaces we have in our communities. The theme this year is ‘Parks for Life’ and it aims to promote the role of parks in people’s lives while encouraging people to enjoy and appreciate their local green space.

To celebrate WORLD PARK DAY this year, the Department of Environment and Conservation will be granting free entry to members of the public into six of its world-class parks and is pleased to extend the opportunity to commercial operators.

The parks involved are:

Avon Valley National Park
Serpentine National Park
Walyunga National Park
John Forrest National Park
Yanchep National Park
Cape Range National Park

So go out and enjoy the green space around you!!

permalink | trackback

Posted by Liz Posted in Environmental, News | No Comments »


Go Green!!

July 24th, 2009 by Liz

We cannot travel very far these days without the words climate change and eco tourism being thrown around. I guess the travel industry plays an important role in supporting the “Green Revolution” and the green initiatives as we stamp our carbon footprints wherever we go.

In the Kimberley cruise industry, we are all responsible for only taking pictures and leaving only footprints…..the ecotourism accreditation ensures that all the operators maintain sustainable practices whilst showcasing the pristine wilderness of the Kimberley coast and Rowley Shoals. Click here for more info about the EcoTourism Accreditation and Green Guide

The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, supported by Tourism Australia are soon to be launching a new Climate Change Guide which will outline the issues that face the tourism industry.

In addition to GOING green, we can BE green by taking the lead of Tourism Victoria and ‘green training’ ideas that can be found in the Sustainability in Tourism of www.tourismexcellence.com.au
(source: ATE Daily, 16th June 2009)

permalink | trackback

Posted by Liz Posted in Dive Stories, Environmental, News, save the kimberley | No Comments »