G’Day and welcome back to the Down Under Diary! With high expectations, we finally made it to the tropical part of the East Coast: Airlie Beach, the gateway to the paradisiacal Whitsunday Islands. This blog is all about the world wonder Great Barrier Reef – experienced from below on a snorkeling boat tour and from above on a scenic flight. And it definitely didn’t disappoint: turquoise waters, white sand, and vibrant corals – it had it all!
Short Recap
After a magical sunrise with kangaroos in Cape Hillsborough and a not-so-relaxing digital detox behind us, we hit the road toward Airlie Beach. According to our recent poll, most of you would actually consider doing a digital detox and yes, it can be relaxing… unless you have job interviews lined up. Luckily, both Simona and I were able to postpone ours. As soon as we were reconnected with the internet, Simona and I checked our inboxes to see if we could postpone our interviews. Both companies or HR teams were super understanding and gave us another shot!
May 5, 13:00 · Camping Arrival 🦜
We arrived at the Airlie Beach Holiday Park and were immediately greeted by cockatoos and warm, tropical air. The camping lays in between palm trees. After a quick lunch, we packed up our day bags and caught a taxi into the town center (no way we were squeezing our big campervan into those narrow streets).
💡 Insider Tip: Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more on an Uber or taxi rather than wasting time trying to squeeze your campervan into a tiny parking spot.
💡 Insider Tip: While Uber works well in most Australian cities, don’t rely on it in Airlie Beach.
May 5, 13:00 · Boathaven Beach 🪼
We wandered through a few shops, found some cute things and got approached by a tour promoter on the street. A bit skeptical, we stepped inside the shop… and they totally won us over. So, we spontaneously booked a snorkeling trip for Cairns (where we’ll be in about 1.5 weeks)! We spent the afternoon at Boathaven Beach, where we could take a swim in the netted-off area in the ocean – a safety measure due to stingers and other dangerous marine animals. Stingers are venomous jellyfish, such as box jellyfish or Irukandji, that can pose serious risks, especially during stinger season. As the sun began to set, we strolled along the waterfront and soaked in the golden hour vibes.
💡 Insider Tip: Always check online with the App Beachsafe or on the billboards at the beach if it’s safe to swim in the ocean. In many areas, stingers, sharks, crocodiles or strong currents can pose a real danger.
✨ Hidden Gem: Take a swim at Boathaven beach, which is protected with a stinger net.
May 6, 08:00 · Embarking to Whitsunday Islands ⛴️
Today was the day: time to tick off the iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet! We booked the tour through our go-to app GetYourGuide and got picked up by a shuttle bus that brought us straight to the harbor. There, we met up with the rest of the group and got handed our gear: a snorkel and a wetsuit (to protect us from any potentially poisonous ocean creatures). Let’s just say the wetsuits had a very intense scent. So bad in fact, that we actually exchanged two of them for different ones. Not that the new ones smelled much better, but at least we tried! Since fins weren’t included, we rushed to rent some at a nearby store, which made us a bit late for boarding. As a result, we ended up sitting apart from each other on the boat. And of course, I scored the worst seat: no side covering and nonstop waves splashing into my face. I was soaked before the snorkeling even began.
💡 Insider Tip: Use the app GetYourGuide to book tours.
💡 Insider Tip: Always double-check what gear is incluced (or not) in the tour package.
💡 Insider Tip: Bring nausea medication (like Itinerol) and take it before the tour starts – especially if you get seasick, or even just as a precaution.
May 6, 11:00 · Snack Ants & Hill Inlet Lookout 🏝️
First stop: Whitsunday Island, the largest of all 74 Whitsunday Islands. But no postcard view without effort! We started with a uphill hike through the jungle, during which our tour guide proudly pointed out local wildlife, including a lizard. The moment things got a little questionable was when our guide plucked some ants off a tree and announced, “They taste like lemon!” While she happily crunched away, we politely declined the citrus-flavored insect experience. Finally, we made it to the Hill Inlet Lookout and wow, what a view over the Whitehaven Beach! Swirls of turquoise water and pure white silica sand blending into the lush green forest. These stunning patterns are formed where Hill Inlet Creek meets the sea – a mix of freshwater and seawater combined with shifting tides stirs up the ultra-fine sand and creates ever-changing natural artworks. Absolutely breathtaking. (Side note: The only toilets up there are basic drop toilets, and they smelled even worse than our wetsuits.)
