Hello!
I'm back from my weekend trip to the Whitsundays Coast and here to tell you how I did my short trip. I traveled solo and it was super short and sweet and probably not the most ideal holiday for most, but I'll give you my most honest opinions, link you to the websites and provide little tips here and there for anyone who might want to go there one day :)
Also if you're too lazy to read the long post, you can skip to end where I summarize the links for flights, accommodations and activities. YOU'RE WELCOME.
So my trip was just a short one, just two days and two nights. My flight was early on Friday morning. I went via Tigerair. The flight tickets were super affordable and I think the flight tickets are still cheap depending on when your anticipated travel dates are - If you check out Tigerair, the tickets go as low as $33 per way right now!
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Friday
Arrival
When I reached Whitsundays Coast Airport in Proserpine, my first thought was that it was super small. I already anticipated it, sort of, but I guess little things like this surprise me all the time. There were two gates, and one baggage claim area, and probably around 3-4 check in counters.
The good thing about small airports is that you can't miss anything. Especially good for people travelling solo like myself, because I won't get lost no matter where I end up walking.
Transport
I didn't have any luggage so I headed straight to the Whitsundays Transit sign. I booked with them in advance before the trip to transport me to Airlie Beach where I was staying throughout my trip. I think you can also buy tickets when you reach there because I saw some people doing that as well. The people were really helpful and they were super efficient. It's a bus, as opposed to a coaster so there's plenty of room. Also it was really clean! The fare wasn't bad either - a $34 return and I think every company charges a similar rate. They drop you off directly in front of your accommodation so that was definitely a big plus point for me! Definitely would recommend them if you're searching for transport to Airlie Beach.
I would say that the trip from the airport to Airlie Beach was hardly impressive. There weren't many views or anything along the way. Just many trees and small shops along the streets. So don't go there expecting you'll see the sea straight away because you won't for a little while.
The journey to my accommodation took about an hour.
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Abell Marina Point |
I stayed at Backpackers by The Bay which was on the Main Street. However, though mine was on the main street, it was further away from the shops, about a 10 minute walk. I didn't mind it too much but if you want something more convenient, I would recommend somewhere like Magnums (I heard they are really popular) or Base backpackers. But to be honest you don't really have to worry about which backpacker you choose or when you book because the Main Street is probably 50% backpacker hostels anyway so there's plenty to choose from!
Despite the distance from the shops, BBTB was generally good. The reception is open from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm so there's a good chance you'll get help when you need it. They'll give you your bedsheets and you'll be asked for a $10 cash deposit for the keys which you'll get back when you return the keys.
I asked for an all female dorm with 4 beds which cost $34 per night. There are mixed dorms which are cheaper options. I thought of staying in a mixed dorm at first to save money but I guess my haram halal ratio didn't allow for it so I decided to go for an all female form instead hahahahahaha. Also, it's obviously more convenient because then I wouldn't have to sleep with my hijab on, etc.
When I was lying on the bed, a man entered the room and I thought he was just someone's boyfriend so I let it go but already felt a bit uneasy. But suddenly he lied on his bed. Apparently they had given me a mixed dorm! I thought of letting it go at first but I felt more uncomfortable than I thought I would so I asked reception if they could give me a different dorm, and they happily gave me a change, thank god!
The toilets and showers are gender separated so again, pretty convenient for us girls.
I didn't use the kitchen or anything but I passed by and they looked pretty clean. There were also some pots and pans. There were big fridges to keep food as well, so I would say it's a pretty convenient place! Also everything was pretty clean which always wins brownie points from me.
So overall, BBTB wins my approval stamp and a thumbs up for "good place to stay".
Activities - Skydiving (yes, you read that right!)
Okay, so here's the big one - I was meant to go Skydiving. Read again: MEANT to go. Sadly, when I reached the assembly point in the town centre, they were telling everyone that it was too dangerous to go at the time because the winds were too strong! They asked me whether I could do it on another day or whether I was planning to head back up to the Whitsundays at any time, but no option fitted me, so I only asked for a refund.
I felt so deflated! I was anticipating it for the past week so when adrenaline was already pumping up, only for them to tell me I couldn't do it, you could just imagine how upset I felt. Sure I felt nervous about the big jump the whole week, but I was looking forward to it. New experience and all that. But I guess everything has a hikmah behind it.
Anyway, I booked my skydiving here. I think this is the cheapest option for this height so far. Other websites were Book Me and each Skydiving company. I think there're two in Airlie Beach, mine was through Airlie Beach Skydivers.
Airlie Beach
So since skydiving was a no go, I decided to spend my time on the beach doing things that I know best, take photos, sketching and sleep!
For halal food, I was told that there are two kebab shops, but I only saw one. There are also plenty of fish and chips shops and a Dominoes. Woolies was nearby as well, so you definitely won't starve for the duration of your trip.
After the whole day just walking around and minding my own business, I decided to head back when I got dinner and it got dark. As far as I could see, there wasn't much night life going on either but don't take my word for it because it wasn't something I was interested in anyway.
Saturday
Activities - Ocean Rafting
I booked the Ocean Rafting tour via http://oceanrafting.com.au/ and took the Southern Lights tour.
The tour consists of :
1. Guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet lookout
2. Two hours on the famous Whitehaven Beach
3. Snorkeling
For me the tour was worth the money. It takes up the whole day (from 8.45 am - 4.30 pm) and they bring you to each spot. The company also arranges for transport to and from the meet up point before and after the activities end, so it is super convenient!
The boat ride itself was really fun, bumpy and feels like a real life flume ride! Again, the guides were super informative and friendly, so it made the tour all the more fun.
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| Our Ocean Rafting Tour guide |
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| From Hill Inlet Lookout |
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| From Hill Inlet Lookout |
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| From Hill Inlet Lookout |
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| Hill Inlet |
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| Whitehaven Beach |
Sunday Morning
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| Best Hot Chocolate I've tasted in awhile! |
*****
So that is basically how I did the trip. There were unfortunate events here and there but overall it was a good trip and very restful. Ever since I started architecture school, my life has been filled with late nights and non-existent holidays, even my summer breaks since I normally find internships or work during those times. I got a good break for the weekend which is probably what I need most right now having to juggle masters and work at the same time.
My honest opinion on the Whitsundays, go if you love nature. Go there if you love small and quiet little beach towns. Go only if you have money to do the activities like going snorkeling or sailing or go on scenic flights. Without any activities, I wouldn't have enjoyed it much because the town itself was quite small. There wasn't much to see on Airlie Beach either, at least not at the time that I went. And go on a scenic flight if you have the money. I think that would have been really worth it! I think I would go again one day specifically just for that. Some day, I'll definitely come back.
And as promised:
1. Flight: Tigerair - https://tigerair.com.au/
2. Transport to Airlie Beach : Whitsundays Transit - http://www.whitsundaytransit.com.au/
3. Accommodation: Backpackers by the Bay - https://www.backpackersbythebay.com/
Booked via Hostel Bookers - http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/australia/airlie-beach/
4. Skydiving: Adrenaline - https://www.adrenaline.com.au/airlie-beach/skydiving/whitsundays-beach-skydive-14000ft/
5. Ocean Rafting - http://oceanrafting.com.au/
5. Ocean Rafting - http://oceanrafting.com.au/
Also now that I've written about my Whitsundays trip, I feel like writing about my other unwritten trips before this as well lol. Hm should I?
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