The second half of my Whitsundays trip didn’t disappoint! Although the weather didn’t exactly cooperate with some of my plans, it was a great way to finish off the week. With that, let’s get to it!
Day 5
Another tour today! Today was supposed to be spent at the Outer Great Barrier Reef, but due to the winds was postponed. The company ended up being able to get me onto the sailing tour I had booked for later in the week, so I spent the day on the Tongarra.
The Tongarra was my least favourite tour. It was very relaxed, and I don’t do “sit still” very well. I still enjoyed being outdoors on the water, but prefer the excitement that comes with the zippier boats. Our vessel had a diesel engine that outputs 5200 watts (which is just north of 3800 foot pounds, if you’re an imperial lover like me). We got to snorkel again, all outfitted in our stinger suits. I realized I wanted to be able to take some photos while snorkelling, so I bought a dry bag and it worked okay, though the images and videos captured really don’t do the reef system justice. I got more sunburnt, but after taking the precautions I do, I’m just chalking it up to the cost of doing business Down Under.
We stopped at Langford Island to enjoy its disappearing beach as the tide came in, with a small hike to a spot that overlooks Black Island and Hook Island. In the water, I was surrounded by little translucent critters, and I had a moment of terror thinking they were Irukandji jellyfish. Luckily, this was not the case, and they were actually Moon Jellies – one of the more harmless varieties. The jellies that washed ashore looked like glass beads. One of the highlights of the day was getting to see sea turtles and dolphins! I adore my encounters with wildlife, because I know they are always left up to chance. Knowing there is no guarantee makes me appreciate what I do see that much more.
We got back on the boat, and started our cruise back to Airlie Beach while enjoying the sun going down. I really must say, Australian sunsets don’t compare to Manitoba ones (sorry, Australia!). I learned, though I feel like should have known, that at the Whitsundays’ latitude the trade winds are from the east, so weather systems come in from the Pacific.
Day 6
Today’s tour was my rescheduled Outer Reef adventure, and it was all about snorkelling. We boarded the boat and cruised for two hours to the east. All we could see was ocean, no land in sight. I was glad for the more-enclosed passenger area (less sunscreen, woo!) and grateful that I didn’t have to test my anti-nausea medication that I had bought just in case.
We snorkelled in three spots, and got to witness some tidal rapids on the coral because we had arrived just before low tide. Even though we were 75 km from the mainland, the coral was poking out of the water. The water’s depth changed rapidly: the boat was parked in 55 metres of water and ~20 metres over the coral was surfacing. Some of our group even got to see a reef shark, though I wasn’t so lucky. It was a fabulous day!
Day 7
Another day with disappointing weather – my kayaking sea turtle sightseeing tour (what alliteration!) was cancelled due to the wind. Since it was my last full day I wasn’t able to reschedule – oh well. I had booked a scenic flight that flew above and around the Whitsundays, and over to the famous “Heart Reef”. The flight only had 3 people booked in, so I got to sit up next to our pilot. It was incredible to get a bird’s eye view of the island clusters that I had visited earlier in the week.
I rotated between the lagoon and hostel pool for the remainder of the day. I treated myself to gelato for dinner to commemorate my Whitsundays trip, a scoop each boysenberry swirl and vanilla. One thing I love about Australian ice cream shops is that waffle cones are standard.
Day 8
Departure day! I slept in until 7 (wild, I know!) and then had a slow morning, enjoying my last breakfast and attempting to pack my things efficiently while hoping I didn’t accumulate enough to tip over my 7 kg luggage allowance. The baggage drop scale read 7.5 kg, but luckily the staff didn’t weigh our bags when boarding – no fee! I landed in Melbourne and headed straight to an event that my employer is hosting for CRTs working with them. It was a great evening getting to see everyone.
Budget breakdown
Because I’m a nerd trying her best to be fiscally responsible, here’s my trip in pie version:
Since I created my own itinerary this time around, I came in at $1933.78 AUD. The unlabelled segment is for souvenirs, which included postcards and a new sticker for my journal. This trip was a day longer than my Top End trip, with more relaxing, perfect for a mid-term adventure.
And that was my trip, in a nutshell! Next up: Tasmania (aka Tassie), but first I’ve got to make it to the end of the school year 🙂
See you soon,
Kate
You are living quite the adventure, Kate! I am so glad I can see your photos and read about your experiences, I feel like I am arm chair travelling with you.
Your travel blog is such a treat to read, especially now whilst we are in the depths of a cold snap here in the UK.
I never made it to the Whitsundays (never say never!) but reading about your trip and looking at your photos is a great substitute . That plane ride looks such an experience and the photos are really beautiful. Those colours! All I could respond to each photo was ‘wow’. Just spectacular.
Thank you for sharing your cost info too. I love that sort of detail because I’m naturally nosy but also it’s interesting too.
When’s your planned Tasmania trip?
Kate, you’re making me seriously think about another trip to Oz!
I’m glad you like it! The Whitsundays are incredible, I would highly recommend them, especially because you can make your trip as action-packed or relaxing as you like. I always find the financial side of travel fascinating, and I’m glad you do too. Tassie is coming up in about two weeks – I am so excited for it!