We boarded the Pacific Sunrise, our home for the next 3 days, in the afternoon and were glad to get some cooler air as we set sail. The boat is just amazing, with loads of room for 17 guests and 6 crew not to be tripping over each other and air con in the cabins! Basically, we can't believe our luck.

The first night, we anchored in a quiet bay in Hook Island and were treated to scallops, trout and apple crumble while we got to know each other. The chef, Nick, is so talented and we ate like kings. The next day, we sailed to Whitehaven Beach, the 4th most photographed place in Australia (can you see why?). It has some of the purest sand in the world, and we spent a couple of hours there. Did a bit of swimming (you have to wear wetsuits/stinger suits here as it's the start of jellyfish season now) and kayaking. Saw a few big turtles coming up for air and some Stingrays just in the shallows.

Later there was a chance for snorkelling but it involved jumping off a boat. I wasn't sure whether to do it or not, as I'd only snorkelled once before and am still terrified swimming out of my depth, but didn't want to miss out. And I did it! With the help of Chris, the skipper, the long-suffering Rob and a "noodle" (comedy long float that you put under your arms) - I jumped off a boat! And saw some fish! And got stung on my hand : ( but probably not by a jellyfish.

In the evening, we had more unbelievable gourmet treats and afterwards Cap'n Craig showed us various constellations/stars in the night sky out on the top deck. Well we thought that was a fantastic day...

The next day we arrived at Luncheon and Manta Ray bays and had a couple of snorkels and Rob had 2 dives as well (busy day!) This time, there was more to see and we were truly swimming amongst loads of fish! Loved it so much, I even abandoned my noodle, and Rob got his hand back. In the evening, most of us congregated up on the top deck and watched the sunset in Blue Pearl Bay. We had glasses of bubbly and all you could hear were the strains of music and conversation from the other boats anchored in the bay. Then we got to eat rump steak and cheesecake! This was probably one of the best days we've had so far on this trip, if not ever. After dinner, the Cap'n serenaded us with an acoustic set from his band 'Peace and Plenty' who tour up and down the East Coast. Went to bed smiling.

We all felt pretty glum arriving back into Airlie Beach and it was sad to leave behind such an amazing boat, fantastic crew and all the great people we'd met on board. Still, we left with some pretty special pictures, memories, and of course, a CD by Peace and Plenty for the rest of the road trip!