ahh the Whitsundays

From beautiful 1770 we did our first one night stopover at a place called Clairview.  Between Rocky and Mackay we knew there wouldn't be many options but this was right in the middle of the 1770 and Airlie Beach where we were heading, it was right on the beach and only a minute from the highway - perfect.  Well it was an experience. Signs on the toilets suggesting that children under 16 should not be unaccompanied and bathroom door should be locked on entering and leaving after hours for your own safety had me a little on edge but the park was clean, people were friendly (even if many of them were a little lacking in the teeth department) and it was situated directly on a very picturesque beach.  The tide was out at least 70 m in the evening, great for exploring all the rockpools, and lapping at the shore overnight.  Rainbow lorikeets, eagles and others were in abundance and of course the brush turkeys were roaming around.  Still we were out by 8am the morning ready to hit the Whitsundays.

Rockpools at Clairview Beach

Sunrise at Clairview

View from Shute Harbour

By lunchtine we were at Airlie Beach and admiring the stunning views of the Whitsundays.  It is 26 years since I have been here and while the resort we stayed in then has aged somewhat, this place is just as fabulous as I remember.  After some indecision about caravan parks, we opted for a very resort style Big4 with two waterslides, minigolf, jumping pillow, tabletennis, gokarts etc etc. We may not have to go anywhere.  Our first afternoon was spent checking out some of these facilities, particularly a welcome dip in the pool after yet another set-up. The next day we rode into the main centre along a boardwalk by the water's edge most of the way ending at a man-made lagoon where Ben and Emma had a ball.  It was then back to the ranch for lunch, pool etc and an outdoor movie in the evening.

Ben and Emma at Lagoon, Airlie Beach

The next day (thursday) has been voted as our favourite day so far - a trip on an almost inflatable boat which took us on a tour of the Whitsunday Islands including about an hour and a half of the best snorkelling I have ever done and lunch and chill out at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.  This beach had the whitest sand you are going to find anywhere!  I didn't get to take any photos here as the ride out and back was a wild ride almost surfing the waves and there was some concern about getting my camera wet.  So much fun though.

Looking back to Airlie Beach

Our last day in Airlie was a bit of a chill out - more swimming, a bit of a drive, more swimming, mini golf and a swim in the dark - the highlight of Ben and Emmas' day.

It is now Saturday and time to move on, where to - not quite sure yet........