Australia 13.11-23.11 (i)

On Wed 13.11. After a long and uncomfortable flight, we finally landed in Cairns. So total relaxation for the rest of the day.

On Thu 14.11. The day starts at the car rental offices to pick up our camper and then rushing off to a shopping center. We wanted to equip ourselves well for our camping tour. So we equipped ourselves with tools and food useful to our adventure.

On Fri 15.11. Immediately on the road, the opportunity arises to try out our Camper. We head towards Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Park. This park is a nature reserve where we were able to admire crocodiles, snakes, kangaroos, koalas, spiders, and birds. Since the kangaroos were in an enclosed and protected area, we were even able to get close and pet them. In the late afternoon, we enjoyed a show where the protagonists were snakes and one of the many crocodiles living in the reserve. Our day ended with a swim in a public pool.

On Sat 16.11. Today, the perfect opportunity arises, it's time to tick off another item from my 'Bucketlist'. At 08:30, we boarded the ship heading towards the Great Barrier Reef. Silvan decided to try scuba diving this time, but first he had to learn some safety rules from the instructor before his dive. In the meantime, I took the opportunity to rest a bit, which helped contain my seasickness. After sailing for about two hours, we finally arrived at the designated diving spot. Just before the dives, we were reminded of the general safety rules to follow. In the relative tranquility that this is not Silvan's first dive, I took the opportunity to be 'alone' at Saxon Reef in the water, confident that Silvan would join me later. The coral reef is incredible, with corals and fish of all colors. Silvan even spotted a small shark during the dives. Later, we found it very convenient to have lunch on board while the ship headed to the second dive site at North Hastings Reef. Once again, a dip in the water and the fun is guaranteed. Since the water temperature was ideal at 26°, we took the opportunity to snorkel until we were exhausted and then returned to the camper. Thus, we came to the end of a memorable day :))

On Sun 17.11. We set off with our camper from Cairns to Mission Beach (140 km).

Arriving at Mission Beach, we took possession of our parking spot at the campsite and then walked to the beach for a refreshing swim. After a refreshing shower, we finished equipping the Camper for the overnight stay. The outdoor dinner was very frugal but substantial, and with the romantic citronella candlelight, we ended our evening and retired to sleep in our camper.

On Mon 18.11. Today we leave from Mission Beach to Townsville (235 km).

At 14:00, finally after the highway journey and a visit to the shops in the city of Townsville, we reached our desired destination. But an unfortunate incident with Silvan's snorkeling mask forced us to leave the campsite and return to the city to replace the item bought a few hours earlier. In the meantime, we took a break and had a coffee near the store. By the time we reached the campsite again and sorted everything out, it was already 17:00. After a short visit to the beach below, we started cooking our dinner. An entire day passes by so quickly !!!

On Tue 19.11. The current route with our camper today takes us from Townsville to Airlie Beach (285 km).

In the late afternoon, we finally arrived at the campsite. As we gazed at the horizon from the campsite's beach, we thought a refreshing swim would help us recover from this long car journey. Tonight's menu includes the famous Western beans cooked by the renowned Chef Nadig and washed down with a good somersby beer. For the next three nights, we will be staying at this campsite.

On Wed 20.11. Today we treated ourselves to something new and emotionally strong, Jet Ski !!! We were guided to the Whitsunday Islands with our Jet Ski. We 'floated' over the water at a speed of 70 km/h. It was a pleasure for both of us to move so fast on the water. Our group leader was very competent and told us many anecdotes surrounding each island. After an hour and a half, we made one last stop at Turtlebeach. We were able to admire some green turtles. Again and again, they appeared with their heads on the water's surface to breathe. In the afternoon, we took a short hike in the Conway National Park and then arrived at Coralbeach. A beach dotted with corals and some special stones. We made ourselves comfortable and had a bite to eat. And then a dip in the water to regain energy until it was time to return to the campsite.

On Fri 22.11. The route with the camper today takes us from Airlie Beach to Mackay (162 km) After a small breakdown (flat tires), we finally arrived at the campsite after 1001 adventures. Something more to tell and laugh about even though it was tough to experience at the time.

On Sat 23.11. Today's route is from Mackay to Yeppoon (370 km). Today nothing significant, we still carry the aftermath of the day before. Dinner in our camping spot and then enjoy a beer at the brewery and get to know the place that hosts us.