Shaunduvall's travel blogs:
|
|
  | |  |
One Step Closer To Knowing
Entry 49 of 105 | show all | print this entry |
|
Saturday 4th December 2004
Arrived in Airlie Beach last night, Friday night, at 10pm - and wasnt impressed - Ibiza with an Australian accent, supreme party town!
Wandered the town (didnt take long!), past the lagoon (artificial lagoon for swimming to avoid the stingers), and did very little - its very hot. This place has at least helped me with deciding whether I go to the Gold Coast - its apparently worse than this, so no way!
Sunday 5th December 2004
The real reason I came to Airlie Beach was to go on a boat trip around the Whitsunday Islands, so I board my sailing boat "Summertime", with 11 others (just about the right number) and set sail. Two of the other passengers I have already met before in Oz (its a small country).
Weather forecast is not great for the next 3 days, but at the moment its beautifully sunny, clear blue sky, and very hot as we sail through the islands - not enough wind even to use the sails.
Due to the stingers, at all times in the water we have to wear stinger suits (kind of thinner wetsuit), and do some great snorkelling at the first stop, in nice warm water.
Boat gently rocks me to sleep in my cabin later on...its a hard life
Monday 6th December 2004
Even better views this morning - sitting, legs dangling over the side of the boat as we sail around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands - a collection of 90 or so Islands protected as a national park, hence with very little development.
Absolute bliss, listening to HTDAAB with the waves crashing against the boat.
Do some more snorkelling, and diving (jumping rather than scuba) off the boat.
We then stop to get onto land, and are dropped off at a beach, from where we walk firstly to the lookout of Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach - I had seen this image in my book, but it hadnt been attributed to here - absolutely stunning view over bay / river inlet, with crystal clear blue water, surrounded by whiter than white sand bars - the photo's just dont do it justice.
Walk down to paddle in the water - we hadnt brought our stinger suits, so shouldnt have gone in, but you just had to!
Tuesday 7th December 2004
Play time today, being pulled around the bay on a rubber inflatable, with the boat guy doing his best to throw you off (he was very, very successful!)
Onto land again, to see some aboriginal artwork, which, as usual, is marred by more modern "artists" who think its cool to add their name, but nevertheless, more superb views over the bay
Have to sail back now unfortunately, past the turtles, and the first sea snake I've seen actually on the water (rather than under it).
Returned to Airlie Beach and caught the first bus out - I dont want to spend another night here! - Could go sailing again and again, but couldnt stay in this town! - but shame I missed out on the post trip night out.
|
|
If you like this entry, search for other entries by shaunduvall, from Australia or try a new search. |
| |
Back to Entry - Back to Home
|
88 votes 
This is a top pick!
