It’s 3 hour flight from cold grey Melbourne. Very warm and humid.
First time I’ve ever been to this area.
Reminds me very much like Fiji.
I’m considering scuba diving tomorrow! It’s not like jumping from a plane!
If I don’t do it tomorrow where there’s a chance, I might never do it otherwise!
I have snorkelled and breathe okay with mouthpiece under water. So I reckon I will be okay! I’m determined!  ;D
Here’s a photo along the way from airport.

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Sophia wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 7:32pm:

It’s 3 hour flight from cold grey Melbourne. Very warm and humid. First time I’ve ever been to this area. Reminds me very much like Fiji. I’m considering scuba diving tomorrow! It’s not like jumping from a plane! If I don’t do it tomorrow where there’s a chance, I might never do it otherwise! I have snorkelled and breathe okay with mouthpiece under water. So I reckon I will be okay! I’m determined!  ;D Here’s a photo along the way from airport.

Nouvelle-Calédonie

FNQ.

Near here?

https://www.realestate.com.au/property/28-keith-williams-dr-cardwell-qld-4849/


Cardwell, QLD 4849



https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600-format=webp/407ddbce77759939da32243f32f16b1dc50345ce9f46ff9ef61db567875888cf/main.jpg

Frank wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 8:23pm:

Sophia wrote on May 10th, 2026 at 7:32pm: It’s 3 hour flight from cold grey Melbourne. Very warm and humid. First time I’ve ever been to this area. Reminds me very much like Fiji. I’m considering scuba diving tomorrow! It’s not like jumping from a plane! If I don’t do it tomorrow where there’s a chance, I might never do it otherwise! I have snorkelled and breathe okay with mouthpiece under water. So I reckon I will be okay! I’m determined!  ;D Here’s a photo along the way from airport. Nouvelle-Calédonie

I’ve not left the country, so no, not New Caledonia, but I’ve been there in past, very tropical.
And expensive! Mon dieu!

Bobby. wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 9:03pm:

Near here? https://www.realestate.com.au/property/28-keith-williams-dr-cardwell-qld-4849/ Cardwell, QLD 4849 https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600-format=webp/407ddbce77759939da32243f32f16b1dc50345ce9f46ff9ef61db567875888cf/main.jpg

Nope, you’ve gone further north of where I’m located. But looks the same. And muggy too!

Gordon wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 8:42pm:

FNQ.

Not too far north. It’s been said to be the primary gateway to Great Barrier Reef.

This is a shopping centre near the accommodation.

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Sophia wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 7:32pm:

It’s 3 hour flight from cold grey Melbourne. Very warm and humid.

Somewhere near Airlie beach

Baronvonrort wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 10:40pm:

Sophia wrote on May 10th, 2026 at 7:32pm: It’s 3 hour flight from cold grey Melbourne. Very warm and humid. Somewhere near Airlie beach

Yes - I was going to say near Mackay.

Baronvonrort wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 10:40pm:

Sophia wrote on May 10th, 2026 at 7:32pm: It’s 3 hour flight from cold grey Melbourne. Very warm and humid. Somewhere near Airlie beach

Yes! Well done! Staying in Arlie Beach and about to go to reef world. Weather a bit dismal!
What is odd … the Whitsundays airport in the absolute middle of nowhere?

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Where are all humans gone?
Is it future world driven by AI?

tallowood wrote on May 11^th, 2026 at 10:21am:

Where are all humans gone? Is it future world driven by AI?

Huh!  ;D all undercover. Wind and rain!
And the catamaran for hours in rough water with people around me vomiting in sickie bags! I put a small towel from my carry pack to my nose to stop smelling it. We were not allowed to get up from our seats due to the rough ride!
I have to admit I enjoy those wild boat rides bashing against waves!  ;D
Didn’t bother with expense of diving because of crap weather and low viability.
Next time.
Here’s a wave bashing against window!

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Under water observatory. Love these silver fish that catch the light through the water.

