Outer Reef

When we were back in Cairns we went on a boat trip to the Barrier Reef to snorkel and dive, reasoning that we never have the opportunity again. The same  could be said of the Whitsundays, I know you should never say never but lets say its highly unlikely we will ever  be in this area again.

 Airlie Beach is considered to be the gateway town to the Whitsunday Islands and it certainly appears that way when you see the full extent of the tours on offer. We considered going on an overnight sailing boat tour but decided that it wasn't good value for money, about $890 each then we toyed with the idea of going on a tour that involved visiting 2 or 3 locations  but I wasnt keen on that idea as it would have been a full day in the sun and me and the sun only get on for short periods of time. I don't think Steve was that keen either, he investigated what they classed as a half day tour but even that was 6 hours.

 So, after all our discussions and investigations there was only one option left and that was to fly. The suggestion came from him that doesn't do flying especially in a small, single engine plane with a propellor.  I was over the moon because I couldn't think of a better way of seeing the islands and getting them in perspective than from above. We were also pleasantly surprised at the cost, only $199 for an hours flight, some of the day boat tours were $180.

 We were picked up from the hotel and driven to the airfield. There were 3 groups of 10 but we were all together for the safety briefing. First of all because we were flying over water we had to strap life jackets around our waists and then strap ouselves into the seats using a lap and diagonal belt.  ( With all this preparation I imagined Steve getting more and more nervous but he seemed ok.)  The seats were  down each side of the plane so everyone had a window and a view. I got myself ready, camera in hand.

I cant even begin to explain what it was like seeing the Barrier Reef from above.  As we flew over the islands although they made a good picture they all looked the same although on the ground I'm sure they're very different. The outer reef was absolutely fabulous, a beautiful turquoise sea surronding the luminous , green of the coral all detailed and  outlined in brown, making it look like a lace pattern.
We flew over the heart reef but it was quite hard to see as its tiny, only 17 metres across. The plane then turned to give us a good view of the famous Whitehaven Beach. the sand looking much whiter than at ground level. The Co pilot said the weather conditions were perfect and they usually only get 1 day every 3 months when the visibility is as good and the sea was as calm so I consider the money well spent