Australia really put on a show for 'Australia Day' with sightings of wild dolphins, up close and personal swim-alongs with a green turtle and an acrobatics display from not one but two ospreys, also up close and personal. We've been out on a 2 night sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands on a maxi racing yacht. Sadly however there wasn't so much as an asthmatic wheeze to blow us along, so we had to resort to motor power. The first day consisted of captains briefings, a spot of snorkelling and an evening under the edges of the galaxy. Countless stars! The next morning we were up early to watch the sun rise. Some of the livelier passengers missed it however after a night on the 'goon' (Aussie slang for wine in a bag). After brekkie we made for Whitsunday island and more specifically the world famous Whitehaven beach-the only pure silica sand beach in the world. As the beach is protected you cant drop anchor on the beach side of the island, so we were dropped off on the opposite side of the island and trekked through the mosquito and arachnid infested jungle to get there (Matt was eaten alive!). It was spectacular to say the least, mostly because of the fine white sand and turquoise water, but partly because if the resident sting rays that feed just off the beach.
Later on a trip over to the reef bought an impressive sighting of dolphins plodding along in the near distance. Once on the reef we had another opportunity to swim with an inquisitive turtle. After snorkelling we were treated to a feeding display from 2 ospreys dive bombing just off the side of the boat (photos to follow). Right now we're back on dry land awaiting another coach to take us to Fraser Island where we'll be 4x4ing along the beaches.
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