ECO-EXPEDITIONS

The Central Section

The Central section of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) extends from Hinchinbrook Island in the North (~18ºS) to the Whitsunday Island group in the south (~20ºS). Although the section contains a vast number of platform and island fringing reefs, it remains relatively unexplored by recreational scuba divers. Dive operations take place from only two points on the coast; Townsville, and Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. Scientific divers from James Cook University, GBRMPA, and the Australian Institute of Marine Science often conduct research on the reefs offshore from Townsville.

In terms of geomorphology, the Central section marks the point where the edge of the continental shelf begins to diverge away from the coast (for more information see the Overview of the Great Barrier Reef page). Here, the shallow part of the shelf suitable for reef development becomes relatively wide. For example, near Townsville, the first reefs are 75km from the coast, and the outermost reefs are 125km offshore. In general, large platform reefs (up to 20km long) are found closer to the coast, while smaller reefs (1-5km long) are found near the shelf edge in 60-100m of water. Water moves freely over the shelf in the Central section, and due to their distance from shore, most dive locations in this section have very good underwater visibility and abundant marine life.

In our opinion, the Central section offers some of the best opportunities for Eco-expeditions on the GBR. This is due to a combination of factors.

1. The platform reefs in the Central section are situated an ideal distance from the coast - far enough to be in very clear water, but close enough to be accessible by boat within a few hours.

2. There are countless numbers of high quality dive locations to choose from in this section, due to the large number of reefs. Many of these locations would have never been dived before. Also, the presence of many inshore island fringing reefs means it is possible to examine changes in reef community structure along the gradient of water quality that exists across the shelf.

3. A variety of charter vessel and accommodation options are available in Townsville and Airlie Beach. Both centers have large airports which receive daily flights from other domestic ports within Australia, and connecting flights from the international airport in Cairns.

4. At present, the reefs in the Central section have very high coral cover, and they have not yet been affected by the current Crown-of-Thorns starfish outbreak. This is in contrast to the Cairns section, where the majority of the reefs have suffered substantial declines in coral cover. For more information on Crown-of-thorns starfish and the current status of reefs in the outbreak zone, visit:

• The CRC Reef Research Center

• The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)

• The Australian Institute of Marine Science

The weather in the Central section is more favourable for Eco-expeditions than that experienced in the sections further north. During the "dry" season from April to October, moderate SE trade winds (15-20 knots) alternate with periods of clear, calm weather. During the "wet" season from November to March, the Central section experiences lighter northerly winds, hot humid weather, and thunderstorms. Periods of torrential rain do occur during the wet season (usually in February), however this depends on the monsoon trough moving south from its usual position over Cape York Peninsula (and the Far-Northern and Cairns sections). In most years, the months at the beginning and end of the dry season (April/May, & October/November) usually have excellent weather, with light winds, clear skies, and daytime temperatures around 30ºC.

In summary

In our opinion, the Central section currently offers the best opportunities for Eco-expeditions on the GBR, because it facilitates relatively quick access to numerous high quality coral reefs. In comparison, the Far-Northern and Mackay Capricorn sections have slightly better reefs, but more difficult access due to the distance between the reef and and a suitable port. The Cairns section has very quick access, but overall the reef quality is lower due to the current Crown-of -Thorns starfish outbreak.

Click here to see information on the Ecological themes we examine on Tevene'i Marine Eco-expeditions.

Click here to read about our Eco-expeditions Philosophy.