Latest news with #CoralExpeditions
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Incredible photo reveals brutal reality of Australia's 'dynamic environment' after miscalculation
An incredible image captured from a tour boat on the Australian coast highlight just how spectacular and cruel nature can be, with the swift rise and fall of our tides catching out even the most skilled swimmers. Tour company Coral Expeditions operates in Western Australia's Kimberley region, and the crew were steering 110 guests through Montgomery Reef when they spotted something exposed on the reef. A tawny nurse shark was stranded after being caught out by the fast-moving tides, with the reef boasting the second-largest tidal movements in the world. "The tidal movements in the area can be as high as 11 metres... from the reef being invisible to fully visible in about two hours," Jeff Gillies from Coral Expeditions told Yahoo News. "Lots of sea life end up in those pools, and that's what happened with the tawny nurse shark, but [it] is definitely not a common occurrence." There is a vast array of marine wildlife in the Kimberley with crews frequently spotting rays, turtles and even the odd crocodile in the waters, but this is the first time such a large marine animal has been spotted in the situation. According to Jeff, it was the first reporting of a tawny nurse shark being stranded by the reef in the eight years he's worked with the company. "Stranded and fully exposed, the sight offered a rare and striking reminder of the ocean's power and the challenges marine life face in such a dynamic environment," Coral Expeditions wrote online. Why does Montgomery Reef have such extreme tides? Montgomery Reef, covering an expanse of 400 square kilometres, experiences strong currents due to its unique shape and the overall region's large tidal range. The reef is situated on a wide continental shelf which allows the tidal wave to grow and spread larger as it approaches the coastline, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The surrounding coastline, combined with where the reef is situated, creates a funnel shape, and this narrowing further concentrates the flow of the water as it enters the area, speeding up the process. 📸 Photographer captures remarkable underwater sight 🐋 Whale accused of 'mugging' tourists off Aussie coast 😲 Tourists stunned by 'lifetime moment' off the coast Crews 'let nature do its thing' despite sad reality Despite admitting it was a sad scene, Jeff explained crews don't intervene if they spot wildlife stranded on the reef, ensuring nature can take its course. "We can't exit the vessels in terms of our permits. You just let nature do its thing," he said. It's unclear what happened to the tawny nurse shark, with marine biologists who were on board the ship at the time telling Jeff the shark may have made it to the rock pool or "shimmied" until he got off the reef. The species is widespread throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but there is currently no specific population estimate available, according to the federal government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
ABC News
7 days ago
- ABC News
World Heritage listing hopes to transform Pilbara from being 'one big mine site'
From the deep hues of Ningaloo Reef to leafy Margaret River wine country, glossy murals spruiking Western Australia's regional offerings line the walls of Perth Airport. But the high-visibility garb dominating its queues suggests many travellers are bound for another destination, and for reasons far less idyllic. Communities in the Pilbara have long sought to dispel the perception the region is just a "big mine site". In light of Australia's 21st World Heritage listing this month, some are hoping the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, more than 1,500 kilometres north of Perth, will put the red-dirt capital on the map. Jeff Gillies, chief commercial officer at cruise line Coral Expeditions, said the international recognition of Murujuga had "absolutely" increased bookings. "The World Heritage listing will increase the awareness," Mr Gillies said. Coral Expeditions is one of the few cruise companies in Australia with an itinerary that features the Burrup Peninsula, or Murujuga, off Karratha. The exploratory-style line has travelled there since 2019, with passengers tendered ashore for tours with Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) rangers. "[Travellers] definitely seek out World Heritage areas because they know they know that they're going to see a special place on Earth." The nearby Port of Dampier is home to one of the country's busiest industrial ports but only welcomed its first cruise vessel in 2023. Mr Gillies said the lack of a dedicated cruise terminal, leaving vessels to dock within the cargo wharf, could be a barrier for less nimble craft. MAC, which jointly manages the World Heritage site, told the ABC it had recently struck a deal with French operator Ponant Cruises to also visit Murujuga. The arrangement would bring larger contingents of guests to view the area's ancient Aboriginal rock art. The World Heritage listing significantly increases the conservation estate once covered by the Murujuga National Park from 5,134 hectares to just under 100,000. MAC deputy chair Belinda Churnside said commercial opportunities had to be balanced with cultural obligations. "We have roles and responsibilities to care for country," she said. The body's plans to construct a tourism precinct at Conzinc Bay has stalled since it began in 2022, attracting some local dismay over the closure of the popular "jump up" four-wheel-drive track. It would see a two-wheel-drive road installed leading to the picturesque inlet where MAC hopes to build an eco-resort. However, Ms Churnside said "cultural sensitivities" around the road design have delayed the works. The uncertainty extends to the makeshift shacks dotting several islands off Murujuga used by local fishers and surfers. Both MAC and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA) said the World Heritage listing would not directly impact access to the shacks. Any changes would come through the preparation of a new joint management plan, something the ABC understands is still being negotiated. Yindjibarndi elder Jane Cheedy said the World Heritage listing was a rare chance to share culture, protect country, and address economic inequality in the Pilbara. "We, the traditional owners, are putting out our story and it's getting taken overseas, and then people will come to know more about Murujuga," she said. "If it helps empower Aboriginal people that would be good." City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the heritage listing presented a "very large" opportunity, but the area was not yet ready to cope with an increase in tourists. Housing availability is a chronic challenge in Karratha, especially as a population increase looms. Cr Scott called on investors to help get more accommodation online in Karratha. "We've got everything here we need, now we just need the entrepreneurs and those people that see the opportunity to come to Karratha and help us take advantage of it," he said. The City of Karratha said an international airport was essential to make the most out of Murujuga's listing. "I think it's a really, really big step forward and in justification for an international airport," Cr Scott said. The only international airport in the Pilbara is in Port Hedland, a two-and-a-half-hour drive further north. It has not serviced regular international flights since the COVID-19 pandemic, although a business case to resume those services is before state and federal authorities. A WA government spokesperson said tourism officials were continuing to assess all route development opportunities but would not comment on Karratha's bid for an international airport. Pilbara Tourism Association chair Barry Harrison echoed the city's concerns about accommodation. "So much accommodation is sucked up by mining and the resources sector," he said. Mr Harrison said with the high cost of airfares, stronger marketing of the Pilbara's world-class Aboriginal history was needed to attract holiday-makers. "As we've seen around the world, in other locations, people will just flock to this region to see it," he said.