✨ Hidden Gem: Hill Inlet Lookout with its magical view over Whitehaven Beach and the colorful swirls.
May 6, 12:00 · Special Sand at Betty’s Beach 🦀
Second stop: After soaking in the views from Hill Inlet Lookout, we made our way down the other side of the hill to Betty’s Beach. We took our time strolling along the endless beach and shoreline, dipping our feet in the crystal clear water, and enjoyed the tropical breeze. Our guide told us that the white silica sand here is so pure, it never gets hot. To our surprise, it was actually true: no burnt feet! On the flip side, this unique sand isn’t ideal for sea turtles, as they can’t lay their eggs in it. So no surprise, we didn’t spot any turtles, but plenty of tiny blue crabs scuttling around. We got to return to the boat via a different route, luckily no uphill hike back!
May 6, 13:30 · Snorkeling Drama 🤿
Our snorkeling tour kicked off with a calm cruise into a sheltered bay, where lunch was served right on the boat. After mustering up the courage to squeeze into our wetsuits, we were finally ready to dive in. But first came the mandatory briefing: “No touching or standing on the reef.” Not just to protect the coral, but also your own feet from sharp edges or even poisonous corals. Our first stop wasn’t exactly a reef paradise, more sand than reef. But thanks to the guide feeding the fish, the water still came alive with colorful fish swirling around us.
After a short hop to the second snorkeling spot (plus another round of instructions), we jumped into the ocean again and this time, we saw the reef! Vibrant corals and clearer visibility made it feel like a real underwater world. And turtle sighting! But sadly, not for me. Vanessa, Sabrina, and Simona saw it glide by before someone chased it with a GoPro and scared it away. Meanwhile, I was still battling my fins (yes, I even got blisters) and arrived just too late. But that wasn’t the only drama: Vanessa spotted a swimming noodle floating by and returned it to the boat. Only to discover it belonged to a young guy who… couldn’t swim. Yes. And in his panic, he stood on the reef not once, but three times. The guides shouted, the group stared, and we were all kind of shocked. We were genuinely surprised to find out that someone had joined a snorkeling tour without knowing how to swim. As much as we love the ocean, in that moment it became clear: for him, injured feet or not, standing on the coral was a matter of survival.
💡 Insider Tip: Don’t touch or stand on the reef to protect the coral and yourself.
💡 Insider Tip: Sea turtles are sensitive to sudden movements. Always approach them calmly from the side, never from above or behind.
💡 Insider Tip: Wear (neoprene) socks while snorkeling to protect your feet from blisters caused by fins.
May 7, 11:00 · Flying Over Heart Reef 🩵
New day, next reef adventure! But this time from the sky. Sabrina, Vanessa, and I boarded a tiny Cessna (btw, the same model from the movie Fool’s Gold – I haven’t seen it, but maybe some of you have) for a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. First, we flew over the tropical jungle of the mainland, then over the Whitsunday Islands with its stunning Whitehaven Beach, which we had admired just the day before. During the flight, the pilot shared some fun facts through our headsets: the Great Barrier Reef is actually 2,300 kilometers long, stretching from Bundaberg all the way up to the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland – it’s even visible from space! It’s made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, which means you can explore it from many different locations, not just Airlie Beach.
But enough paraphrasing from the pilot and back to the flight: as we slowly left the islands behind, we reached the open ocean and its incredible coral formations. For about 10 minutes, we soared above turquoise water and were absolutely blown away by the beauty of this natural wonder. The color, the patchy coral patterns, it all looked surreal from above. Then came the big moment: the famous Heart Reef. It was even more breathtaking in real life than in the photos! On the way back, we even spotted a rainbow and our own campervan parked at the camping site in Airlie Beach. The entire flight was a core memory moment, and I would honestly recommend it to everyone.
💡 Insider Tip: Book your scenic flight in advance and make sure it includes the Heart Reef. it’s part of the northern reef, so it’s not included in every route.
💡 Insider Tip: Choose a morning time slot for calmer skies and the clearest views!
May 7, 13:00 · Airlie Beach Lagoon 🌴
In the afternoon, we met up with Simona in Airlie Beach for lunch. With a delicious ice cream in hand, we headed to the Airlie Beach Lagoon. The lagoon is a huge pool surrounded by palm trees, perfect for a refreshing dip and some relaxed vibes. And the best part? It’s completely free!
