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Submarine experience launched on Great Barrier Reef

The world’s first rideshare submarine has today been launched in a landmark partnership between Tourism and Events Queensland and Uber which will showcase the Great Barrier Reef like never before.

The world’s eyes will be on the spectacular Agincourt Reef when ‘scUber’ travels to Tropical North Queensland and becomes available for visitors to book the once-in-a-lifetime experience through the Uber app from 9 – 18 June 2019.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said today’s launch of scUber on Heron Island would give tourists a chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef by submarine for the first time.

“The Great Barrier Reef is our greatest tourism asset. This will give visitors a completely new way to experience this great natural wonder,” she said.

“This is all about boosting international visitor numbers to Queensland. We’ll tap into Uber’s vast customer base throughout North America and Europe to showcase the Reef.

“During the exclusive four-week promotion, Uber riders will have the chance to request one of the limited rides available in the three-person manned submersible and experience what the future of underwater travel could hold.”

“Our promotion is about getting the message out to the world that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful places on earth to visit.”

Ms Jones said the campaign would generate an extra 1.4 million visitors and deliver an additional $1.8 billion in visitor expenditure to the region over the next three years supporting 15,700 jobs.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chair Wendy Morris said the scUber promotion would show the world that the Great Barrier Reef is brimming with life.

“Tropical North Queensland is Sir David Attenborough’s favourite place in the world – it’s a place where two World Heritage areas meet and a wonderful place to experience both natural wonders. Sir David experienced the reef by submarine and now people have the opportunity to have a similar experience when scUber on-demand ride starts in Cairns from 9 – 18 June,” Ms Morris said.

“This once-in-a-lifetime experience will be bookable through the Uber app for visitors in Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas to experience Quicksilver Cruises’ Agincourt Reef off Port Douglas.”

A ride in the scUber submarine will allow travellers to go beyond the limits of conventional diving to explore the Great Barrier Reef at depths of up to 30 metres, with 180-degree views, and all without getting wet.

For more information, visit scUberqueensland.com.  (View images below)

23 May 2019 – Heron Island

Launch of scUber - Heron Island