There are a number of reasons why I made the long trek to the other side of the world, and a big one of those is beaches! The sound of waves gently lapping the shore, as a tropical breeze cools me from the heat of the sun shining in a cloudless sky is as close as I want to get to Heaven anytime soon.
As Meghan and I sat in Avalon airport, each toting only one bag with bathers and cute sundresses, the anticipation of a relaxing beach side holiday depleted any weariness at the hours of travel to get there. And it was more than I ever could have imagined.
Luck favoured us for each aspect of our trip. As we taxied along the runway, our pilot informed the passengers that there would be a couple minutes delay because Melbourne Airport was closed due to a storm. Lucky for us we had changed our plans and decided to fly out of Avalon, or we never even would have been airborne for our amazing trip.
Despite the pilot pushing the plane’s limits, I believe he was attempting to see how far he could angle it before we went into a barrel roll, we made it safely to Mackay. Now it was only a short bus ride, complete with the middle-aged driver singing pop songs, to Airlie Beach.
You can imagine the feelings of disappointment when we awoke to find the blue sky covered by gray clouds, and rain intermittently soaking everything that the humidity hadn’t already dampened. This was our day to cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef, we wanted a little sun! We weren’t going to let anything dampen our excitement at seeing this wonder, however, and even without the sun beating on us, we sported cute sun dresses.
I believe that again fortune favoured us, because as we passed the last islands of the Whitsundays and headed out into the ocean towards the outer reef, the sun not only poked through the clouds, but banished every last one from the sky. As we arrived at the Great Barrier Reef the sun shone brilliantly from a crystal clear sky, dazzling the tropical waters of Knuckle Reef Lagoon.
After only a little bit of coaxing we were dressed in our stylish stinger suits, with flippers, snorkels and the all important underwater camera. Sitting on the platform, it took the conquering of a few more nerves before plunging into the warm ocean water. The reef was beautiful, albeit much less colourful than I always imagined it would be. It was a truly amazing experience to be out there without any land in sight.
Our remaining time at the reef consisted of enjoying a delectable lunch while wearing only bathers and gazing across the blue expanse of ocean. There was a chance to view the reef up close in a glass bottom boat, as well as in a semi-sub, complete with commentary from the local marine biologist. Before we knew it our sun filled day on the ocean had come to an end and we were cruising back to our tropical island for the night.
The ferry arrived at Long Island at dusk, and in the waning light, with torches lighting the path, and casting their glow on palm fronds, it felt like a true tropical paradise. The resort was quiet, and secluded. Hammocks swung between palm trees, offering a view out across the bay.
That first night was one that I won’t soon forget. We relaxed in the warm night air, enjoying nachos and sipping coronas as wallabies hopped on the nearby beach. Before long a local musician was taking requests and entertaining the twenty guests that were enjoying the night.
And then, as we all sat covered by the tin roof, the rains came. It was a true tropical rain storm. I have never seen rain come down so hard, drenching everything and not easing up for hours.
Our excitement at being on a tropical island was bit dampened the next day when we opened our screen door to a complete mass of grey cloud cover and a constant drizzle. Well, we were Canadian, and this was a lot better than snow, so we didn’t let it stop our explorations. We cooed over wallabies, steered clear of creepy spiders, and let ourselves get balked by birds; and had an amazing morning. While enjoying a coffee on the deck, and looking at over the bay, a small break in the clouds was spotted. How exciting! It grew until we once again had sunshine, and baked in the heat, while melting in the humidity.
The tides were extreme and as the sun appeared, the tides went out, exposing new things to explore. While trekking on an exposed peninsula to Pelican Island, we worked hard to avoid crabs and barnacles, although the latter managed to leave a mark.
Awaking the next morning, the sun shone done on us, sending an invitation to enjoy it’s warmth while we sailed out to Whitehaven Beach. With a quick stop on Daydream Island, where Meghan and I both immediately fell in love with the resort, we were soon on board the Camira and sailing through the Whitsundays. We toasted our skin, and soothed our souls with the sounds of the prow cutting through the waves. It was a truly tropical day.
Our last night in Airlie Beach we decided we should experience a little bit of the party atmosphere that the area is known for. After being mistaken for girlfriends by a guy that believed he could hit on Meghan in his extremely drunken state, and noting how many girls were willing to enter the wet t-shirt contest, we decided to call it a night.
With a few hours before our bus came to take us back to the airport the next day, what else was there to do except shop? Especially with so many sales on!
Despite the exhaustion we both felt after arriving back in Melbourne at 2am, our trip to the Whitsundays will be one remembered and smiled upon forever.
