Airlie Beach - The gateway to the Whitsundays

We were told by a grey nomad not to visit Airlie Beach but being the adventurous people that we are we decided try it for ourselves. We are so glad that we did. It is beautiful, not just because it is the gateway to the Whitsunday’s but because of its vibrant atmosphere. The town is humming with people, restaurants and activity. We left Bowen with four bikes and arrived at Airlie Beach with only three. Somewhere along the short way Camo’s bike had fallen off the bike rack on the back of the van and we didn’t realise. Our minds can’t help but picture that poor dog on “National Lampoons Vacation” which was left tied to the car! “Speed” as Camo called his bike must have been scraping along the road for a while before he let go! We are currently shopping for a replacement.

Notice the black bar was still attached!

The giant chess game

An action photo of the two brats

We stayed at the Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday and it was sensational. By far the most expensive van park on our trip but if you are travelling with kids, this is the place to stay at Airlie. It has a large pool with two waterslides, two jumping pillows, tennis courts, mini golf, children’s play park, massive chess game and if you were still a little bored they have evening activities such as a movie night, however the park is so big there can be a lot of inconsiderate people being loud well past the noise curfew. Our kids were overwhelmed by all the activities but tried everything. We also booked a fantastic Whitsunday tour aboard the ‘Big Fury’ as we had heard from some friends that it was great. They also told us the company guarantees NO SEA SICKNESS. 

All dressed and ready to go

This was a winner for Mel. We were collected at 10am from the van park and taken aboard the massive 4 outboard engine raft style boat. We sped out of Abel Point Marina, past Hook Island to Border Island where we snorkelled with the kids looking at the gorgeous Great Barrier Reef. We saw a massive clam shell, vibrant fish and of course the colourful coral. We were informed that the reef is the largest national Park in the world and covers an area the size of Victoria and Tasmania combined (education lesson over!)

Glenno and Camo

A very large clam

 From there we cruised over to Whitehaven Beach for lunch. To our amazement we saw a python and eight large goannas lounging at our feet! The kids were in awe as we had to dodge the natives while eating lunch. Whitehaven Beach is known for its ‘white’ sand with silica in it and it is just gorgeous.

Loving Whitehaven Beach

What a day. The smile says it all

One of our friends joining us for lunch

One big happy family

Captain Camo

Like all things, our fun had to end and we raced home in another direction which lead us past a place they call the ‘washing machine’. This section drenched us when the spray came over the edge. As funny as it was we were prepared as the company asks its passengers to bring weatherproof jackets. We also raced past all of the famous Islands such as Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream and South Molle. Mel was whispering in Glen’s ear about visiting Daydream Island one day soon. Dream on Mel! Overall it was a fabulous day and probably the best one since we have been on the coast. Next Stop, Mackay for Glenno and the kids, Wollongong for Mel.

TIP: Don’t listen to the grey nomads – definitely visit Airlie Beach and have a day cruising on Big Fury around the islands. You won’t be disappointed. Always double check your car and van as you pull out of each van park. There is always something to adjust!