Our Australia route shown in red:
Courtesy of Lonely Planet
There is only one road in Australia
After leaving Brisbane we decided to put in some kilometers and hit the Whitsunday Islands as fast as possble to give us more time there. On the way we stopped in the towns of Rockhampton, Mackay and Bundaberg. Bundaberg and most of the surrounding area is given over to sugar cane farms. It is a huge industry and even has its own train lines to transport the cane. No trip to Bundaberg would be complete without a visit to the famous Ginger Beer factory. We have become quite addicted to the stuff over the past couple of weeks and had a fun time trying out all their latest brews.
Me holding up a giant bottle of the stuff!!!
Our next stop was the town of Airlie Beach which is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. There are about seven major islands in the Whitsundays of differing sizes and containing all types of accomodation. We arrived in Airlie beach on a warm Sunday afternoon and after some shopping around for last minute standby rates we found "the" deal. Three days and two nights staying on one of the top luxury resorts - Hayman Island (see - http://www.hayman.com.au).
We left at 7am the following day and caught the transfer boat to the island. From the moment we stepped ashore it was luxury all the way and quite a step up from the campervan!! We had the resort to ourselves (hence the deal) and spent three wonderful days relaxing by the pool, hiking round the island, snorkling and being thoroughly pampered. This is what a real vacation is all about!!
The beach on Hayman Island
Relaxing by the pool
All good things had to come to an end and we had to leave our paradise island and continue our journey north. Hayman did have one last surprise for us though. Whilst waiting to catch the boat home we saw the Motley Crew drummer Tommy Lee check in to the resort (penthouse suite of course!!). Sara and I sat open mouthed as his entourage walked into the bar, downed a couple of shots and continued on to his room - rock and roll at its best!!!
Our next stop was the city of Townsville. However our desire for more island life got the better of us and so we took the ferry to Magnetic Island, about 50mins from Townsville. The weather was glorious and we spent three great nights relaxing at the only campsite on the island. The island is a real tropical getaway complete with beaches, palm trees and all manner of bugs and creatures!! Creatures including many possum like animals that decided to climb up a tree and on top of our campervan in the night. I kept watch most of the night. Alex managed to doze in between me poking him saying ...do something, they are trying to get in!!!
Sara relaxes in a hammock on Magnetic Island
After arriving back on the mainland we headed straight out for our last stop in Australia - the city of Cairns. The city is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and firmly located in the tropics. We spent a day exploring the town and went for a swim in the lagoon swimming pool on the esplanade. Most of the cities north of surfers paradise have built huge lagoon pools in front of the ocean. Due to jelly fish half of the year you cannot swim in the ocean unless it is in a netted off area. A bit disappointing you can't fully enjoy the ocean.
Lagoon swimming pool - central Cairns
The plan was to spend a week here doing a diving course and exploring some of the reef. The plan however backfired when I failed to pass the required diving medical due to a previous history of asthma. They are very strict here on diving and there was no way out. It was a disappointment but undeterrred we booked onto a days snorkling trip on the reef.
The water was calm, the weather hot and sunny - perfect for a trip to the reef. The ride out took about 2 hours but was well worth the wait. The reef was teeming with life, the highlight for me was swimming with a turtle!! We also fed Wallie the giant wrasse, and I mean giant - he was about six feet long and just as tall. Of course we also saw some nemo fish!!
One of the many dive boats on the reef
We spent the rest of the week exploring the city and also took a side trip further north to Palm Cove. I would love to come back here and stay in one of the luxury hotels on the beach front, not enough time (or money!!).
Sara and I have both loved Australia and the friendliness of the people. Do not underestimate the size of the country - it is huge and there is never enough time to see it all. Our next stop is Asia and Tokyo. I think it is going to be quite a change from g'day mate, surf boards and chilling out on beaches!! Stay tuned for more updates................
