After a much needed nights sleep at Rockhampton YHA, we drove over 500 Kms (310 miles) up to Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, named by Sir James Cook who sailed through them on July 3rd 1770, on what he thought was Whitsunday. In fact it wasnt' at all, as he'd forgotten to take account of the international date line and he was a day out.
The 'Fantasea Festival' was on whilst we there, which had street parades and a beach volleyball tournament.
We booked with Ocean Rafting and did a full day cruising through the amazingly clear waters on the Monday.
First of all we went to the Nara Inlet Aboriginal Caves and then onto Whitehaven Beach. The sand on Whitehaven Beach is like talcum powder - so fine and white.
The trip was great and Joo managed to get some great snorkelling done, even though she had to wear the rather unfashionable 'stinger suit'.