Days 60-63 - Townsville - Airlie Beach
Trip Start
Nov 29, 2007
1
46
70
Trip End
Mar 27, 2008
Airlie Beach,
Australia
Sunday, January 27, 2008
It was a pretty drive from the highway to Airlie, in fact all of the drives have been beautiful. Queensland is a lovely state to travel through and we have seen gorgeous countryside, creeks and tree-covered mountains along the way, Australia is beautiful, no doubt about that. We were expecting Airlie to be a busy place but nothing prepared us for how pretty it is. As we round a corner at the top of the hill we got a stunning view over the bay with all the little boats and we both said a simultaneous "Wow!" The view around the next corner is just as good, it is a shame that there is no place along the road to stop and take a photo. We got into the centre of Airlie and it isn't as big as we expected which is good as we prefer to be in walking distance of things and we are hoping to exerience the "non-stop party atmosphere" during a few nights out.
We trailed round the hostels, looking at rooms and comparing prices and we also looked at a really nice apartment, then we went for a beer to discuss our options. The apartment we looked at was only $20 more than what they were asking for at two of the hostels and we decided that we would take it. We went back and paid for two nights, the heavy rain that the East coast has had has put off a lot of tourists and I think we are the only people here. The owner told us it is very unusual for this time of year and we did a deal with him for a third night should we choose to stay.
The apartment is huge with two bedrooms, a full kitchen complete with oven, a large lounge and a little balcony. There is a barbeque and decent sized swimming pool downstairs and we are very happy with our new digs.
That evening we went out for drinks and it was fun. I wouldn't describe it as a non-stop party, some of the bars shut at 10pm. However, the hostels all have bars and restaurants attatched and these are packed with backpackers drinking and eating with loud music booming out. It is a good atmosphere without being too over the top and we both really like it here. We went to have a look at the 'big lagoon' which we expected to be the sea. We were surprised to discover that it is actually a huge floodlit swimming pool. There is grass all around for people to lounge on beach towels, a big children's area with an under-cover paddling pool, adventure playground and picnic area's with barbeque's. There are gas barbeque's everywhere in Australia, on every beach and in every park. Most, you don't have to put any money in, you just press the button and slap your steaks on there. It is a great idea and maybe Great Britain should adopt it. But, then again - probably some hooligan hoodie would just vandalise them. It was 11pm when we went to the lagoon and there were a few people swimming and life guards on duty. The water looked so tempting, it was very pretty in the floodlight. We asked the lifeguards what time the pool closed and were amazed to be told it stays open all night but you are not allowed to drink alcohol there.
We left the lagoon to go for a few more beers on the way back to our apartment and were amused to see some clubbers on their way home absolutely covered in foam. Magnums is just up the road and they have foam parties which are promised to be loud and naughty. Judging by the quantity of people wandering the streets covered in bubbles, it has definitely been a soapy night for some. The bar we were in closed just after midnight and we went back to sit on our balcony. From our balcony, we can see the swimming pool which is not visible from the street. The temptation proved too much , especially as we were the only one's here. The clothes came off (all of them) and we went swimming in the pool. Why not? No-one's looking and we never get to do this at home.
To be continued......