✨ Hidden Gem: Airlie Beach lagoon (free entry)
May 8, 14:00 · Job Interview Nr. 2 🥂
Our last day in Airlie Beach was a relaxed mix of souvenir shopping and one final swim session at the lagoon. In the evening, it was finally time for Simona’s second job interview — the one that had to be postponed back in Cape Hillsborough due to the lack of internet (more on that here). Sadly, the connection wasn’t much better this time either. To avoid disturbing her, we took our showers and made phone calls outside the campervan. To celebrate the big moment and make the most of our final night in Airlie Beach, we planned a fancy dinner… until we realized the restaurant next to the campsite was closed. So, we called a taxi and headed back into town for one last round of food and drinks.
P.S. Some weeks later and after a third and final in-person interview back in Switzerland, Simona did get the job – cheers to that!
Favorite Swim Spot Poll 🐬
After experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, from both the ocean and the sky, we got curious: Where do you love to take a swim? Whether you’re team salty waves, freshwater streams, luxury bubbles, or ice baths for the bold ones – everyone has their favorite way to take a swim. From stinger-net beaches and island rivers to lagoons and the open sea, we tried it all on our journey. Now it’s your turn:
Missed a Blog Post?
No worries! Catch up on all the Down Under Diary adventures here:
- 🌴 #1 G’Day: The Ultimate Australia’s East Coast Road Trip
- 🏄🏼♂️ #2 Sydney: Giant Spiders, Jetlag, & the Great Easter Brekkie Fail
- 🦘 #3 Emerald Beach: Campervan Issues, Kangaroos, & the Surprise Visit on the Dunny
- 🌊 #4 Noosa: Rain Disaster, Desperate Cash Hunt, & the Coastal Walk with(out) View
- 🐕 #5 Fraser Island: Guided Adventure Tour, Dingos, & the Champagne Pools (with Video!)
- 🌅 #6 Cape Hillsborough: Digital Detox, Failed Job Interviews, & the Sunrise Kangaroo Dream
- 🩵 #7 Airlie Beach: Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach Paradise, & the Scenic Flight (with Videos!)(this blog article)
- 🐨 #8 Magnetic Island: Barbie Car, Wild Koala Hunts, & the Campervan Breakdown Finale
Your Turn!
I’d love to hear from you! Share your stories in the comments at the very bottom of the page (after the “You might also like”) in English or German. See the videos if you need an impression about the Great Barrier Reef!
How would you experience the Great Barrier Reef – from above or below? 💭
Where’s your favorite (hidden) place to take a swim? 💭
Thanks for following along, cheers from Airlie Beach and ’til next time in Magnetic Island!
Yours, Géraldine 👋🏻👩🏼🦱🩵
I’d love to hear from you! You can answer in English or German
🇦🇺 How would you experience the Great Barrier Reef – from above or below? (watch the videos for an impression) 💭
Where’s your favorite (hidden) place to take a swim? 💭
🇨🇭 Wie würdest du das Great Barrier Reef am liebsten erleben – von oben oder von unten? (schau die Videos als Impression) 💭
Wo ist dein (geheimer) Lieblingsplatz zum Schwimmen? 💭
Dear Géraldine, what would a Friday morning be without a new blog post from you? 😍Honestly, I’m already wondering what I’ll look forward to when there are no more posts to read! 🥲 And when it comes to the Great Barrier Reef – I wouldn’t be able to decide whether to admire it from the air or underwater. So I’d definitely go with your approach and just do both! ✈️🤿🐠 My favorite place to swim is in a small bay right next to our «Mökki» in Finland. And of course, there’s a sauna nearby, as is tradition! 😌 In Switzerland, there are also two «Seebadis» right on Lake Constance that I visit at least once a week during summer – either for a quick evening swim or a full day at the water. ⛱️☀️👙
G‘Day Saara, your comment just made my day – thank you so much! Yes, unfortunately next week is already the last article planned 🥲 Both your swimming spots sound absolutely dreamy! I can totally picture the calm bay in Finland. How cold (or warm) is the water there usually? 🌲 And Lake Constance in summer: a must do too! Also I’m glad you agree on the Great Barrier Reef dilemma, sometimes, doing both really is the only option! 🤭🩵
Hi Geraldine, very enjoyable read! Pictures makes it even better, I get to experience the full story.
When it comes to questions, I think I would enjoy experiencing Great Barrier Reef from both perspective. My favorite hidden place to swim is back in my Country, but truly can’t wait for summer to find Switzerland’s hidden gems!
