Super Chef was hearten to learn that when the Shen Neng 1 struck a shoal on April 3 on the Great Barrier Reef it leaked only about 3 tons of oil that was dispersed with chemical sprays. There was little damage to the reef.

That should come as a relief to everyone – and foodies in particular because one of the best Australian foodie events is taking place in the Great Barrier Reef this summer and fall.

The annual Great Barrier Feast on Hamilton Island includes Chef’s Table weekend series of master classes and tastings in March with Tetsuya Wakuda, July with Justin North of Becasse and November 2010 as yet unannounced. The setting at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club is a stunning backdrop to inventive Australian cuisine. Accomodations and some of the events are at qualia.

Get down there and experience Australia now — and keep vigilance that nothing else runs aground.

(Photos of Great Barrier Reef courtesy of Hamilton Island Accommodation, Tetsuya Wakuda from Tetsuyas.com, and Justin North from ABC Sydney)