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Sophia wrote on May 11^th, 2026 at 2:42pm:

tallowood wrote on May 11th, 2026 at 10:21am: Where are all humans gone? Is it future world driven by AI? Huh!  ;D all undercover. Wind and rain! And the catamaran for hours in rough water with people around me vomiting in sickie bags! I put a small towel from my carry pack to my nose to stop smelling it. We were not allowed to get up from our seats due to the rough ride! I have to admit I enjoy those wild boat rides bashing against waves!  ;D Didn’t bother with expense of diving because of crap weather and low viability. Next time. Here’s a wave bashing against window!

It is all part of sea world fun  ;D

Do you feel the ground is rocking and swaying when back on dry land?

I haven't been further north than Noosa for more than 20 years.

tallowood wrote on May 11^th, 2026 at 3:00pm:

Sophia wrote on May 11th, 2026 at 2:42pm: tallowood wrote on May 11th, 2026 at 10:21am: Where are all humans gone? Is it future world driven by AI? Huh!  ;D all undercover. Wind and rain! And the catamaran for hours in rough water with people around me vomiting in sickie bags! I put a small towel from my carry pack to my nose to stop smelling it. We were not allowed to get up from our seats due to the rough ride! I have to admit I enjoy those wild boat rides bashing against waves!  ;D Didn’t bother with expense of diving because of crap weather and low viability. Next time. Here’s a wave bashing against window! It is all part of sea world fun  ;D Do you feel the ground is rocking and swaying when back on dry land?

No actually, I felt instant calm (well my stomach did!)
Trouble is, we are advised via tv screens, to remain seated! If I could stand and walk about I would be better off! Sitting down feeling the tumbler action sucks bricks! >:(
Just got back half hour ago and same rough ride! I fought hard to not vomit this time! Ginger lollies.
And a cup of ice cubes.
Here’s a nice side swipe of catamaran!

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Gordon wrote on May 11^th, 2026 at 7:09pm:

I haven't been further north than Noosa for more than 20 years.

I’m waiting (and hoping next 2 days) are picture perfect weather like all the brochures show  ::)

Went in a submarine viewer thingy and here’s my coral reef photo.

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Tomorrow if a free day to just walk around discovering area. Twenty minute walk to marina.
Will post pics tomorrow.

Sophia wrote on May 11^th, 2026 at 7:41pm:

Tomorrow if a free day to just walk around discovering area. Twenty minute walk to marina. Will post pics tomorrow.

I went here a long time ago - Club Crocodile resort -
the water is so warm you can stay in it for hours if you wanted to.

https://greatbarrierreef.org/islands/long-island/


https://greatbarrierreef.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Long-Island-Palm-Bay-Resort.jpg

Today’s photos would be us walking in the rain!  ;D
But it’s not cold.
We managed our second walk while sun shone.
Walked along boardwalk to the Marina … we’re considering walking further for half hour to the shops but saw a dark cloud coming over from that direction. We didn’t bring our raincoats this time.
Decided to walk back to accommodation. By the time we got to reception it started pouring rain! We made it in time!
Anyway…here’s today’s pics.

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Bobby. wrote on May 11^th, 2026 at 7:49pm:

Sophia wrote on May 11th, 2026 at 7:41pm: Tomorrow if a free day to just walk around discovering area. Twenty minute walk to marina. Will post pics tomorrow. I went here a long time ago - Club Crocodile resort - the water is so warm you can stay in it for hours if you wanted to. https://greatbarrierreef.org/islands/long-island/ https://greatbarrierreef.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Long-Island-Palm-Bay-Resort.jpg

Looks like a nice place!
All these names they have with the word crocodile!
Our accomodation has a Croc Club  ;D  ::)
Beaches aren’t very appealing. Big rocks …to stop erosion? Must be big storms when they come!

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Our second excursion, at the pier again, and it’s raining! Maybe we change the name Whitsundays to Wetsundays  ;D
On big cat on way to Whitehaven Beach. At least it’s not as tough as other day on water.

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More rain this morning, then a tougher ride on catamaran to Whitehaven Beach, and finally the sun shone. Yay!
Beautiful isolated unspoilt beach and no service on mobile phone!
We made friends with some Goannas that decided to keep us company. Some people say in top of table tops just to keep their feet away from them!
That was funny. I just kept my feet up in the seat!
Goanna move so quietly and almost camouflaged!

