Shaolin junk ready to set sail
PORT DOUGLAS
THE authentic Chinese Junk Shaolin, which has charmed both locals and visitors in the heart of Port Douglas, is heading for new waters and will now be permanently based in Cairns.
For owners Skye and Flynn Bickford, this has been a dramatic and tough decision. But after being invited to Cairns to help celebrate the Chinese New Year, and realising the huge potential that was on offer, they decided to make the move.
“Shaolin will become an attraction to herself. This was evident after many people stopped to take pictures of her even when we berthed, also asking questions about her history, design and origin,” said Skye.
“We then thought about offering several cruises a day in the harbour and along the inlet, providing visitors with beautiful mountain views of Cairns from the water, and incorporating local history including the story of the many Chinese migrants and early settlers that had a big impact on the development of Cairns and Port Douglas.”
Skye said they also listened to comments from their guests and they are now offering Yum Cha type snacks.
“We have developed a tasty menu of Chinese Dim Sum snacks and the feedback has been very positive.
“We would have loved to have done a similar tour out of Port Douglas, however the inlet wasn't deep enough for our vessel all year round.
“The Cairns harbour is more suited due to the sheltered and deeper water and we are still able to sail inside and outside the harbour with beautiful views of the city lights at sunset,” said Skye.
“Flynn and I are very appreciative of all the support over the last two years and we look forward to a new chapter in Cairns.”
Shaolin will be operating four tours daily: 9:00 am, 11:30 am, 2:30pm and the 5:00 pm Sunset Sail. There are no changes to its prices.
The vessel was originally built for a retired US naval officer in 1966 in Hong Kong. With an impressive history, the vessel has circumnavigated the world twice; been through two cyclones; served as a listening post for the CIA off the coast of China and even been boarded by pirates.
She then sailed the Pacific for a time before chartering passengers between Port Douglas and Lowe Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
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