Humble Thoughts

The tender ride from ship to the Airlie Beach shore is nearly 35 minutes. A tedious journey if not for the picturesque panorama accompanying it. Countless sail boats and yachts dot the surrounding azure bay.

The beaches, beautiful as they are, at this time are prohibited from swimming in. There seems to be an overpopulation of boxed jellyfish.  Their translucent, cube-shaped medusa are overtaking these waters. Watch out, they sting! (a potent venom called Chironex fleckeri)

Exploring the Beach

So what is there to do in Airlie Beach? With the proximity of the world famous Great Barrier Reef, my eyes are set on flippers and snorkelling.

But alas, all tours are sold-out.

So I do the next best thing: I stroll the sleepy sun-soaked streets where surfers frolic freely. There are souvenir shops, a McDonald’s, and a grocery that sells fresh cephalopods. Tasty once you grill them with a spritz of lime.

Octopus for Sale. Photo by Myles Herod

Arlie Beach Walk. Photo by Myles Herod

It is a vibrant hub of Whitsunday Coast, and the perfect launching pad for activities in the water (save for jellyfish). You have a chance to take a picture with a camel, or shelter yourself under the lush vegetation that grows abundantly.

Once there, it’s holiday mode.