Coral heaven

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Arriving in Port Douglas we were pleasantly surprised as to how much of a seaside town it was.Ok it wasn't quite Clacton but definately was a man made town full of beach shops and shops for the tourists. More annoying for us was the fact that there was no free camping anywhere in or around the outskirts of Port Douglas so we had to book into a caravan park. After strolling down to the beach we had a gorgeous sunset and, as we watched a couple getting married we both started to toy with the idea ourselves (we will leave you guessing!!!) Both were feeling stir crazy from cooking in the van so decided to treat ourselves to a fish and chip supper in town tonight-gorgeous and so nice for someone else to be cooking for once.
Port Douglas has an incredible beach (4 mile beach) white sand, blue warm sea..absolutely incredible. After spending some time here I decided to do my dive out to the Great Barrier Reef from here (John was keeping his feet firmly on dry land and we were having a day apart...rare on this trip!!)
The morning of the dive we headed out to the Agincourt Reef on our boat "Poseidon" The reef is the worlds largest marine park, extending over 2,300km. As we boarded the boat we had to give up our shoes but in return were given a chocolate muffin and hot chocolate so not a bad trade. After filling out numerous forms and having our safety talk we were kitted out with wet suits and masks/fins. There were only 6 people in our group, one of whom was an absolutely huge canadian guy who had great difficulty getting into his 5xxxxl wetsuit!!! (Not sure what he put on his medical questionnaire but it raised a few eyebrows from the crew) Before long we arrived at the first dive spot and I must admit my stomach was doing somersaults whilst we got ourselves ready and waited nervously on the edge at the back of the boat. On the signal there was no turning back and in I went. The visibility was so so good-clear as anything and the water very very calm. So different from when snorkelling with the whale sharks on the west coast of Oz. I see the most amazing coral and fish of all colours, shapes and sizes. One of the instructors passes us this big slimy worm thing to hold and its like holding a smooth soft cushion. Its amazing and after no time at all and all too soon we have to head back to the surface. Back on the boat and everyone is on a high as we munch on more muffins and hot chocolate. I decide to go snorkelling rather than do the next dive and wish John was here as the water is so so calm and clear that he would definately have enjoyed it.
After a delicious lunch I head back in for another dive and yet more stunning coral and fish. All too soon its over and we are heading back to shore...but not before my lunch is revisted if you get my drift!! No amount of fresh air is helping me as I heave ho all the way back to shore- not really how iwanted to end what was a fabulous day thats for sure!

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Photos

4 mile beach
Absolute bliss

Great barrier reef
Beautiful coral