AUSTRALIA – AIRLIE BEACH

OCTOBER 14-16, 2025

Rather than drive all the way north to Cairns, Nicole told us the diving was just as good in Airlie Beach, and half the distance. It was still a long drive, 1200 km (745 miles). It took us two days, with a pleasant stop in Rockhampton.

The roads were good, though, with lots of rest stops

and even trivia games.

The evening we arrived, we stayed in an Airbnb that was quite rustic.

It had an outdoor shower that was quite nice.

We even had our own little lizard.

The second and third night we stayed in an adults only hostel, AIRLIE BEACH MAGNUMS. It was a one minute walk to the grocery store. But best of all, we had our own room.

The bathroom was shared, but had enough facilities for all in our building. It was nestled in a forest with paths weaving throughout. Birds were singing and the air was fresh.

I booked a scuba diving tour with WHITSUNDAY DIVE ADVENTURES.

I must admit that I have had better dives, with better visibility more life, but it was still exciting to have dove in the GREAT BARRIER REEF. One thing I can say, is the reef is definitely coming back.

Some of the corals were HUGE, seemingly the size of a small house.

I have over 100 dives in various places around the world. The Great Barrier Reef is like the Mount Everest of dives. I can now say I have done it!

Our (my) reason for coming this far north is completed. We are heading south.