I arrived in Airlie Beach on the Friday afternoon after a bit of a nightmare bus ride as there was an accident on the highway and so took about 20 hours .... seem to be enjoying lots of long bus rides on this trip! I managed to have a quick look around the town and a real party atmosphere with loads of backpackers and boat crews enjoying their time on shore. Up early on Saturday to make my way down to Shute Habour to catch my cruise around the whitsunday islands. There were only 5 of us on the boat and 5 crew so pretty much had run of the boat! An amazing 3 days sailing in the Whitsundays. First stop was Hamilton Island and then onto Langford Spit, via Hunt Channel and Cid Habour. The first night we anchored in Stonehaven. The second day visited Luncheon and Manta Ray Bay. On Hayman Island visited Blue Pearl Bay to snorkel and swim with 'Elvis' - a huge fish! Then cruised via the Nara Inlet to Hook Passage for our next anchorage. The following day went to Tongue Bay and walked over the hill to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Then went to Dumbell Island and anchored at Burning point on Shaw Island. On the last day travelled past Lindemann island in the south and Dent Island and then through Whitsunday passage to return to habour. Every day we would go snorkelling and see so many fish and colourful coral in the different bays. Each night before dinner tried a hand at fishing, something I seem to need more practice at! On the last night a dolphin and her calf circled the boat and during the day turtles would come up for air right next to the boat. Amazing! After a quick stint on another boat helping out with the sailing I got back to Airlie Beach on Friday. Enjoyed a night out with the crew in Airlie and sleeping on the boat under the stars. Up early on Saturday to catch my bus to Cairns. Even bumped into my friend Sarah in a service station on the way so managed to have a good catch up. Also on the bus was Dave, a guy on my orginal flight from england, who I met at the Rio Carnival .. small world!