Quicksilver Group News

Green Island Resort Christmas Lunch package

2017-11-24T00:03:19Z

Get out of the kitchen this Christmas and spoil your family or someone special with a sumptuous buffet lunch at Green Island Resort’s Emeralds Restaurant on the Great Barrier Reef. A Great Adventures fast catamaran will whisk you away to spend your day on this dreamy tropical island - step away from the cooking and cleaning dishes this Christmas Day! Enjoy the day spent with your family and kick back and relax on the sandy shores of Green Island. Just remember, all the hard work is done for you by the talented chefs at Emeralds Restaurant. You will be able to enjoy a sumptuous buffet of fresh seasonal produce, seafood, traditional delights as well as a 2 hour drinks package. Also included is your choice of a glass bottom boat tour or snorkelling gear. Seats are limited so book now with Great Adventures on 4044 9944. Christmas Day Buffet Lunch 2017 $208 Adult $98 Child (4-14 years) Price includes: » Buffet Christmas Day Lunch at Emeralds Restaurant. » 2-hour beverage package. » Return fast catamaran transfers with Great Adventures from Cairns. » Choice of glass bottom boat tour or snorkelling equipment. For more information and menu click here “VALID ONLY DECEMBER 25th 2017”

Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim, Sunday 27 August 2017

2017-08-29T03:58:17Z

With picturesque conditions, over 130 enthusiastic swimmers of all ages took to the clear waters of Green Island for the Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim on Sunday 27 August, a wonderful community event now in its 12th year. Swimmers competed in 500m, 1.5km and 3km events while the fun “Nippers” swim for the under 12 year olds saw 12 enthusiastic future ocean swimmers enjoy a taste of swimming in the Great Barrier Reef. We were delighted to welcome swimmers from across the region and country including Townsville, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and even as far as Canada. [gallery link="file" columns="4" ids="2009,2008,2007,2005"] Talented young Cairns swimmers took out first place in all categories with the exception of the Women’s 1.5km swim which was won by 25 year old Kelly Marquenie from the Gold Coast. 14 year old Zac Tabuai won the men’s 3km swim, while 14 year old Marcus West won the men’s 1.5km swim. The winner of the 1.5km women’s swim was 14 year old Asha Stevens and the 500 m swim was won by 13 year old Jasmine Olds. [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="2004,2003,2009"] Once again we offer special thanks to Surf Life Saving Queensland for their wonderful support and community spirit in conducting in-water safety for the event and to the Cairns Crocs Triathlon Club for assisting with the timing. Swim Results

500M		TIME
1st	Jasmine Olds	9:39
2nd	William Davy	10:25
3rd	Edward Diola	10:30

MEN’S 1.5KM		TIME
1st	Marcus West	17:05
2nd	Jackson Rodgers	18:18
3rd	Benjamin Waters	18:25

WOMEN’S 1.5KM		TIME
1st	Asha Stevens	19:55
2nd	Anastasia Wynberg	20:25
3rd	Liz Stewart	20:30

MEN’S 3KM		TIME
1st	Zac Tabuai	35:38
2nd	Oliver Anu	36:18
3rd	Samuel Tress	36:45

WOMEN’S 3KM		TIME
1st	Kelly Marquenie	36:55
2nd	Irene Cats	37:00
3rd	Ebony Crowe	37:09

For Full Results – Click to view PDF

Pro Dive Cairns says hello to an Inquisitive Whale

2017-07-20T07:11:48Z

Amazing, unbelievable and just awesome were just some of the words from our liveaboard Dive Boat Scubapro. A full size lone male humpback, about 12-13 metres was spotted, at 9am on Wednesday the 9^th of July (2017) having a whale of a time to the delight of 30 passengers and crew on Pro Dive Cairns’ 3 days / 2 nights trip. Heading out for the start of their 3 day dive and snorkel adventure, the whale was spotted heading in a northerly direction between Green and Fitzroy islands. With engines stopped the inquisitive whale approached the vessel and spent 20 minutes swimming around, a few tail flicks and diving below the surface before slowing swimming away to explore more of the Great Barrier Reef. Pro Dive Cairns passengers remarked “what a incredible way to start our 3 days on the Reef”. Humpbacks are generally seen on the Great Barrier Reef between the months of June to September with regular sightings at the Outer Reefs, bringing an added bonus for passengers at this time. Humpback whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters along the east coast of Australia every winter to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef to breed and calve. They are easily identified by having extremely large pectoral fins (their scientific name is Megaptera, which literally means giant wing), and scalloped flukes. They grow up to approximately 16 metres in length, weighing in at 30-50 tonnes. Male humpbacks produce “songs”, which are believed to attract females at mating times. Vision credit: Pro Dive Cairns Skipper, Chris Vadas https://youtu.be/0EO2i-76OWM

Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim 2017

2017-07-05T23:38:51Z

Great Adventures’ Green Island Ocean Swim will once again be happening on beautiful Green Island on Sunday the 27 August. Now in its 12th year, this unique event offers the opportunity to swim in the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef and compete in 1.5km and 3km swims, as well as a shorter 500m distance swim. The event is open to swimmers 12 years and older and a free Nipper’s swim will also provide a great way for under 12s to get involved too. Spectators are welcome to join in on the fun. [caption id="attachment_1989" align="alignnone" width="500"] Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim 2017[/caption] The swim takes place on the leeward side of the island with each leg of the event offering a variety of conditions from shallows to wind chop and tidal flow. At this time of year, the average water temperature will be around 24 degrees with air temperatures around 28 degrees. The Ocean Swim will commence on Green Island, Sunday 27 August 2017 at approximately 10am. Transfers from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Green Island are available for competitors and spectators on the Great Adventures fast catamaran will be departing at 8.30am. For more info or bookings, contact Great Adventures on 4044 9944 or book online at http://www.green-island.com.au/oceanswim. Accommodation is also available to stay at Green Island Resort. For enquiries please contact res@greenislandresort.com.au or call (07) 4031 3300. The Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim has developed into a wonderful community event and popular swim on the local ocean swim calendar. It is made possible with the support of Surf Life Saving Queensland and the Cairns Crocs Triathlon Club. Ocean Swim flyer 2017

Quicksilver Coach Fleet Driving New Environmental Standards

2017-01-31T04:27:27Z

Travelling along the Great Barrier Reef Drive between Cairns and Port Douglas are now two new Volvo luxury 57 seater coaches. After the success of our first Volvo coach in early 2016 a second coach was commissioned and has commenced transferring our Quicksilver reef customers along one of Australia’s most scenic drives in a vehicle that brings a new dimension of quality, safety and cutting edge technology to the Region. The Volvo Marcopolo B7R, 57 seater is proving to be among the cleanest and most fuel efficient coaches in the Australian market, and comes with the highest possible current Exhaust Emission controls. By European Emission Standards, it’s an (EEV) enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle and exceeds current standards in Australia. Tony Baker, Quicksilver Managing Director said “We will continue to invest in our products and our two sleek Volvo Marcopolo coaches highlighting our commitment to the comfort of our passengers and also ensuring we continue to lead in all aspects of environmental sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. “We are pleased to continue to invest in our coach fleet bringing the highest standards of emission control.” The coach has the equivalent of a 5 star ANCAP safety rating for coaches and is fitted with reversing cameras and sensors, security and forward facing cameras, LED lighting inside and out along with a raft of other safety features. This significant investment of $700,000 for new coaches along with new branded livery is another welcome addition to our current fleet of now 12 coaches.

The Spirit of Giving – Quicksilver Group Christmas Charity Appeal

2016-12-13T01:25:29Z

With the awesome support of our staff, industry colleagues, suppliers and friends who contributed to our annual Quicksilver Group Christmas Charity Appeal, we have been able to donate around $9000 of food and gifts to local charities. All donations will be distributed among local families and individuals by St Vincent’s de Paul, the Salvation Army and the Douglas Community, to help bring a brighter Christmas to those in need. “The support and generosity of the local tourism industry and friends of tourism has been overwhelming,” said Michael Healy Quicksilver Group Director Sales and Marketing. “Everything donated will certainly help make this Christmas much happier for a lot of families and people.” The annual appeal has been ongoing since 2003 with local charities now relying on this support. This is very much an ongoing commitment and brings out the sense of community spirit at this time of year of all involved. Thank you to everyone involved! [gallery columns="1" link="file" size="large" ids="1972"]

Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim, Sunday 11 September 2016

2016-09-12T02:19:24Z

Blue skies and crystal clear waters greeted competitors and spectators for our annual Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim on the Great Barrier Reef on Sunday 11 September. This year, 119 swimmers competed in the 1.5km and 3km swims, and also a new shorter course, 500 metre swim with ages ranging from 12 – 65 years. The fun Nippers swim saw six enthusiastic youngsters, and future ocean swimmers, enjoy a taste of swimming in the Great Barrier Reef. We were delighted to welcome swimmers from across the state and country including Townsville, WA, NSW, Northern territory and even a Green Island Resort guest from Canada who joined in to tackle the 1.5km swim. But it was a day for new course records with Cairns locals taking the lead. 17 year old Jack McMenamin won the men’s 3km swim for the second consecutive year, while 15 year old Sam Tress won the men’s 1.5km swim also for the second consecutive year. The winner of the 3km women’s swim was 14 year old Charlotte Fifield and Liz Stewart won the 1.5km women’s swim. The 500 m swim was won by Audrey Hall. With the Great Adventures Green Island Ocean Swim now in its 11^th year, we once again offer special thanks and to Surf Life Saving Queensland for their wonderful community spirit and pivotal role in providing in-water safety for the event and to the Cairns Crocs Triathlon Club for assisting with the timing. 2016 Results: Click here for the Results (PDF) [gallery columns="5" link="file" ids="1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965"]

