MManaged to get a campsite in Airlie Beach but had to get up early as we had to be at the Port of Airlie by 7:30 to book in for our day trip around the Whitsunday islands. We were advised to get there by 7am as the car park was likely to get full early due to the reef festival….. we did so but there were loads of places. We decided not to take our own snorkel equipment but to make use of the ones provided so, once on board I went to confirm that this equipment was available…… only to be told that snorkelling was no longer available on that trip since cyclone Debbie 4 months ago…… I was devastated as I had built up that part of the trip to the kids so much….. what we would see on the reef, the dozens of different fish, turtles, plants etc. However, the day turned out to be excellent, despite the disappointment. The weather was perfect, blue sky, light cloud, fair winds. The catamaran crew managed to get the main and genoa sails to fill (though I noted we still had the engines going). We stopped off for a short trek to view Whitehaven beach from above and behind….. stunning to see and Axel identified some rays in the sea below us. We had 2 hours to relax, swim, play games etc on Whitehaven beach before returning to the cat. For a BBQ lunch (which the gulls tried to steal from us) then a lazy sail back with deck games on the way!
As we had paid for 24 hour parking at the port (and because there were toilets available) we de died to stay put for the night and walked into the marina for an Italian meal overlooking the expensive yachts!
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