Day 44
Arrived in Airlie Beach after taking a ferry into Townsville then a 3 hour coach journey down the east coast with Greyhound. Airle looks like such a party beach, cant enjoy it too much tonight though because we are heading out on our 3 day sailing adventure around the Whitsunday Islands tomorrow.

Day 45, 46 & 47
Whitsundays sail - We are sailing on a catamaran called 'Wings' around some of the 74 Islands which make up the Whitsundays. We are well fed and even have quite a nice bed on board. It is bring your own alcohol 'BYO' so we brought a few beers along with us which they keep cool for you, although know one is allowed to start drinking until all the water activities are complete for the day. Our 3 days sail went like this.. Wednesday afternoon we left Airlie Beach harbour and set sail. Our first stop was Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island for snorkeling and Lauren even did an introductory scuba dive. Unfortunately Jason wasn't allowed to dive due to his asthma but saw some amazing sights while snorkeling. We then anchored for the night at Whitehaven Beach so had a lovely view in the morning. All of our food is provided on the boat so took full advantage of the buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Next day we were up by 7am and on South Whitehaven Beach by 8am for some beach games and swimming. In Queensland, and all along the great Barrier Reef, there is a high chance of being stung by jelly fish, therefore you are highly recommended to wear a wet/ stinger suit even when swimming, thankfully our boat provided these. After Whitehaven we then walked up to a viewpoint on Tongue Bay to look over the swirling sands of Whitehaven, the views were breath taking, neither of us have ever seen anything like it. We had 3 more snorkeling opportunities that day, the first around North Hook Island, and the second and third at Wrass Bay and Black Island. While snorkeling around Black island we saw 2 turtles and spent about 20 minutes swimming with them, it was incredible. That night we watched the sunset at Baird Point which was really nice and then chilled for the rest of the evening with our 'BYO' beers and wine :) Bliss! Third and final day on the Whitsundays, and even even earlier wake up call this morning.. We were snorkeling around Longford Island by 7.30am, the visibility in the water was perfect. Our crew said its the best weather they have seen all year. We have seen so much in the Whitsundays would love to be able to name all the fish and coral we have seen, but we have just been naming the fish by their colour ;) We did however see a massive 'Wrass' called Precilla who is renowned in the area, and obviously the turtles were a big highlight. Have probably had enough sun to last us our whole trip which i think might be good as we hear Brisbane may be very wet, so while your all having a white Christmas we may be having a wet one!

Day 48
We had a great time with Wings and if you ever visit Australia you have to spend a bit of time and money visiting the Whitsundays, and Airlie Beach was the perfect point to depart from. After our 3 day sail and having too much sun, we spent the rest of yesterday afternoon sitting in the shade around the lagoon. Did pretty much the same thing today however couldn't stay all day today as we are leaving for a 15 hour bus ride down to Rainbow Beach at 7pm. Sun burn and bus journeys just don't go so being very careful today! Have realised today, just how relaxed we both are.. Australia really does bring out the best in you ;)