Pro Dive Cairns Achieves an Australian First

2016-07-05T05:36:29Z

150,000^th PADI Certified Diver

In an Australian first, leading Cairns dive operator, Pro Dive Cairns, has achieved the unique status of 150,000 PADI certifications on Monday 20 June 2016. With 22 people on board representing seven countries including Germany, USA and Denmark, Felix Tam became the 150,000^th diver on exiting the water. Felix is a Canadian Optometrist currently working in Townsville and was certified by PADI Instructor Simon Daxer. PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) is the largest dive education company in the world and have acknowledged that Pro Dive Cairns’ achievement is an Australia first and just the second dive operator in the world to achieve this number of PADI certifications. Commenting on the company’s milestones, Quicksilver Group Managing Director Tony Baker said, “We are extremely proud of our achievements and the reputation Pro Dive Cairns has built over the years. The fact that so many people have chosen Pro Dive Cairns to teach them to dive is very satisfying and reflects our philosophy and commitment to providing the best possible dive education and trips over many years.” Paul Lim, General Manager Pro Dive Cairns added, “Our longevity in business over the past 33 years, is an outstanding testament to our partnership with PADI and the dedication and professionalism of all our staff, as well the quality and reputation of our product.” Travelling to Cairns to celebrate this milestone, are PADI President and CEO, Drew Richardson, and PADI Asia Pacific Vice President of Training, Sales & Field Services, Danny Dwyer. Danny remarked, “Our entire team at PADI would like to congratulate the team at Pro Dive Cairns on reaching the remarkable milestone of 150,000 PADI students. Our two companies have shared a strong and successful business partnership over 33 years and we look forward to many more.” Established in 1983, Pro Dive Cairns has built an enviable international reputation as one of the world’s premier dive schools and liveaboard dive trip operators. Today, with a team of 67 local staff, Pro Dive owns and operates a purpose built 5 Star PADI Diver Training Centre as well as three premier 25 metre liveaboard vessels that conduct 3 day / 2 night trips to the Outer Reefs off Cairns six times each week, all year round. [gallery link="file" size="large" columns="1" ids="1945,1946,1947"]

Quicksilver Ups Investment in Port Douglas

2016-07-05T05:25:49Z

The Quicksilver Group is investing in Port Douglas and ensuring the company continues to grow with the destination. The Quicksilver Group has announced the purchase of the Closehaven Marina one of the last prime waterfront properties in Port Douglas. The 35 berth Marina is adjacent to the Port Douglas Yacht Club. The property purchased from John Morris for an undisclosed amount has gone unconditional with settlement expected by the end of June. John Morris who originally developed the Marina and is also Patron of the neighbouring Yacht Club said “I am so excited that Shin Watari and his Quicksilver Group have decided to purchase the Marina. I have worked with Shin and Quicksilver for many years and they have always been wonderful supporters of Port Douglas.” Quicksilver has been in Port Douglas for 37 years and has played a major role in growing tourism in our Region from its infancy. Tony Baker Quicksilver Group Managing Director said “Shin Watari is an enormous advocate for the Great Barrier Reef and is very passionate about Port Douglas and the Douglas Shire. He sees a very bright future for the region and tourism and particularly with all of the new developments being completed or underway in Port Douglas. As a company we at Quicksilver are very focused on continuing to be a driving force in attracting tourism to the Region.” In 2016 the Quicksilver Group has invested significant funds into the Port Douglas operation with the key focus being:

Quicksilver VIII – $1 million dollar 10 week refit and refurbishment
Agincourt 3 Reef Platform - $1 million refurbishment and first time out of the water in 21 years
Volvo 53 seater Coach - $340,000. Another coach is on order for end of this year
Catering Kitchen – a refurbishment of $190,000 has just been completed

Reef Adventure to join the Great Adventures Fleet

2016-05-20T01:23:16Z

Highlighting significant and exciting new investment into the Cairns tourism industry, the Quicksilver Group is pleased to announce the purchase of a new vessel for the Great Adventures operation. Named by the Great Adventures staff, Reef Adventure, is a high speed 33 metre catamaran. Built by Queensland Company, Marine Engineering Consultants with a capacity for 400 passengers, she is expected to be in operation by Sunday. Initially starting operations to Green Island, by the end of the year she will undergo internal modifications and reconfigured seating arrangements, to suit an outer reef platform experience and provide increased flexibility for our daily operations. Tony Baker, Managing Director of the Quicksilver Group said “We are passionate about our Region and the Great Barrier Reef. The past few months have been very exciting for the Company and highlights our significant and ongoing investment and reinvestment to the Cairns and Port Douglas tourism industry. We employ over 600 locals, and proud to add another Queensland built vessel to our fleet. In 2016, to date, the Quicksilver Group has invested over $7.5 million on upgrades and refurbishments to our fleet including the acquisition of this additional vessel for our Great Adventures operation, a new Volvo Quicksilver coach, a new Glass Bottom Boat for Green Island along with major refurbishments. With four vessels now in the Great Adventures fleet, this will offer more flexibility across our entire Cairns operation and will enable us to also have a vessel available for charter depending on the group size. With the purchase of the Reef Adventure the Quicksilver Group’s Great Barrier Reef fleet grows to 14 major vessels. “