Whitsunday Cruise to Airlie Beach & Whitehaven Beach

Unfortunately we all had to get up at 5.45am this morning ready to leave for the Ferry Terminal at 7.15am.    All went to plan & we boarded the ferry on time!    We had a great seat where we could view everything & a table for coffees, phones etc.   First stop was Hamilton Island & Daydream Island to pick up & drop of passengers, the views of the harbour & boats were spectacular.  .

We eventually arrived at Whitehaven Beach, they gave us morning tea on board, fruit & small lamingtons.   Was very good as we were starting to get quite hungry after our early start!   We then had to wait our turn to be ferried off the main boat on a tender.  This was also a fun experience 😆.   

Whitehaven Beach is as amazing as they advertise, beautiful white sand that squeaks when you walk on it & is so white & fine.   

Had a short walk along the beach & back to sit in the sun.   They had cricket, volleyball, paddle boards etc available if you wanted or swim.   The weather was a little cool & a slight breeze so we chose not to Swim but would have been great on a warmer day.   

Tony had a short walk through the bush up to Selway Lookout but the rest decided the beach was better 🚶  there were spectacular views at the top!

After a couple of hours we were ready to be ferried to the main boat.   As it was now low tide & a few waves were rolling in, it was a little more difficult to board our tender.    One of us got hit by a wave getting in 🤪.   

Next port was Hamilton Island but the ride to this island was a lot rougher 😬 We had a pretty rough trip in rolling seas & waves coming over the ferry.  Jude & I hung onto the table a few times but it was fun listening to the laughs & noises coming from the other passengers.  

We eventually landed in Hamilton Island.  Very picturesque as we motored in!    First stop was to find  the Marina Tavern where we were to have lunch. Beautiful spot overlooking the Marina.

Unfortunately there were lots of ravens that would fly into the deck area after someone left & ate anything they left behind.   Jude & I felt like we were being attacked at one stage but staff were quick to remove their plates.   Had a great meal & a few wines.

After a group meeting we decided to take the hop on hop off bus around the island.   First stop was a beautiful Resort - beautiful pools, beach, catamarans paddle boards.  Would be a lovely spot to stay but we opted for a coffee overlooking the pool & beach.

Back on the bus for a lovely tour around the island which we all thought was well worth it.   There are virtually no cars on the island as everyone gets around in golf buggies. I have never seen so many & would have been fun to hire but think we had to book ahead as they are very popular.  It was a great way to see the other part of the Island.    

 

Not much time left after this so Jude & I managed one shop while the boys walked around the yachts & cruisers.    The Sailing Club stood out amongst most buildings as it was architecturally designed like a boat.  The walls, ceilings etc all resembled a boat inside but unfortunately it was closed. 

Before we knew it it was time to board the ferry home.    Was a little rough going home but not as much as the morning run.   We all had our happy hour on the ferry (hanging on to our wine) as we were all too tired to catch up tonight.   Think it will be early to bed

Thanks Renee for organising such an amazing day.  We all had an amazing time, great food & wine & lots of laughs 🏖🥂🛥