Whitsunday Island and New Years Eve

December 31
Today is New Years Eve in Australia.....it’s still December 30 back home. It’s so difficult wrapping my head around this. Had breakfast and heading to our meeting point (Abell Marina) for our excursion to the Whitsunday Islands. The 74 Whitsunday Islands lie between the northeast coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef and is full of coral and marine life. Most of the islands are uninhabitable.

We were all given stinger suits to wear for the duration of the day.

We were taken to our first snorkel spot. It wasn’t that good as it was high tide. We found that the group of people that were on the trip was not very friendly. Next stop, Whitehaven beach a 7 km stretch along Whitsunday Island. The island is accessible by boat, seaplane & helicopter from Airlie Beach. Tourists and locals visit Whitehaven Beach to swim and enjoy bright white sand. Campers are also welcome when they book with the National Parks camp facilities.

Our second snorkel spot was amazing. So many many fish, the colours, and their size! Later we stopped at Palm Bay Resort on Long Island, where we were able to buy a cold drink and swim in their pool. Back to Abell Marina by 4:30 pm.

Grabbed our things and headed right up to the Airlie Lagoon to rinse off. Brad stopped and bought a few shirts, then We headed back on the road to our next campsite.

We finally stopped at Barracrab campsite only to find the camp has thrown a New Years Peary. We watched the dancers and enjoyed the music.

Brad went and joined our neighbours for a drink. Snowie and Hamel helped us when drove into the site.

January 1 Happy New Years!
It was a slow start for Brad this morning. He said that his friends Snowie mixed strong drinks. Tried to cook breakfast in the camp kitchen but after looking at the stove we decided to cook in our camper instead. We visited with Snowie and thanked him for his hospitality before we left for Hervey Bay. Another somewhat of a long driving day. 6 hours!

Brad wanted to stop in Bundaberg to visit the rum distillery. We missed the rum tour by 20 minutes. Didn’t matter, he was happy just buying a bottle of something that is not sold anywhere but in Bundagerg.
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FInally got into Hervey Bay.....we were welcomed by a thunder and lighting storm! It just poured!!!