Winner Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Got to love Airlie Beach. Decided to drag myself away from the pool and venture to one of the many great pubs with a fun South African couple. The bar we went to was like no other I have experienced. People were dancing on tables and I found myself involved in possibly the most outrageous race I have ever seen, called a possum race ( hard to explain hilarious to watch). The night rocked on incredibly quick with some brilliant live music and the normal raffles. I decided to enter and to my surprise I won. I won personalised heli-flight out to Whitehaven Beach that included a champagne lunch. Look as a backpacker I am trying to do this the most cost effective way but free for such an amazing experience was incredible. This has got to be the greatest adventure I have experienced so far.

Airlie Beach Lagoon... love it!

I have spent quite a few days lazing around the Airlie Beach Lagoon. A great way to spend the day for FREE!  Loads of other backackers here to chat to, people just out in the sun tanning, playing games and splashing in the pools on the beach front.

For those travelling to Airlie plan to keep a day or two for downtime at the Lagoon. It is so relaxing :)

Sailing in paradise... do I really ever have to leave?

So I was totally motivated to get back out to the reef and booked a 2 day 2 night sailing Whitsundays trip... I have just returned and had an absolutely awesome time. The tour included 2 days of sailing, meals, linen, snorkel gear and I was even able to BYO some drinks - $380 +$65 levy (BARGAIN).

I met loads of like-minded people expecially two awesome Italian girls, Saskia and Bella and we have decided to meet up again in Cairns to party some more!

Well I guess I will have to leave paradise eventually because there is so much more to see. Stay tuned...

Anyone know any great places to eat in Airlie?

Wow...did the last 12 months take forever!

So I decided in July 2010 that I would take a year off and travel Australia, backpacking style.

I dont know where to start... so many places to see. I am looking forward to meeting some other backpackers and getting some tips about what to see and do. I may even find the time to play up a little too!

I arrived 2 days ago and have decided to record my journey as a blog, hopefully that will help other backpackers travelling in Australia.

So I purchase a Greyhound Mini-traveller pass $261 that will get me all the way from Brisbane to Cairns, hopping on and off as often as I like. I have done and seen so much in the last few days but cannot stop myself from telling you what I did yesterday!

I took a tour to the Great Barrier Reef which parked on an outer reef pontoon for the day. A slight self induced headache made the early wake-up a little difficult but once I got on the boat I had an unforgettable time. I decided to do the introductory scuba dive and now I cannot wait to get to Cairns because I have decided to stay a few days and do my open diving course.