Spearfishing

Spearfishing is a method of fishing that involves spearing fish either while diving, off a boat or off the shore. Ancient spearfishers used sharpened sticks, however today they use elastic or pneumatic powered spearguns. Spearfishing can be done as free-diving (holding your breath), snorkeling or scuba diving.

Spearfishing is most commonly done while diving – whether shore diving, boat diving or blue water hunting. Shore diving involves hunting around reefs, rocks or sand, entering the water from beaches or headlands. Usually these dives produce reef fish. Boat diving involves using a boat to access an offshore location, such as a reef, to dive off. Blue water hunting involves fishing in very deep and clear water, where the boat driver drops divers and allows them to drift with the current to fish before collecting them.

Those who spearfish without diving usually wade into shallow water and use a hand spear. They have to take into consideration optical refraction though, which makes fish appear further away than they are. So water clarity is very important.

Spearfishing on the Reef

The Great Barrier Reefis the world’s largest coral reef system and listed as a World Heritage Site. Since it is a marine park there are some special guidelines to follow when spearfishing there. First, spear only what you need. Secondly, do not pursue a fish if you are unsure of its identity or size. This is because it is prohibited to take protected fish species in the Reef Park unless you have a Marine Parks permit. These include species such as seahorses, seadragons, barramundi cods, whale sharks, grey nurse sharks, great white sharks, potato cods and Queensland groupers.

Thirdly, do not take big fish merely as trophies since these are important breeding stock. Lastly, always track down injured fish – don’t let them swim off injured. Fishers should also be aware of the different restrictions for fishing zones on the Reef. For example, there is no fishing allowed in the Scientific Research, Marine National Park or Preservation Zones.

Daintree Activities

If you are planning a holiday to Far North Queensland, Heritage Lodge is the perfect place to stay. This holiday resort is located on Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, just across the Daintree River. Heritage Lodge offers accommodation for couples and families alike, with facilities such as a fully licensed restaurant and a day spa.

The Daintree Area has heaps of activities for those wanting to learn about the Daintree Rainforest or the Great Barrier Reef. You can take a crocodile cruise to try to spot a great saltwater crocodile in the Daintree River, take a tour through the rainforest with a 4WD safari, go on a guided walk, or explore the reef and all its marine life while snorkeling or scuba diving.

Horse Riding

Horse riding is another fun way to see the Daintree region. You can take a ride across the pristine beaches of the Daintree Coast or along rainforest trails with freshwater swimming holes. Some horse riding tours will even pick you up from wherever you’re staying. Just let them know what riding experience you have – it is important to be matched to a suitable horse otherwise it can lead to dangerous situations.

The beginner level includes those who have never ridden a horse, those who have ridden a horse less than 30 times, or those who are not confident trotting or controlling a horse. An intermediate rider is one who has a bit of riding experience and is confident controlling the horse. Advanced riders are confident in every aspect of riding, have several years experience and continue to ride frequently. Horse riding lessons are also available for those who like to improve their riding skills.

Just remember to wear comfortable clothing, including long pants and closed in shoes. Most riding tours will provide riders with helmets, and sometimes riding boots as well.

Daintree Birdwatching Tours

The Daintree area in Far North Queensland’s Wet Tropics region is one of Australia’s best birdwatching locations. Many international and local birdwatchers come to spot some of the 430 species recorded in this area. That is more than fifty percent of Australia’s avian species! Although not all of those are to be found in the lowlands or present year round.

The Wet Tropics has 12 of Australia’s native species including the Macleay’s Honeyeater, Pied Monarch and Victoria’s Riflebird. Other Australian species that can be found include the Mangrove Robin, Lovely Fairy-wren, Red-necked Crake and Double-eyed Fig Parrot.

There are many birdwatching tours available in the Daintree, both river-based and land-based. River-based tours take place in specially built boats with swivel seats and retractable roofs for spotting and photographing birds. These are accompanied by nature guides and are available at different times (sunrise/ sunset). Land-based tours include walks around the Daintree Village, the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, the Atherton Tablelands, Mt Carbine, the Daintree Valley and more. There are also 4WD tours that will take you to explore the rainforest and Wet Tropics with all its wildlife. Tour times are often flexible to suit individual itineraries.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is the hobby of observing and studying birds, often involving photography, videography and audio recordings. The term ‘birdwatching’ was first used in 1901, with the term ‘birding’ appearing in 1918. Today ‘birding’ and ‘birdwatching’ are used interchangeably, although the former is the preferred form as it does not have some of the negative connotations of the latter.

The term ‘twitcher’ is also used for birders who travel long distances to find a rare bird to be then checked off their list. The term originated in the 1950s, and the main goal of ‘twitching’ is to accumulate species on a list. This is a popular competition in countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Finland and Sweden.