The 12 hour train ride up to Airlie Beach was worse than I thought it was going to be. We departed Hervey Bay 10:30 pm and arrived in Airlie Beach 9:00 am the next day. Both Lisa and I did not sleep a wink! Babies crying, people talking, air conditioning pumping too much cold air coupled with really tight foot space and 90 degree angle seats that would not recline kept us up the entire night. I saw the sun rise over Mackay as we got nearer.
In any case, we made it. Arrived at Bush Village backpackers, a good 1 km from Airlie, checked in, booked our tour on the Whitehaven Express for the following day (after Lisa sifted through thousands of brochures), had showers, and hitched a ride into town to check out the scene.
We just toured around the shops, got some groceries, and then decided to hang out in the park and do some reading. Airlie beach is cool. Very much a party town though. It was bumpin when we were there and it wasn't even high season. The afternoon came quickly, and we were fighting to stay awake, so we decided to head back to our room, eat something and take a snooze....which lasted until morning so really was a deep nights sleep.
The next day got us on the Whitehaven express off to explore the Whitsunday islands, do some snorkeling, and chill out on the infamous Whitehaven beach.
The Whitehaven Express....that was our boat.
Our first stop on the tour was Manta Ray Bay to do some snorkeling. Apparently Manta Ray Bay is the best snorkeling in the Whitsunday islands....and I have to agree. I wish I had a waterproof disposable camera bc the view was amazing. Colourful coral and so many beautiful fish, I couldn't spent the whole day under water. We only had an hour though....then it was back on the boat to check out Hill Inlet & the scenic outlet overlooking Whitehaven Bay.
This was by far the most amazing beach view I had ever scene. Apparently this point is the most photographed spot in the world and the beach one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The photos don't do it justice, but check them out!
We didn't spend very much time at the top, but did spend the next few hours down on Whitehaven beach taking in the view, and having a good ol fashioned Aussie BBQ prepared by our guides. I couldn't get over the white sand and clear water. I did not want to leave...
This was my view....
Me trying to be ANTM......I think I need to soften the eyes...
Lisa did better, after all she did audition for Canada's Next Top Model
It was a great day. Perfect weather, perfect beaches. I didn't want to give it up.
The next day we were due to depart and head back to Sydney, but before we left, we spend the morning opal shopping and chilling out at the Lagoon. You can't swim in the ocean cus it's stinger season so Airlie has this man made Lagoon in town where everyone goes to suck up rays and cool off. 
It was hard to believe that Lisa's visit was nearly over. I wish she could've stayed longer. It was absolutely great to see her and to be honest, it really helped me get through my moments of homesickness. Stuart and I are planning on heading to Canada for a visit in Aug 2007 so I fine to know that we would all see each other again soon.
Hope you had a great trip Lisa, it was fun to hang out and explore Australia with you!
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