Whitsundays QLD

Today we boarded the SeaLink Reef Quest III for a day cruising through the spectacular Whitsundays. The itinerary included a full circumnavigation of Whitsunday Island before dropping anchor at the iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout.

After an entertaining shuttle bus ride from our accommodation, on which the driver took great delight in convincing the international guests that almost every creature in Australia is out to get you, we departed the marina at Shute Harbour and motored out past Daydream Island and South Molle Island via the rather ominously named Unsafe Passage - somewhat fitting given the weather at the time. Queensland is currently experiencing what's being dubbed a ‘second summer’ delaying the arrival of the dry season. As a result, the morning wasn't exactly inspiring confidence.

By lunchtime we’d arrived at the famous Whitehaven Beach beneath a blanket of cloud. However, by the time the tender dropped us ashore - albeit after an almost hour-long delay due to a mechanical issue - the sun had burst through, revealing the beach's famous white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.

From the beach, we completed a short uphill walk to the Whitsunday Lookout where sweeping views stretched along Whitehaven Beach and across to Hamilton Island. Back down on the beach, the boys enjoyed a refreshing swim and a game of ball in the shallows.

Back aboard the boat, as we set off for Hill Inlet, the heavens opened. However, no sooner had we dropped anchor and made our way across to the island the rain eased. By the time we'd completed the short rainforest walk to the lookout, the clouds parted once again and we were blessed with sunshine just as we stepped onto the viewing platform. Positive vibes for the win!

On the way back down, we were fortunate to sample green ants. Surprisingly citrusy, with a lingering tingle on the tongue. Who knew they made their nests in trees and one colony can take over up to 100 trees! We'll have to try the gin they make from them one day 😋

We ended with dinner at the Airlie Beach Hotel, reflecting on a day that somehow delivered all four seasons without ever really getting in the way.

Fun Fact: The Whitsundays were named by Captain James Cook as he sailed through the islands on 3 June 1770, the day on which Christians celebrated the Festival of Whit Sunday that year. However, he forgot to allow for the International Date Line, so technically they should probably be called the Whitmondays 🙃Read more