Bundaberg to Cairns. May 2009

Well, one thing we can say is that the Australian East Coast, north of Mooloolaba, has given us wonderful sailing conditions. Once inside the Great Barrier Reef we have had some of the best sailing yet. The majority of the sailing has been with the spinnaker up in around 15 knots of wind. We have day hopped our way up and through the Whitsundays to Airlie Beach.




A group of playful dolphins we encountered


Daryl wandering the beach Crab activity between tides


Sunset at North Percy Island

Sunset at the top of Hook Island Camels on Airlie Beach

We had a week by ourselves in the Whitsundays before going back into Airlie Beach to pick up Gaye and Brian and friends Michael and Faye. The weather wasn’t playing the game and we had renamed them the ‘Wetsundays’ by the time we left. Never mind, fun and relaxation were high on the agenda and that we did. I didn’t realize what beautiful butterflies there are in the natural environment throughout these islands. We did a couple of pretty walks on South Molle Island and Hook Island.

Faye, Michael, Gaye and Brian Brian's great butterfly shot

View from the lookout on South Molle Island The cheeky parakeets


Bushwalking at Nara Inlet Cave drawings of the Ngara people

And what holiday in the Whitsundays would be complete without a day at Whitehaven beach. We were able to anchor the boat just off the beach and swim ashore. It lived up to its reputation, a beautiful white sand beach.

Whitehaven Beach Michael and Faye on Whitehaven Beach

Swimming at Whitehaven Drinks with 'Three Ships'

Troppo night aboard

Although the visibility and sea temperature weren’t great for snorkelling, Gaye was determined we were going to still take the opportunity and snorkel. Because much of the Whitsundays is marine reserve and protected some of the fish were huge.

Sunset at Hook Island Gaye chatting with the locals

Snorkelling at Hayman Island Brian feeding the bumphead wrass

Daryl feeding the friendly spadefish Brian in for a dive

After dropping our guests back at Airlie we did the fastest clean, provision, water, and fuel up on record and we sailing up the coast within a couple of hours.!! We had a night at Magnetic Island and one at Dunk Island. We’ll remember Magnetic Island for the pub that charged us $9.80 for a beer and a water!!! …and the fact that it was a gorgeous day on a gorgeous island. We can’t hang about, so it’s a swift sail up and into Cairns with an hour to spare before our new crew, David arrives.