Airlie Beach Day 1

A long day today as we had booked in for a 3 island guided tour with Cruise Whitsundays. Out of bed at 6am and down to the local bus stop to be picked up by 7am. The bus picked up a number of other people at other venues before taking us to the Abel Point Marina.

Our first ferry departed at 8.15am for Daydream Island.  Our tour guide took us around various parts of the island and gave a short history of the island. We were watching the fish feeding when we had to board our second ferry to Hamilton Island.  The trip was quite bumpy as the wind was blowing about 15 - 20 knots southerly.

Arrived Hamilton Island and given another quick tour before surrendering a lunch coupon for a good meal at the local hotel. Wandered around the various boutique shops before our next ferry.

We departed Hamilton Island about 1.15pm and after about an hour we arrived at Whitehaven Beach noted for its white squeaky sand. We stepped off the ferry into knee deep water and waded ashore.  Various activities were organized by the crew. Evon and I elected to take a 1.3km walk up to a lookout then back to the beach and laid around until our ferry was ready to depart about 4.20pm.

Our trip from Whitehaven Beach was initially quite lumpy until we hit sheltered water then it was a pleasant ride. We made stops at Hamilton Island and Daydream Island to drop off and pick up passengers. It was then home to Airlie Beach arriving about 6.15. Found our bus and finally back at the van about 6.45pm.

Generally a good trip but no whales,  dolphins or turtles.  Weather was overcast with a couple of showers and windy as I mentioned.  We will be in bed early tonight.