G’Day Mariami, thank you so much for your kind words! 🥰 Experiencing the Great Barrier Reef from both perspectives really is the dream. I’m from Switzerland, so I totally get your excitement, summer here is amazing, and there are so many beautiful lakes and hidden swimming spots to discover. I really love the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne), for example the “Harissen Park” (Stansstad) “Aawasseregg” (Buochs), or “Gemeindehaus Hergiswil” (Hergiswil). But there is so much more! 🌞🏞️ Which country are you from originally? I’d love to hear about your favorite swimming spot 🌊
Das Great Barrier Reef möchte ich von unten und oben sehen. Von oben die Grösse und von unten die Tiere
G’Day Sandra, das hört sich nach einem guten Plan an! 🐠🌊 Der Rundflug hat uns definitiv die endlose Weite des Great Barrier Reefs gezeigt! 🩵
Hey Géraldine
These pictures and videos are just STUNNING! <3
If I was there I would love to snorkel around – it allows to see the word from new perspectives.
Thank you for the beautiful impressions.
G’Day Nina, thank you so much for your nice words! 🥰 I’m so happy you enjoyed the pictures and videos! Snorkeling really is like discovering a whole new world underwater 🐢🪸 Have you ever been snorkeling, if yes, where? I’m sure you would have absolutely loved it too! 🐠
The snorkeling spot as well as the heart reef looks very beautiful and the insider tips on the socks are very helpful.
G‘Day Michelle, thank you! Nice to hear that my insider tips could help you. Are you planning go on a snorkeling trip anytime soon? 🐡
The video really captures the magic of your experience:))))
G’Day waghanta, thank you! The videos give a glimpse, but honestly, it’s not even close to how it really felt in that moment. But so happy it still gives off a bit of the magic! 🌊✨🩵 And what would you prefer: to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above or below?
Ich habe beides gesehen, es war sehr toll. Da ich nicht die grösste Wasserratte bin, würde ich sagen von oben.
G’Day Theresa, wie schön zu hören, dass du Australien auch schon bereist hast! 🇦🇺 Von wo aus hast du das Great Barrier Reef gesehen? Und ja, da kann ich dir nur zustimmen – Wasser ist definitiv nicht jedermann / jederfrau Element 🌊
Liebe Géraldine,
wow – was für ein traumhafter Beitrag! Die Mischung aus ehrlichen Erlebnissen, Insider-Tipps und wunderschönen Fotos/Videos macht richtig Lust, selbst loszuziehen. Ich hätte das Great Barrier Reef auch gerne sowohl von oben als auch von unten gesehen – das klingt einfach magisch!
Mein geheimer Lieblingsplatz zum Schwimmen ist ein kleiner See in den Schweizer Alpen, den man nur zu Fuß erreicht. Eiskalt, aber unglaublich erfrischend! 😊
Danke für deine inspirierenden Reiseberichte – ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten!
Liebe Grüsse aus der Schweiz! 🇨🇭
Cornel
G’Day Cornel, vielen Dank, das freut mich riesig! Das Great Barrier Reef war wirklich magisch, und es ist schön zu hören, dass die Berichte dich inspirieren. Dein Lieblingsplatz klingt traumhaft, wo genau liegt denn dieser See in den Bergen? 🏔️
Und das beste: Du musst nicht mal warten, der nächste Blog Beitrag über Magnetic Island inklusive eine Koala und Barbie Auto ist bereits publiziert! 🐨🩷 Du findest ihn hier: https://blog.hslu.ch/majorobm/2025/05/01/downunderdiary-post-8/
Can I just say how amazingly beautiful your blogs are? They look so pretty and I looove how interactive they are.
Putting that aside, your adventures in Australia sound absolutely amazing! The way you captured Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef is so vivid. And that scenic flight? Seeing the Heart Reef from above must have been surreal.
I’m definitely bookmarking your blog for when I finally make it to Australia! Your adventures are the perfect guide.
G’Day, thank you so much! I’m so happy to hear that both the look and feel and the content of the blog resonate with you 🫶🏻 Australia gave us so many unforgettable moments, and the scenic flight over the Heart Reef was honestly one of the most surreal experiences of the whole trip. I’m thrilled to hear you’ll be saving the blog for your own adventure, that’s the biggest compliment I could wish for! 🩵 And do you already have an idea of where in Australia you’d like to go first?