Another day in Paradise. Today we headed out to Reef World. This is a large pontoon out on the Hardy Reef and it takes about two hours to get there. Again we got to go past the the numerous islands of the Whitsundays. Weather was perfect so we decided to sit up on the top deck. Obviously it was a bit windy but not too cold.
On the way out we spotted another whale. I think that bring our count to about five now. Luckily, we have turned up at the start of the whale season. None of them have been close enough to get a good look.
Sitting up on the top was an experience as you got to see some interesting behaviour. As we entered the open water it became quite rough so we were all advised to say in our seats. It's surprising how many people ignore this. I don't know if they didn't understand the instruction or they just ignored it. There was one older man who kept getting up to move around and at one stage just as he stood, we hit a big swell that sent him staggering toward the railing. At the pace he was moving and his lack of control, I honestly thought he was going to hit the rail and flip over the edge. Luckily he didn't. There was also woman who was obviously feeling ill because she came up the stairs with a sick bag. The top deck is the worst place to be if you get seasick. Eventually the staff talked her into going below. Thank goodness, because I wasn't prepared for seeing her use that bag.
After a two hour trip we arrived at the pontoon. Rylan and I had a helicopter trip booked and that was pretty much as soon as we got off the boat. For the helicopter rides you get ferried out to helicopter pad pontoon. There were two helicopters out there, a three passenger one and a six passenger one. I was hoping we would get the smaller one as it wouldn't matter where you sat you would get a good view. Then we we ushered to the larger one and Rylan and I got the front seats. Our luckly day!
In the middle of Hardy Reef there is another small reef called Heart Reef. This is a tiny one that is perfectly shaped like a heart. It's probably one of the most famous reefs.Heart Reef was he highlight of the trip and before we knew it, our time as up and we headed back to he pontoon.
This was Rylan's first helicopter trip and although he like his Dad and doesn't like heights, he loved this and like me, didn't actually feel like he was quite high up.Back at the pontoon Terry was patiently waiting for us. After our success at Passage Peak I may get him in helicopter yet.
Our next activity was to go out and view the reef in a semi submersible boat. We were lucky again and got the good side on the way out. The fish are beautiful but the coral is not as colourful as it looks in the professional photographs.
Apparently the lighting they use brings out the colour. Despite it all looking a bit drab it was still really interesting.
By the time that trip was finished it was time for lunch. There's a lovely buffet meal provided back on the boat.
After lunch Rylan went snorkeling while Terry and I went down to the underwater viewing deck. It was quite relaxing down there and felt a bit like we were in a large fish tank that came with divers.
We headed back to Hamilton Island at 3 o'clock and decided to travel inside as it was meant to be even rougher on the way back. We found a really comfy lounge area and settled in. Most of the way we chatted to a lovely young Irish woman who has been working out here for about 12 months. Apparently we helped distract her from her usual sea sickness...I knew there was a good reason that I am a good at chatting with strangers. Hope it stayed that way for her trip back to Airlie Beach.
We met up again with Rylan again for dinner at Mariners. The meal was delicious and service was fantastic. I would highly recommend a visit if you come here.
Another day over and I can't believe our holiday is nearly over.
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