After another long drive, Bel and I arrived late afternoon at Airlie Beach and set up camp for 4 nights. We were at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday islands so there was much to do.
The next morning we jumped on the bikes and did our usual exploration around town. The bicentennial cycle/walk path made this even easier than usual and we had a great look around while completing a 13km loop.
First stop was for a coffee – of course….
It was an overcast day but still quite warm at 27 degrees and low humidity – beautiful. We rode along the coast and through the Marinas.
And then through parkland before making the return trip back into town.
There was certainly a lot of money around town, but at the other end of the scale we also plenty of back packers walking the path – every one of them carrying either a cask of wine, 10 pack of cider or case of beer – goon seemed to be the most popular choice.
The following day we headed off on a tour of the islands and reef. We went all out and splurged on the seaplane tour – one of the most amazing experiences of the trip to date and worth every cent.
Firstly we headed off to Whitehaven Beach – often voted as one of the worlds most beautiful beaches. I got to be copilot on this leg.
We flew over the Whitsunday Islands and got a great perspective of the island network before landing on the beach for a swim and champagne😊.
After an hour on the beach we took off and headed for the reef. What an amazing experience. We have been to the reef a few times before, but always from sealevel, and this gave us a completely new perspective on the size and beauty of the reef – words just can’t describe it.
We had a chance to fly over heart reef – the signature of the Whitsundays.
We landed beside Hardy Reef where we jumped onto a glass bottom boat and entered a sheltered lagoon inside the reef for a snorkel. It was quite windy but the coral walls sheltered us from the waves.
It was end of stinger season so we played it safe and suited up!
And then jumped in for an hours snorkeling. Amazing coral and sealife was teaming around us. I didn’t take the GoPro so no pics unfortunately.
After the snorkel, some more bubbles and then a quick flight back over the reef and islands home. I want to go again!!!!
On our final day we drove out to Cedar Creek Falls on the advice of a friend – Dave. Very pretty and would be a great swimming spot in Summer.
We then headed back to camp, jumped on the bikes and rode to the Marina for a relaxing lunch.
A great end to a great few days in Airlie Beach.