Joffems’ Journey

No trip to Airlie Beach is complete without a cruise through the Whitsunday Islands. I decided that the best trip through the islands would be onboard a former racing maxi yacht.

The boat I went on was called Hammer. Hammer, a 22.5 m maxi, has many claims to fame from her racing day. Her biggest claim is that she is the only boat to finish in the top 3 of the Sydney to Hobart race 5 years in a row.

The trip was 3 days long and all sleeping, eating, and drinking was done on the boat. We did get off the boat to snorkel, hike, and relax on beautiful white sand beaches.

Hammer

My Bed

Hoisting the sails

Sunrise at Whitehaven Beach (I was the only person who woke up to watch it)

Hill Inlet

Whitehaven Beach

Marc

The drive to Airlie Beach was unique as it was the first time that I went for a drive that wasn’t through the middle of nowhere in a while. As a result, there were things to see along the way and I even had cell phone service.

Sugar Cane

Giant Mango

After the quick drive (less than 400 km) I made it to Airlie Beach. When I got to Airlie I was greatly disappointed. I would think that a town with the word “beach” in the title, would have a great beach. But there are no nice beaches here. Instead, there is a big man made salt water lagoon on the beach front that everyone swims in.

The lagoon

Airlie Beach

Marc

Townsville, turned out to be a cute city, though it is not the most exciting place on earth. While in Townsville, I visited the aquarium, walked to the Castle, and explored the beach front and shopping areas.

Fish in the aquarium

A fountain along the beach front

From Townsville I got on to the ferry to Magnetic Island with some people I met in Townsville. Magnetic Island is beautiful. The island, a tropical paradise gets 320 days of sunshine a year. So, of course, it rained there on my first night, and all of my second day which was a bit of bummer. It wasn’t all a waste though. I managed to get some good walking and some beach time in.

Radical Bay

I have now left the island and I am on my way south to Airlie Beach. hopefully, I’ll rediscover the sun and beautiful beaches.

Marc