Residents of a coastal township on Australia’s World Heritage-listed Fraser Island were told to evacuate on Sunday as a bushfire approached. Since it was sparked by an illegal campfire seven weeks ago, the blaze has blackened half the island off Australia’s north eastern coast, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef and famed for its tropical rainforest on sand dunes, and inland lakes. Residents of Happy Valley had a small reprieve after the blaze lessened in intensity on Sunday afternoon, Queensland state emergency services commissioner Greg Leach told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Aerial view of an area affected by a bushfire on Fraser Island (K'gari), Queensland, Australia December 5, 2020 in this picture obtained from social media. Save Fraser Islands Dingoes Inc ...
Read MoreTag: Australia
Australian fire crews are battling massive bushfires on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, which have been burning for six weeks, forcing tourists to flee the island off the northeast coast. The fires have razed more than 76,000 hectares (187,800 acres), nearly half of the island, which is world heritage listed for its tropical rain forests and sand dunes. “Conditions remain unpredictable and can change rapidly,” the state’s emergency services said in a statement, adding that guests and staff at one of the island’s largest resorts should be prepared to leave anytime. Smoke rises from bushfires on Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia, November 30, 2020, in this still image taken from video. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services/Handout via REUTERS Several guests w...
Read MoreAustralia is considering opening its borders to Asian countries, including parts of China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday, as Canberra seeks to revive an economy ravaged by COVID-19. Australia in March shut its borders to all non-citizens and permanent residents, though in October Canberra allowed New Zealand residents to enter. Internal travel is limited, although those restrictions are scheduled to be removed by the end of the year. Morrison ruled out entry from the United States or Europe, but said Australia may allow people from low-risk countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and even provinces in China. People walk through a congested intersection in the city centre of Sydney, Australia, November 9, 2020. REUTERS/Loren Elliott “We ... are looking at wha...
Read MoreIt’s an exciting news amidst all the recent concerns about depleting coral population on the Great Barrier Reef, one of the wonders of our earth. Researchers have recently found a large, detached coral reef, measuring more than 500 meters (1,640 feet) in height, in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia.This is the eighth known detached coral reef in the area, and the first to be discovered in the past 120 years.While little is known about these reefs, scientists have observed that they host an array of marine life.This particular reef doesn’t appear to have been affected by the recent bleaching events at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, according to the lead researcher. A view of the surface of a 500-metre-tall coral reef discovered by Australian scientists, off Austral...
Read MoreDue to the uncertainty about when international travel restrictions might be lifted, Princess Cruises is extending its pause in operations for cruises departing from Australia and New Zealand through May 31, 2021. Guests will receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid. To receive the above FCCs, no action is required by the guest or their travel advisor. Australia - Sydney Harbor Alternatively, guests can forfeit the bonus FCC offer and request a refund for all money paid on their booking by using this online form. Guests have until November 30, 2020, to elect a refund, or they will automatically receive the default offer listed above. Princess will...
Read MoreRescuers set free around 25 whales on Tuesday that were marooned on a sandbar off the remote west coast of Tasmania in one of Australia’s worst beaching events, and hope to save more in coming days. Government scientists said about 90 of the 270-strong pod of pilot whales have died since they were spotted from the air in shallow water off the rugged coastline on Monday. 270-strong pod of pilot whales marooned on a sandbar. Reuters Footage showed large numbers of the animals prone on a wide sandbar at Macquarie Harbour, about 200 kms (120 miles) northwest of the state capital Hobart, while others floundered in slightly deeper water. Rescuers had to get in the icy water to attach the whales, a species of oceanic dolphin that grow to 7 metres (23 ft) long and can weigh up to 3 to...
Read MoreBecause of very fluid worldwide pandemic situation, travel industry, especially the cruise industry is finding it very hard to plan for the coming months. This is one segment of the travel sector, which has suffered a lot and which does not see any relief in the foreseeable future. That is the reason that postponements have become order of the day. In past few days at lease three cruise lines have delayed their return to sea in Australia. P&O Cruises Australia has extended its rolling pause in operations from Australia to 2 December this year as the cruise line continues to take guidance from authorities, public health experts and society on restarting sailing. P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said extending the rolling pause until 2 December (inclusive) – and the start of s...
Read More
You must be logged in to post a comment.