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Whitsundays Nov. 29 – Time to enjoy the beach and the sun in Long Island with mon ami Jinelle. That afternoon, we took an aerial reef adventure tour with breathtaking overview of South Molle, Hayman, Daydream, and Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven beach and Hardy, Hook & Heart Reefs. The seaplane landed in a reef and after transferring to a boat, we went to Bait Reef for snorkeling. A preview of what to expect in my dive trip next week. Nov. 30 – Speedboat ride to Whitehaven beach, one of the most pristine beaches and a Whitsunday icon shown in most postcard here. We met our Contiki group that went for the 3 day flotilla and those who sailed aboard the Maxi Yacht. After lunch, I dived at Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island.
Last night dinner as a group. For some, it is the end of their tour, while some will head for Alice Springs, Northern Territories. Last night with Lee & Bonny, Peter from Netherland, Christine from Pretoria, S.A., Andrea – Ciao! Dec. 1 – Morning launched to the mainland before we continued to
our next stop, Townsville – capital of far north Queensland.
We stopped at a lookout of Castle Hill for a group photo, overlooking
Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. Dinner at Townsville and refreshing
cold beer at an Aussie pub.
Magnetic Island
Melinda, Olivia, Jeff and I hired a moke (mini-jeep) to explore this pretty residential
island. Melinda went horse riding while Jeff, Olivia and I circumnavigated the island on
Sea-Doo Bombardier jet ski over 2 – 3 feet of swell! A total of 65 km. First ever
drive jet ski. Lunch at Horseshoe Bay. Nightclub by the beach, shoot pool, and drinks with
Delena, Mandy, Scott, Jeff and TJ.
Dec. 3 – Whitewater rafting on the rapids of Tully River. The group was divided into 3 groups. Ours were the adventurous and daring group, which included Craig, TJ, Kim, Delena and Scott. It was fun as all of us as everyone went overboard in the course of the river. Funniest moment had to be Scott, Craig (falling twice), and Delena (unintentionally demonstrating on how to go overboard).
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Nov.
28 – That morning, we visited Mackay, Australia’s sugar capital
before entering Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays. Whitsundays
comprise 74 tropical islands of paradise. It also offers access to the
Great Barrier Reef. We continued to Shute Harbour where we boarded our
launch for the short journey to Club Crocodile Long Island. Some
opted of a 3 night Whitsunday Flotilla Sailing while Jinelle and I planned
for a sea plane aerial tour and snorkeling to the reef. We also decided
to go to Whitehaven Beach on our own rather than the Contiki’s recommended
tour. We were such a rebel but heck. Dinner was all-you-can-eat seafood
buffet and later drinks on the bar where I had a nice eveninig chat with
a new found friend Simone from Victoria Island, BC. Wallabies were all
over the front patio of the room!
