The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach

A few hundred miles south of Cairns is a nice little seaside resort of Airlie Beach. Its basically one street with a load of shops, travel agents, and a few pubs/clubs.

The main purpose of this place, from a backpackers point of view is The Whitsundays. These are a group of islands that are supposed to have one of the nicest views on the east coast....so says their local tourist bureau!!

Our first job here was to scope out the trips and deals the local offices were offering. We looked up and down and eventually found one we wanted. There was an option for an overnight or 2/3 day trip, but on the advice of a friend who had done that before, we opted for the same day round trip.

We went out early in the morning and had the option for some scuba diving/snorkelling with the barrier reef fishes. We then drove around to another island and went up a trail. This trail led to a viewing spot of the whole of Whitehaven Beach (the main beach on the main island, ie the main tourist attraction). This was the view we were told about. I was actually impressed. The view was really nice. I'm not really into this sort of stuff, but honestly it was actually a really nice view, and well worth the trek through the island. We got our photos taken by the guide, and took a few of our own, and headed back down the trail. We got back on the boat and headed around the island and on to Whitehaven Beach.

Apparently the sand on this beach is made from 99.8% silica from a crack in the water or something. The guide was telling us about tectonic plates under the water that rub together and thats where the sand comes from. She also said you can exfoliate and clean your jewellery with the sand.....hmmm, ye, where's the bar??

We stayed on the beach for an hour or so and then headed back. We saw some turtles too, which was very cool. I'd never seen any before so it was an experience.

We stayed in Airlie Beach another day or 2 and then decided to leave. I actually liked it here. Definately one of my favourite places of the holiday so far. Hopefully I can return here again, maybe with Anne-Marie once we get settled with jobs and, more importantly, cash!!

So anyway, off we went, further south, joining up with our companion Bruce (the highway) down to our next stop, Hervey Bay. Home of Fraser Island!