I first visited Australia in 1988 to visit my elder brother and his family. I have been a frequent visitor and spent one year at the Griffith University in Queensland ten years ago. This time, I flew to Sydney on 6 October in order to attend my niece’s wedding on 8 October. I love the sea and snorkeling and booked two last-minute back-to-back cruises in the Whitsunday from October 15 to 21.
Day 2 : Hill Inlet Lookout – Whitehaven Beach
Our first stop was the Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Islands National Park. After a 20-minute walk, we arrived at the Hill Inlet Lookout. The scenery was most beautiful and photogenic : an 8-km long Whitehaven Beach with white sand, azure water, numerous sparkling emerald islands (namely the Esk Island, Petral Island, Ireby Island, Wirrainbeia Island, Harold Island, Edward Island, Haslewood Island, Teague Island) and the picturesque Hill Inlet and a clear blue sky. As the tide was very low, the expansive Hill Inlet emerged as a piece of white field connecting with 
the Whitehaven Beach. The guide said he had not seen this before. In the afternoon, we spent two hours at Whitehaven Beach. I saw dolphins near the beach and walked on the soft white sand watching kids and young people playing with the sand and swimming in the warm water. But I was stung by the huge flies and had to fully cover myself!
Hill Inlet
*Overnight at Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island.
Day 3 : Luncheon Bay – Blue Pearl Bay
I love watching sunrise and sunset especially from the sea. My room-mates and I got up at 5 am and enjoyed the sunrise. According to the schedule, the boat would be heading for the Outer Reef. Unfortunately, the sea was getting rough and the boat had to turn back mid-way. We were disappointed but that’s nature and nothing could be done. In the morning, we snorkeled at the Luncheon Bay, Hook Island. The water was not clear and the only excitement for the morning was the appearance of a huge Maori Wrasse whose nickname is ‘Lady Gaga’.
We had a wonderful time snorkeling at the Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island in the afternoon. I saw fish and corals of all sizes, shapes and colours. The parrotfish and fusilier were abundant and very lovely. The sunset was breath-taking with hues of red, purple and pink and we had a great farewell dinner on the deck.
*Overnight at Caves Cove, Hook Island.
We snorkeled at Caves Cove before heading back to Arlie Beach to drop off 27 guests who were on a 4 day/3 night cruise.
A new captain and crew came on board. The boat set sail at 4pm again with 20 guests on board including five from the previous cruise. As the boat was not full, I had a cabin by myself. It was so windy and chilly that we had our dinner in the dining room. What a pity!
*Overnight at Stonehaven, Hook Island.
water was nice and warm. Unfortunately, I could not find many colourful coral fish. The captain decided to return to Blue Pearl Bay which is a better spot for snorkeling. He also took us out on a glass-bottom boat trip. I enjoyed the snorkeling and saw a 4-foot colourful Maori Wrasse. The corals are beautiful. I was however outraged when two young people stood on the coral with their fins. Their reckless behaviour would destroy the coral. I do not think snorkelers really need fins especially in shallow water.
Day 7 (21 October) : Dugong Bay – Sawmill Bay -Daydream Island – Hamilton Island
It was a miserable rainy morning with strong wind. The captain
arranged a one-hour bush-walk from Dugong Bay to Sawmill Bay. Only three energetic and high-spirited persons ( including myself) took up the challenge. We landed at Dugong Bay and had a lot of fun walking in the rain. I enjoyed breathing in the fresh and sweet air in this unspoilt part of the world!
The boat dropped me off at Daydream Island before 11 am. I had an hour walk on the island before taking a 30-minute ferry to Hamilton Island to board my flight for Sydney via Brisbane. I arrived in Sydney at 7:30pm.
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Australia is a vast and wonderful country with a dozen of World Heritage Sites of exceptional natural beauty. I have been to different parts of Australia and continue to find new unspoilt areas.
I had a great time once again. My niece’s wedding was lovely and provided an occasion for a family gathering. I met up with some secondary school friends and had a lovely time in the Whitsundays.
I always look for different and new travel experiences. I love the sea and have taken about ten cruises and expeditions on boats of all sizes. But I prefer smaller boats which provide a cozy and more relaxing ambience. The 7-day Whitsunday cruise has been a most relaxing holiday!
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