Where to next year?

He will need a pretty long snorkel to get to Hamilton as well ...

Jack

I think we could live without the Wombatmobile for a couple of weeks John.

Once upon a time...a looooong time ago.... I ran the Bar on Daydream Island in the Whitsundays......hmmmmmmmmm...thats when we were all skinny and good looking LOL Yeah I agree with you Eric..a beaut place for a holiday.

Mate your still a skinny and good looking bloke in my view.

Then again I am booked for an eye test next week. LOL.

Many, many years ago (when I was skinny too) H and I drove to Cairns with a couple of mates and had an absolute ball visiting as many of the islands on the east coast as we possibly could on the way back down, except for Hamilton Island. This was in the early 1980s and places like Green Island and Fitzroy Island were undeveloped, Daydream had only just been completed, and Airlie Beach was little more than a wharf and small airport. A couple of years later we went to Hamilton Island for our honeymoon as it was the premium Whitsunday tourist destination of the time. Nineteen years later it would be interesting to re-visit and see what progress has vested upon to the place. Eric, would it be possible to get some information on the charter company you went through for your boat hire?

No stress . I am pretty sure I have kept most things . From memory , I went through QYC , make sure you get a nice cat , There is so much room on those things.

I think the standard of service may vary slightly between Tahiti and FNQ though Bob.

G'day Al,

We were contemplating flying and hiring OR flying and freighting OR taking the Ghan. Of course the alternative trip to Broome could be twelve months later and could take in Kings Canyon, West MacDonnell Ranges, and a Kimberley/Pilbara loop. Now there's a plan!

Thanks for the insight Melissa - in particular the advice on the Fantasea cruise. Is it the
Reefworld cruise which you are suggesting, and if so do you think it would be safe enough for a very inquisitive three year old?

Another question for you if I may. Is there a facility for 4WD vehicle hire at Airlie Beach and are there any worthwhile day trips in the vicinity?

We've decided to see Broome as part of a longer break in the future and so now we are tossing up between Hamilton Island and Bora Bora for next year.

Hi Wombat,

Yes, the trip I was referring to is the Reefworld one. With regards to your littl'n, I wouldn't hesitate to take our 3 yr old on this trip. Travelling in the high-powered cat itself is quite safe as you can travel inside in airconditioned comfort although the decks themselves are well closed-in anyway. Lunch is also served on board. My only concerns would be on the Reefworld pontoon where a child could get into the water in places if your weren't watching carefully. The upper sundeck and the underwater observatory are quite safe. Also, not actually sure but I think the operators provide life jackets for small children if you want one (pay to email them and ask). Either way, our 3 yr old would have a ball and I'm sure yours would too.

Re: 4WDrving around AB...sadly there really isn't too much around although plenty to the south around Mackay, north around Townsville and even out west of Proserpine. There are a few car rental agencies in AB and I'm sure they would hire 4WD's if you wanted one. If you felt like having a poke around in a conventional car a nice quiet day trip would be to head out to Earlando/Dingo Beach/Hideaway Bay (even Sinclair Bay which is lovely but has a short rough access track so better suited to a 4WD). These places are very laid-back, sleepy seaside settlements. You could get lunch at the pub/stores at either Dingo Beach or Earlando. Another day trip could be to head out to Conway NP calling into Cedar Creek Falls, a natural swimming hole/water fall in the rainforest, for a swim/picnic. Peter Faust Dam out past Proserpine is also worth a look.

Hope this is of some help.

:o) Melissa

How does this sound for a plan Melissa?

1. Fly to Hamilton Island and spend seven days there doing all the touristy things like Fantasea etc. From the look of it they have a great kid's club where Kiralee would be able to amuse herself if mum and dad became too boring.

2. Back across to Airlie Beach on the mainland for three or four days(any suggestions for accommodation welcomed), hiring a 4WD to see Earlando/Dingo Beach/Hideaway Bay and Sinclair Bay, as well as Conway NP calling into Cedar Creek Falls and lastly Peter Faust Dam.

3. Hire a 2WD (preferably convertible) and drive down to Maroochydore to stay with friends for a couple of days, incorporating an overnight stop at Rockhampton or even taking our time with a couple of stops in different places if the attractions warrant.

4. Fly home to Melbourne from Brisbane.