Having spent a night in Airlie Beach (a bit like the back end of Tenerife), we were looking forward to getting out and about on the boat for a few days. Again, everything closed down pretty early.

We arrived at the harbour and saw the boat (Whitsunday Magic) for the first time, and knew we were going to have an excellent time. Having boarded and been shown to our Cabin, we found the bar and waited for the chef to prepare dinner!!

Over dinner we got talking to some of the other 20 guests on board. Most of them had been travelling around for several months and were using this as a relaxation stop.

After a few wines, Emily signed up to do a Scuba dive.....

The following day, we were taken to Whitehaven beach, which was beautiful. Then back to the boat for lunch. As the wind picked up again, it was time to get the sails up. Looked like hard work from where we were sat!

The following day was Scuba day.... Graeme went down first and whilst he was monging around on the seabed, Emily was trying to remain calm. All went well though. A couple of panics underwater (which meant holding the Divemaster Thierry's hand for the whole experience....) but Em really enjoyed it.

The last night on the boat was pretty mad, with most people getting drunk and rambling on. We had a great conversation with a German Lady about politics and the state of the world!

The following morning, people were wishing that they hadn't drunk so much as the boat was rocking like mad. We were glad to be back on land.

Back in Airlie, we picked up a super speed wagon and headed to Townsville, the gateway to the Outback or Cairns... We weren't really too sure which! The scenery on the way was more like the savannah than what you would expect of Australia.

The hotel in Townsville was more like a doss-house and it is the first time we have paid anywhere to make our own bed! We ventured out, and realised that there really isn't too much to do here, so dinner and bed.

Today we still haven't decided where we are going, but we will be heading off again in the super speed wagon!!