On November 14 2012 at 6.38am a total solar eclipse will extinguish Port Douglas to the 'dark side' for just about two minutes.

This phenomena last visited the Australian mainland on 4 December back in 2002 when its path took it across South Australia near the coastal town of Ceduna, and it won't back until 22 July in 2028, but again it crosses along the isolated central outback of the continent. 

It is exceptionally rare that the path of an eclipse passes over such an accessible location as the Port Douglas region. So it's probably not too exaggerated a claim when this event is described as a 'once in a lifetime' experience.

The current estimation is that anywhere between 20,000 to 40,000 people will descend onto the Port Douglas peninsula alone pouring in a frantic dash to see this astronomical wonder!

So, if you're planning to be one of them, the first question that you should be asking yourself is "Where am I going to view this event?" 

It seems an innocuous enough question in normal times but if the attendance estimations are anywhere near accurate, then the public parking areas and parklands are going to full to overflowing. 

Of course if the current estimations are under the numbers that actually arrive then the public areas will be impossible!

The reason for this guarded pessimism is simple.  It's based on an accumulation of pre-organised considerations. For example, on the morning of the Eclipse there is an adventure marathon being run where runners from all over Australia and the world will be joining Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti to run a specially designed course through cane fields, rainforest, creeks and the infamous 'bump track' before returning at the final stages to run around the roads and main street of Port Douglas. 

The race starts on the iconic Four Mile Beach using the biggest intergalactic starting gun in the world as the first rays of the sun re-emerge from behind the moon at 6.41am.  So if you were thinking to use the beach as your viewing station, think again, it's going to be packed with race spectators, runners and other like-minded souls who thought the same as you but got there earlier!
  
Oh and it's also high tide at that time of the morning so the beach and its occupants are going to be squeezed up or should it be 'coralled' into about two to three metres of sand.  Well it is the Coral Sea!

The marathon finishes at Island Point in Rex Smeal Park so again public access is going to be restricted for race security reasons.

The streets will be packed with race supporters and that's not to mention the roadside parked cars that will be scrambling for a precious plot to claim.

Areas like Reynolds Park, the sports ground, Jalunbu and Julan Parks will all have limited viewing facilities because of the varying heights of the native trees. 

So where, for the love of Jehovah, are you going to view the eclipse during this 14 November?

Have you checked out the region's best photo competition?

Well before you descend into a hyper-panic and start accumulating a huge telephone bill and mounting a massive internet search for answers, there are several organisations who have secured private viewing areas that will accommodate the expectant thousands and have guaranteed you the perfect viewing venues. 

These comfortable areas will even provide some light refreshment if you fancy a cuppa and some hospitality if you fancy some breakfast.

In either case you will enjoy a stress free environment from which to thrill to the whole spectacle during both the fantastic build up and post event as the two heavenly bodies move into and out of alignment. 

This is the crux of the matter. 

You must remember that the total eclipse may only last just over two minutes during the darkness phase but the overall alignment and de-alignment of the bodies takes over 30 minutes.

So if you're in position nice an early you are assured that your photo opportunities will capture the moment and fulfil all your dreams and expectations for this miraculous trip. 

After all when you return home and say "I was there" you'll need to produce your photographic evidence to 'wow' your family and friends and anyone else you can find to rub salt in their wounds of those that missed out!...and how good will it be to say "I told you so" when showing off to those who snubbed the trip.

So your choice is simple; take a chance on the day, turn up, drive around looking for that elusive parking space, walk around looking for that elusive viewing position and very likely miss the whole thing.  But at least you will be able to say it was a cheap day!

OR

You can book a package to include accommodation, parking space, transfer to and from your secure viewing platform, enjoy the whole amazing phenomenon from start to finish and have a cup of tea or other beverage of your choice whilst comparing photos with your fellow eclipse watchers. 

By the way, if you're having trouble deciding, it's the latter you want to choose.

Yes, it will cost a few dollars extra but it really is the only way to guarantee you the experience of a lifetime that this unique event promises to be.
 
Don't take the chance, visit the Solar Eclipse Marathon website.  We look forward to seeing you on 'the dark of the moon' or maybe in The Central Hotel to compare photos.

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