After a very long tedious 8hr drive we finally got to Airlie Beach. You do not want to see this sign!!!!! I think the GPS chick had gone out for a drink or went on a smoko break because she took us out to a 53km dirt track, we thought we would cut an hour off the trip but actually had turn back so we were an hour behind. I'm so glad that chick can't talk back, there was some major name calling going on (very quietly of course there are kids in the back!).
Our beautiful Phoebe turned 7 this week and we told each of the kids we weren't doing presents this year, just an amazing adventure. So with pink balloons everywhere and birthday cake for breakfast we headed off to the reef. Mantaray Adventures has a great day trip, they pick you up at the caravan park and you travel to Whitehaven Beach, it's an all day experience.
The trip out was incredibly rough so let me tell you, you need those motion sickness tablets or you will have a bit of vomit action going on. Let me just say what happens on the boat stays on the boat!!!!
Whitehaven has the most pure sand on the earth, it is beautiful. The American government used it for the lenses of the Hubble telescope it's so pure.
We all looked pretty special in our stinger suits! Mmmmm!! As you could imagine the reef was amazing, the species of fish, coral, clams, stingrays it was just an amazing experience. Our gorgeous little Scarlett was incredible. We were so proud of her she just picked snorkeling up like she had been doing it her whole life.
Each person was given a swimming noodle and it gave Spencer & Phoebe a chance to explore on their own if they wanted. With massive smiles on everyone's faces and Phoebe beaming "that was the best birthday ever" it was one of those special moments.
I have to say the Big 4 here is fantastic. Great stuff for the kids, the pool is the biggest in Airlie, has slides, a huge playground and we love the big jumping pillow. We even had our own ensuite, and after 2 weeks in the country with the dust it was heaven. I recommend signing up for the Big 4 discount!
This was our view from the Bowen Big 4 site. There are about 7 caravan parks in this little town. Bowen itself is quite spread out but cute, this is where the movie "Australia" was made. There are grey nomads everywhere here. They are very friendly but we are looking forward to meeting other families like us travelling around as we are craving a bit of adult conversation.
If you are thinking of doing a similar trip and looking at home schooling, don't underestimate how much school work takes up your day. I'm spending about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2hrs a day doing school work which takes a huge chunk of the day. The kids have been fantastic and I'm actually enjoying seeing the progress. The proximity of living so close is slowly appearing. Had to send the kids out this morning for a while, while I got my sanity back.
We've hit Townsville today the Strand looks like kiddie haven so will be checking that out. We are also excited about having Anzac Day here with the army being based here. Keep you posted.
BOOKS OF THE WEEK
The Aussie Outback Party - Megan Bartlett - Horne
The Aussie Outback School - Megan Bartlett
(Winners of the Australian Bush Literary Award, great illustrations, comes with a cd, kids love them)
Caravanastan - Greg Bearup
(Hitting the outback and travelling around Australia with a Jayco, a Volvo and an 18mth old child. Inspiring! True story!)
TAM'S SURVIVAL TIPS #3
Always look at the map as the GPS chick could of had a few the night before and give you a bum steer.
With small kids always ask how long the excursions take - be prepared for anything, vomit bags a must during boat trips.
TAM'S ON THE ROAD PLAYLIST
Jack Johnson - Some beachy in the mood vibes
Missy Higgins - Calm those kiddies in the back
Vampire Weekend - Bit of adult sanity
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