A short hop from Sydney to Prosperie and now based in Airlie Beach Queensland in the most beautiful setting overlooking turquoise blue waters and palm trees. We stayed in the MirageWhitsundays which was ideal. A series of private apartments overlooking Tropical beaches with all the amenities of home. We had a beach front spacious apartment with a small plunge pool. Pefect to recharge our batteries after rushing around Sydney.

The Great Barrier Reef from the air must be one of the most spectacular views of all time.  GSL Aviation took us on a flight from Whitsunday Airport which lasted about one hour and we all gasped in amazement as we admired this spectacular reef from the skies above. We were flown low over the reef itself and you could clearly see sharks, turtles and manta rays. You can see the islands resorts dotted around and Whitehaven Beach and the Hill inlet two of Austalia’s best beaches as well as the heart shaped reef.

Airlie Beach itself has a very relaxed laid back atmosphere. Our accommodation was a short walk from the harbour along a very pretty sea view pathway and a stones throw from amenities and a large Coles supermarket so we could stock up easily with supplies for our week ahead on the boat. There are numerous restaurants with fantastic sea food although we were happy to relax and eat in tranquility at home. Once we were stocked up with our supplies for on board we were ready to get on board and meet our skipper Annie. We chartered our bareboat from Charter Yachts Australia. Annie and John have been running this business for a good number of years now and the 38′ Catamaran ‘Alida’ our home for the next eight days was in excellent condition and fully kitted out with all we would need. We hired extra Paddle Boards, scuba gear and some fishing rods to keep everyone amused on the water. Also on board the ‘stinger suits’ as sadly we are setting sail during the stinger season when there are potential ‘box jellyfish’ in the waters!