The Whitsunday Islands

February 11 - 15, 2007

Sunday morning we took the train from Cairns to Whitsundays. Sitting in business class seats for the 9 hour ride was looking good until a lady brought her 4 little toddlers in to our car. Within 5 minutes we knew this was going to be a disaster as all the screaming, screeching, yelling and moaning was never going to stop. We immediately headed forward 2 cars where ample seats awaited us.

For lunch we had our instant noodles, do you believe that they charged us $2.80 for hot water?!? NOTHING is FREE in Australia !?!

The Whitsundays lies midway along the Queensland coast – a group of 74 islands bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and cradled by the calm waters of the Coral Sea, sandy coves and holiday resorts.

The next morning, aC and I hung out at Airlie Lagoon, where I was given a 2 hour lesson on how to do the breaststroke, tread water and float (hmmm? How did I ever get to the green badge ala Canada Life Savings for all you people 25+!)

We spent the afternoon walking down Shute Harbour Road, the main strip in Airlie Beach looking for any great deals on excursions and sailing adventures. We ended up doing a 2day package with Cruise Whitsundays consisting of 2 full, all inclusive days. Day 1 was a trip to the ‘knuckle reef lagoon’ with a few hours at the pontoon to snorkel, dive, eat, relax and even have a 90 minute massage! (she aint no jK or Martha so nay for both of us...) Day 2 was a full day of sailing on the ‘Camira’, a 26 meter catamaran capable of moving at speeds up to 30 knots. The highlights of these 2 days include: saving about 100.00 each with our ‘student/hostel international ID’s’, (who cares that my U of T ID was issued in 1998 right??), the scones and vegemite served during morning tea, the 20+ prawns we gobbled up on both lunches and smooshing our feet in the pure silica sands at Whitehaven Beach. I’d have to say the water is nicer in Bora Bora, but nothing compares to this soft, fine and smooth silica!

After 4 days on the beaches, we’re heading back to Sydney to meet up with aC's dad, aunt, uncle, sis, and bro.

For more pictures, check out our photosite at:
http://acswaustralasia.photosite.com/