Sunlover Reef Cruises and Nautilus Aviation Enter New Agreement

Sunlover Reef Cruises are happy to announce a new agreement with Nautilus Aviation for the provision of scenic helicopter flights for their Moore Reef pontoon guests. Set to commence on 16th August 2014, both independently Australian-owned companies look forward to the opportunities this new dynamic collaboration offers.

Julie Duncan, Group General Manager of Sunlover Reef Cruises, said “we are excited with this new agreement between our two companies and the opportunities it opens up for the future, both on a strategic and product level. With all indications pointing to a resurgent Cairns tourism market, this new agreement, along with the millions of dollars in investment into Sunlover Reef Cruises over the last 2 years, places us in a strong position to continue to offer the ultimate reef experience out of Cairns,” 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.

The new agreement will see Sunlover Reef Cruises and Nautilus Aviation work closely on joint sales and marketing initiatives, both domestically and internationally. The companies are both part of larger independently owned Australian leisure companies, with numerous tourism products in North Queensland.

Aaron Finn, CEO of Nautilus Aviation, said of the new agreement “we are very pleased to be forming a strategic partnership with Sunlover Reef Cruises to support local tourism in Far North Queensland. This agreement reaffirms our recent investment of $11 million into the expansion of our company, both creating jobs and building confidence in the tourism industry. The recent addition of new helicopters to our fleet raises the standard of the local helicopter industry in line with international expectations and provides the ultimate air touring experience over the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.”

Sunlover Reef Cruises

In operation for over 20 years, Sunlover Reef Cruises offers guests from all over the world a full reef experience, from our full-service Moore Reef pontoon. Guests travel to the outer Great Barrier Reef aboard large fully air-conditioned catamarans, and then enjoy complimentary glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, underwater observatory, snorkelling equipment and supervised areas, marine life touch tank, and a buffet lunch including seafood. The pontoon has been specifically designed to give guests the ultimate reef experience.

Sunlover Reef Cruises is part of Ocean Hotels and Tourism, which owns and operates Hides Hotel Cairns, and Club Croc Hotel Airlie Beach and BreakFree Long Island Resort in the stunning Whitsundays.

Nautilus Aviation

Operating from fixed bases in Townsville, Cairns, and Horn Island, Nautilus Aviation provides industry leading helicopter services in tourism, public service and emergency response. With a fleet of 11 helicopters, including Bell 407, EC130 and EC120, Nautilus Aviation has some of the most modern helicopters in Australia, an impeccable safety record and a team of highly experienced pilots. Nautilus Aviation is part of the Colonial Leisure Group who own and operate a number of hospitality venues across Australia, including Orpheus Island, Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Daintree Hotel & General Store and the pending acquisition of Jupiters Hotel & Casino in Townsville. For a full list of services, simply visit www.nautilusaviation.com.au.