Languishing in Airlie

Our travel plans have been shot to shit over the past couple of days. We wanted to be leaving on the Thursday, two days ago. However the Queensland train travellers had other ideas booking every single seat on the Thursday train and as no train runs on a Friday this meant we were stuck in Airlie till Saturday, today.

We soon discovered that Whitsunday Islands aside, Airlie has very little to offer during the day. Hence much of the first of our three extra days was spent researching Fraser Island and lounging by the lagoon. The lagoon is a similar concept to the lagoon in Cairns except bigger and with less of a swimming pool feel to it. There are sandy beach areas alongside as well as grassy verges, pathways, changing rooms and a playground. All told a brilliant place to pass days basking in the sun.

The first night we togged up and headed out to try and sample the delights of the seemingly legendary Airlie nights out. It proved somewhat non-existent sadly, probably due to it being quite a quiet time of year so we headed for bed like the oldies we are.

On our second day of captivity in Airlie we were a little bored and looking for something to do other than sunbathe. After a brief visit to tourist info we found ourselves starting out on a hike (albeit a hike in flip-flops) up a small mountain to a viewpoint overlooking the harbour. The walk was fairly steep but still manageable and we found ourselves getting lost in the beauty of the surrounding scenery of trees, bush and wildlife, including the snake that Alex saw! Once at the top of the bay, the harbour and several islands were laid out in a peaceful tableau beneath us; well worth the walk.

Having stayed in hostels for three nights we decided to save our pennies and go couchsurfing. And boy what an interesting experience. We stayed with Ken and his family and about twelve other couchsurfers. It was a bit manic at times but Ken was full of energy driving us forward to enjoy an amazing feast. After dinner he led the guys to the man-cave for some Apocalypse Now and some fast paced gambling chess. Rach chatted to the Finnish and German girls and it felt very much like a hostel. Still a brilliant place to surf and we’re glad we did, Alex certainly picked up some tips for the kitchen.

And so after on last day lounging by the lagoon, we’re finally on our way out. Fraser Island next stop!

Rex’s Rules of the Road

• If you are travelling by train try and plan a week in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Make sure to head to Airlie during peak season if you want to party or you could be sorely disappointed.

• Beware, aside from the Whitsundays, there is not a huge amount of stuff to do in Airlie. If you can avoid prolonged stays.

• Check out Rach's reviews of Airlie Beach lagoon and our two hostels Nomads Airlie Beach and Beaches.