Australia - Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays

Airlie Beach
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For the last 6 days we have been in Airlie Beach which is a really chilled out place with lots of Backpackers. Its very touristy (if thats a word?) and is full of tour operators vying for everyones money with the promise of 'the best tour of the Whitsunday Islands'. Inevitably we were sold one on one of them which we booked for Monday as thats when the weather looked best (more on the trip later!)

Since we have been in Airlie Beach the weather has been ok and has been over 30oC each day but it has also been overcast for much of the time and we have had a few showers, the rain is again warm here though.

Airlie Beach Lagoon
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We are staying in a massive Hostel Resort called Magnums which has a huge bar, shops, tour desk and nightclub on site. Surprisingly though, our room is really quiet and has the luxuries of a fridge and a kettle..... Teresa being very happy to have cups of tea easily accessible!

As with Magnetic Island/Cairns, jellyfish are about so we have been unable to go in the sea. Like with Cairns though, Airlie Beach has its own lagoon by the shore where we have spent most of our time topping up our tans and swimming. The lagoon is free and open 24/7 which is another bonus.

Out to the Whitsundays
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For the early part of our stay here we have felt old..... this is due to it being 'Schoolies'. Schoolies are 17/18 year olds who have just finished high school and go on holiday to get drunk for a week. They were everywhere and happily drinking 'Goon'. Goon is what we in England would call a 'Wine Box' and sells for AU$12 (About 5 pound 50 for 3ltrs)....brilliant.

After 5 days of relaxing we were picked up for our day trip to the Whitsundays which would include; visiting Hill Inlet Lookout for some photo opportunities, a BBQ on Whitehaven Beach and the chance to Snorkel in Mantaray Bay. The crew of the 'Whitehaven Xpress' were really nice and the people on the trip were a good laugh. We got chatting to some people from Sheffield who were a good laugh. Our first stop was at Hill Inlet Lookout which had amazing views over the beaches and the inlet itself. These were the pictures that we had found on most of the postcards on the main street in Airlie Beach. We took loads of photo's before getting back on the boat and heading to Whitehaven Beach (apparently the 3rd best beach in the world....so we were told).

Hill Inlet - Whitsunday Island
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The beach was pretty special though and the sand was so white and fine like chalk. As it is 'stinger season' in order to swim in the crystal clear waters we had to wear the most stylish of clothing items... the stinger suit (see pictures) - better than being stung though! We then had a BBQ which included rump steak, chilli burgers, sausages, Queen fish and loads of salad and fruit which was really good.

After another swim we then got back on the boat and headed to Mantaray Bay where we did some Snorkelling. There were loads of fish about and some massive Maori Wrasse and Trevelly too. The snorkelling was really good and it was good being back in the water after diving. After the snorkel we headed back to Airlie Beach where we were dropped back off at the Hostel. In the evening we packed our bags ready for the trip down to Rockhampton in the morning.

Hill Inlet
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Barney & Teresa x