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Looks like the Goannas are almost tame -

they just want something nice to eat - that's all.    :)

Sophia wrote on May 13^th, 2026 at 7:41am:

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The Trimaran with white wing mast looks like the old Vodaphone ORMA 60 Tri.
ORMA Tris are 60ft long 60ft wide 100ft mast
It would be the fastest offshore sailboat in Australia capable of doing Sydney to Hobart in less than 24 hours.
Not allowed in that race it would slaughter the Maxis.

Avatar is more cruiser design they do sailing trips out of Airlie google Avatar trimaran

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Funny isn’t it…I’m back in Melbourne and it’s beautiful blue skies and warm sunshine! Pfft!

Baron, I wish I could put a short video in here (unless there’s a way, let me know) to show how wild it was on the Cat in the turbulent Coral sea!

There was one wave where the Cat went into the dip and I saw the sea level half way up the window!
I mean really, these catamarans are going between islands every day for years!
At Hamilton Island, we were at the terminal and saw heaps of tradies at knock off time getting on board to go back to wherever. They must see some wild shyte hey!

Speaking of Hamilton island, everyone drives around in a golf buggy! Loved it! I noticed an airplane take off so they have direct 3 hour flights into Hamilton Island I found out!

That’s next on my “go to” list.
And golf buggy here we come!  ;D

What a wild hectic 4 days away we had! Glad to be back home to recoup!  ;D

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Bobby. wrote on May 10^th, 2026 at 9:03pm:

Near here? https://www.realestate.com.au/property/28-keith-williams-dr-cardwell-qld-4849/ Cardwell, QLD 4849 https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600-format=webp/407ddbce77759939da32243f32f16b1dc50345ce9f46ff9ef61db567875888cf/main.jpg

;D No snorkelling there - the place is full of crocs.

Went to Airlie on honeymoon in Oct 1977. Drove up there in a white 74 model Holden HQ Kingswood. My cousin was working at the then new Airlie Beach Resort.

We stayed with her - did a few tours out from Shute Harbour.

A float plane Pilot was killed whilst we were there, he clipped powerlines on the hills around Shute Harbour when he was coming in for a landing - flipped the plane over and into the water ....

by the time a couple of local divers got to the plane and got him out he had drowned.  :(

Anyways like a lot of places on the east coast that become popular tourist attractions I believe Airlie is over commercialised & geared for the foreign tourist(expensive).

Just like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay and Yeppoon.

I have no plans to go back to Airlie.

I could tell the old Honeymooners joke but I won't.  ;D

Gnads wrote on May 17^th, 2026 at 11:28am:

Went to Airlie on honeymoon in Oct 1977. Drove up there in a white 74 model Holden HQ Kingswood. My cousin was working at the then new Airlie Beach Resort. We stayed with her - did a few tours out from Shute Harbour. A float plane Pilot was killed whilst we were there, he clipped powerlines on the hills around Shute Harbour when he was coming in for a landing - flipped the plane over and into the water .... by the time a couple of local divers got to the plane and got him out he had drowned.  :( Anyways like a lot of places on the east coast that become popular tourist attractions I believe Airlie is over commercialised & geared for the foreign tourist(expensive). Just like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay and Yeppoon. I have no plans to go back to Airlie. I could tell the old Honeymooners joke but I won't.  ;D

What’s the old joke?

Anyway, I think Airlie Beach is over commercialised. There is no nice beach there!
It’s only good for the catamaran terminal to go to other islands.

The only place I wouldn’t mind going to stay (direct flight is good, with free bus pick up going around every 40 mins) is Hamilton Island.

Your honeymoon sounds better …and better car too!
We drove to Merimbula 1976 (before it was a good tourist area) in my 1968 HR Holden. Which btw…the alternator went defunct!
We couldn’t turn car off as it wouldn’t start again.
Found an old fashioned service station that had old car parts and he had an alternator once fitted, it worked!
Geez hey! Memories  ;D
Decided Merimbula was boring, weather wasn’t hot enough for beach, so after 3 days drive back home!