Sydney Morning Herald
17-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
New Australian cruise ship, converted from a luxury yacht, ready to sail
This article is part of Traveller's guide to luxury cruising. See all stories. True North and Coral Expeditions ran cruises in the Kimberley before most knew where the Kimberley was, with True North's fishing charter business there going back as far as the 1980s. Their guests had those distinctive blue waters, orange cliffs, astonishing tides and wondrous natural phenomena pretty much to themselves, when it came to commercial operators, for many years. But in recent times, small-ship cruising has taken hold in the Kimberley. Though the conditions in and remoteness of the region along the north-east and north of Western Australia dictate the ships be on the smaller size, the likes of Ponant and Silversea are now deploying relatively larger vessels carrying upwards of 150 passengers into the region. Almost 30 years after Coral Expeditions launched its modified submarine chaser, Coral Princess, in the waters where the Indian Ocean meets the Timor Sea, a famous Kimberley name is seeking to recapture the spirit of truly small-vessel adventure in one of the world's great wildernesses. The pearl company Paspaley, one of the Kimberley's best-known family businesses, has launched Paspaley Pearl, a former motor yacht modified to become a 30-guest luxury cruise vessel. The yacht, previously called Island Escape and operated by New Zealand's collapsed Island Escape Cruises, was initially bought to be a collaboration between Paspaley and Ponant.
The Age
16-07-2025
- The Age
Former luxury yacht, converted to Australian cruise ship, ready to sail
This article is part of Traveller's guide to luxury cruising. See all stories. True North and Coral Expeditions ran cruises in the Kimberley before most knew where the Kimberley was, with True North's fishing charter business there going back as far as the 1980s. Their guests had those distinctive blue waters, orange cliffs, astonishing tides and wondrous natural phenomena pretty much to themselves, when it came to commercial operators, for many years. But in recent times, small-ship cruising has taken hold in the Kimberley. Though the conditions in and remoteness of the region along the north-east and north of Western Australia dictate the ships be on the smaller size, the likes of Ponant and Silversea are now deploying relatively larger vessels carrying upwards of 150 passengers into the region. Almost 30 years after Coral Expeditions launched its modified submarine chaser, Coral Princess, in the waters where the Indian Ocean meets the Timor Sea, a famous Kimberley name is seeking to recapture the spirit of truly small-vessel adventure in one of the world's great wildernesses. The pearl company Paspaley, one of the Kimberley's best-known family businesses, has launched Paspaley Pearl, a former motor yacht modified to become a 30-guest luxury cruise vessel. The yacht, previously called Island Escape and operated by New Zealand's collapsed Island Escape Cruises, was initially bought to be a collaboration between Paspaley and Ponant.
Sydney Morning Herald
16-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Former luxury yacht, converted to Australian cruise ship, ready to sail
This article is part of Traveller's guide to luxury cruising. See all stories. True North and Coral Expeditions ran cruises in the Kimberley before most knew where the Kimberley was, with True North's fishing charter business there going back as far as the 1980s. Their guests had those distinctive blue waters, orange cliffs, astonishing tides and wondrous natural phenomena pretty much to themselves, when it came to commercial operators, for many years. But in recent times, small-ship cruising has taken hold in the Kimberley. Though the conditions in and remoteness of the region along the north-east and north of Western Australia dictate the ships be on the smaller size, the likes of Ponant and Silversea are now deploying relatively larger vessels carrying upwards of 150 passengers into the region. Almost 30 years after Coral Expeditions launched its modified submarine chaser, Coral Princess, in the waters where the Indian Ocean meets the Timor Sea, a famous Kimberley name is seeking to recapture the spirit of truly small-vessel adventure in one of the world's great wildernesses. The pearl company Paspaley, one of the Kimberley's best-known family businesses, has launched Paspaley Pearl, a former motor yacht modified to become a 30-guest luxury cruise vessel. The yacht, previously called Island Escape and operated by New Zealand's collapsed Island Escape Cruises, was initially bought to be a collaboration between Paspaley and Ponant.
