9 September Airlie Beach

9 September
Airlie Beach

Last time we came to Airlie Beach, Sharon was 6 months old. (Just a couple of years ago!) We were camping in a tent with a baby who wanted to crawl everywhere - and it was pouring rain. Putting up and down a tent with a crawling baby was no fun. That was the last time we camped for about 20 years.

As we really didn't get to appreciate this area last time, we were looking forward to seeing Shute Harbour / Airlie Beach in it's glory this visit. We had lovely fine weather - although a bit overcast - as we drove from Townsville. As soon as we arrived in Airlie Beach it poured! And it continued raining all night. The weather forecast said 70% chance of rain for the next couple of days. Sigh. It looked like it would have to be visit 3 before we could see Airlie Beach properly.

Unbelievably, as today progressed, the sun came out and the sky turned blue! It has been a perfect day. Sunny and hot. (Last night the locals were wearing sweatshirts!)

Pigeon Island off Canonvale

Darryl spent this morning reminiscing around Cannonvale where his family used to come on holidays when they lived in Mackay. It is a lovely quiet area not quite as developed / touristy as Airlie Beach. Then we drove around and enjoyed the magnificent views across the ocean to the islands etc. It really is a picturesque area.

Shute Habour

We have only one week left before we need to be back in Brisbane, so we will be heading south tomorrow, stopping overnight at a little town called Clairview, and then driving on to Rockhamptom / Emu Park the following day.