Sunlover Reef Cruises and Nautilus Aviation

Bond takes to the reef on a mission to Sell TNQ

Cairns, Queensland Wednesday, 12 November 2014

On Sunday fifteen of Australia's top conference and event managers were treated to a day at Moore Reef hosted by Sunlover Reef Cruises together with their new adventure product partner, Nautilus Aviation.

The special tour was arranged as part of the Tourism Tropical North Queensland's Business and Events signature trade show, Sell TNQ. The five day event provides event planners the opportunity to experience firsthand the amazing and diverse event products, activities and venues that their clients can enjoy in the region. Sunlover Reef Cruises was proud to support Sell TNQ, which this year attracted over thirty major event organisers to the region.

Sunlover Reef Cruises, the ultimate reef experience needed the ultimate hero, and so James Bond (aka Marcus Brady, Sunlover) and Bond Girl # one (aka Debbie Walters – Nautilus Aviation) made a special appearance to showcase our region as the ultimate destination for conference and events – a region as adventurous, adaptable, creative and bold as James Bond!

The small group of event planners experienced the reef in every way possible including Sea-walker helmet diving, snorkelling and seeing Maori Wrasse and Green Sea Turtles from the semi-submarine. The highlight for many of the guest was trying scuba diving for the first time, with most of the group having never been to the Great Barrier Reef before. One of the highlights for the group was the ten minute scenic flights provided by Nautilus Aviation in a Eurocopter EC130 – a luxury aircraft fit for James Bond. 

The whole package of activities was widely regarded by the small group of event organisers as one of the leading options that they would present to delegates to entice them to the region for pre and post event touring.

“It was such an amazing experience - and to have the opportunity to do an intro dive once we arrived at the reef was really something and to top the day off, the helicopter flight with Nautilus was totally surreal – for me this day showcased the reef from a completely different angle. “

Narelle Hollis – Event Manager, Adelaide

“Sell TNQ was a great event. I loved seeing how well the suppliers work together for the benefit of the whole region. When you visit Tropical North Queensland you can't not see the Great Barrier Reef, whether underwater, on the water or from above in a helicopter. Or all three as is possible on a Sunlover Reef Cruises adventure.”

Tania Myles – Event Manager - Sydney

Julie Duncan, Group General Manager of Sunlover Reef Cruises, said “we are excited to work with our partners and event organisers to deliver world-class experiences for guests whether on, over or under the water. These buyers are looking to host outstanding events that include the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Sunlover Reef Cruises has the capacity to provide organisers and their delegates with a multitude of options and truly unique charter cruise opportunities, from two hours up the Trinity Inlet to a full day out on the Great Barrier Reef.” Julie said.

As a central part of the agreement Nautilus Aviation recently purchased an EC130 7 seater aircraft that is purpose-built for sightseeing, offering unparalleled views of the Great Barrier Reef. The luxury aircraft is the first of its kind to operate in Tropical North Queensland, is fully air-conditioned, has leather interiors and will allow for both 5 and 10 minute scenic flights from the Sunlover Moore Reef helicopter pontoon. Guests also have the option of flying to and from the Cairns mainland, arriving and departing from Nautilus Aviation's Cairns Airport base.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Marcus Brady

Business Development Manager

07 4050 1327

0438 501 306

bdm@oceangroup.com.au

About Sunlover Reef Cruises

Sunlover Reef Cruises' daily premium cruises to Moore Reef offer the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience for people of all ages. Guests enjoy four hours to explore the outer reef from our Moore Reef pontoon, so you will have plenty of time to be amazed and inspired by the unsurpassed beauty and splendour of this underwater playground.

Our two vessels are modern air-conditioned catamarans, which depart daily from the Reef Fleet Terminal in the very heart of Cairns. Boats can be chartered to host a variety of events, and our team work with event organisers to ensure the best outcomes for clients wanting outstanding experience when they conference in the region. For a full list of services, simply visit www.sunlover.com.au.

About Nautilus Aviation

Operating from fixed bases in Cairns, Townsville and Horn Island, Nautilus Aviation provides industry leading helicopter services in tourism, public service and emergency response. With a fleet of 22 helicopters, including 2 x Eurocopters EC130, EC120, Bell 407, Jet Rangers and Robinson 44, Nautilus Aviation has some of the most modern helicopters in Australia, an impeccable safety record and a team of highly experienced pilots. For a full list of services, simply visit www.nautilusaviation.com.au.

James Bond photo shoot coordinated by Calypso Reef Imagery

Calypso has provided photography services for Sunlover Reef Cruises since 1996

Their professional photographers from Calypso reef imagery capture all the action of the day, whether it's of our guests snorkelling the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, or taking the plunge on their first scuba or Seawalker dive to meet Wally our resident giant Maori wrasse.  

James Bond photo shoot taken at Sunlover Reef Cruises Moore Reef pontoon and Nautilus Aviation's heli-pad on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Calypso also record all the adventure when our guests take to the sky with Sunlover's exciting new partner - Nautilus Aviation. www.calypsoproductions.com.au