When Cyclone Debbie struck earlier this year, Campbelltown residents JOHN and JAN MCLAUGHLIN thought about cancelling their holiday to the Whitsunday Islands. But they made a decision to go anyway and had such a great time they wanted to share their wonderful experience when they returned home to Macquarie Links last week.
They told their story to the South West Voice in Macarthur:
Following on from a trip to Tasmania as a gift from our children for our 50th wedding anniversary in January 2016 – a part of Australia we had never visited – we had such a great time, we decided that we would, while we are able, visit other parts of Australia each year.
This January we decided to spend time at Airlie Beach on the Whitsunday Islands at the end of April and early May, when we expected that the weather would be good.
We were looking forward to the holiday when Cyclone Debbie struck, causing widespread damage to the area.
We heard reports in Sydney that many parts of the Whitsundays were destroyed.
We wondered whether we should reconsider going or rescheduling.
We decided we would go as the timing suited us – what a great decision we made by going.
It is remarkable how the area and people in the Whitsunday region have responded.
Sure, parts of the coast have suffered more than others, but Airlie Beach has bounced back and apart from a few shops that remain closed, the area is full of life and people are getting on with their lives.
We stayed at the Colonial Palms Motel overlooking the port and ferry terminal and the Whitsunday Islands.
The motel was great with beautifully landscaped pools and very comfortable.
Our hosts Bridget and John were fantastic in the way they made sure we enjoyed out time in Airlie Beach.
We enjoyed a cruise around the Islands, a trip up the Proserpine River where we saw crocodiles in their natural environment, and a trip to Hideaway Bay where we had lunch on the beach.
The views were unbelievable.
It was a great decision to go and we sure do live in a wonderful country.
♦ The 74 Whitsunday Islands lie between the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef, a massive stretch of coral teeming with marine life. Most of the islands are uninhabited. They’re characterized by dense rainforest, hiking trails and white sand beaches. The town of Airlie Beach on the mainland is the region’s central hub.
• If you have a similar experience and wish to share it with others please email your story and pictures to erickontos@southwestvoice.com.au
Boofhead the crocodile.
Hideaway Bay at Montes Restaurant on the beach.
