We finally reach Airlie Beach, the hub to explore the dreaming archipelago of the Whitsundays, 74 stunning islands covered by lush tropical rainforest, floating on the crystal blue water of the Coral See (although I think technically they are not quite part of the Great Barrier Reef, am I wrong??) and fringed by dazzling white sand with the big highlight of Whitehaven Beach, a 6km-long 98%pure-white silica sand, but which is the best way to sail the Whitsundays?

Each island provides its unique experience: Hamilton is heavy development for entertainments’ seekers, Hook Island and Whitsunday Island, since they are predominantly national parks, are for nature lovers, the luxury of Hayman Island for the one seeking an exclusive gateway or, for a backpacker-style holiday, South Molle Island.

You could decide to stay in one of the island or take a range of cruises zig-zagging the archipelago and the reefs in a day-trip or, the most popular one, a 2-3 days sailing trip. You could also explore them independently on an island hopping taxi or chartering a yacht, the choices are bewildering. There are seriously heaps and heaps of tours to choose from in Airlie Beach: travel agents, pretend-to-be tourist info centres, all sort of accommodation, internet cafes, newsagents and vary other business will sell these tours but who to “trust” (whatever this can mean)? They all trying to convince you they offer the best deal but it really depends on what you are after: if it’s a party boat or a flashier experience to share with few people, if you don’t mind to be squeezed like sardines to save few bucks, prefer to embark on a historic boat or a more eco-friendly one and of course considering the itinerary and so on. If you are pinching the penny, you just have to get the nerve to walk few hours in the lion’s den of Airlie Beach’s main street and do some groundwork taking a good look around at those specials on the blackboards and have a good chat with the many operators.

We like the idea of being able to explore these tropical islands at our own peace, Robinson Crusoe style, but have to give it up since the yacht is simple out of our budget and camping, paradoxical once again, turn out to be not quite as cost effective as you would imagine: although you could camp on several islands for only $4.75 per night the cost for the transfer makes up for it; for instance if you want to combine a stay in more than one island it could go up easily to $250pp (same story as we discovered earlier for Lady Musgrave).

Once again we have to get used to the idea of abiding to other schedules and get packed on a boat, not much our gig. We are tempted for a last minute deal from Koala Adventures, the same guys that run the campground we spent the last night, the Koala Beach Resort. Bearing in mind this has been so far one of the worst camping ground we have been, which looks more like an abandoned yard (even if surely is the cheapest among Airlie Beach at $25pnight for a van and the only available), they are offering us a get-one, get one free last minute deal on a 2 nights/ 3 days sailing trip worth it more than $500 each exploring three destinations including Whitehaven Beach. They even offer us free parking for the van while on the boat but, despite being a tempting package, since we don’t fancy being stuck on a party boat for a couple of nights we are opting instead for a one day high-speed island hopping tour with Ocean Rafting on a inflatable super fast vessel, the key factor for a day of exhilarating fun, will see if they stand up to their fame.

The asking price? $115 each, with no much of discount expect for a free meal but deal done,we are ready for our escape to these Australian inspirational islands. We could now spend the rest of the afternoon chilling out on the beach; well Airlie Beach doesn’t really have much of a beach but, as an alternative, a lovely artificial lagoon.

This big lizard paid us a visit while in the camping ground