Return to Australia 2014 part 3

Day 12

We did a Hamilton Island tour including lunch then, afterwards, went to Whitehaven Beach by boat.

Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations. On a holiday to Hamilton Island, you'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches, and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life. There's plenty to do during your Great Barrier Reef holiday on Hamilton Island. You can enjoy a wide selection of bars and restaurants, year-round cultural exhibitions and performances, an abundance of water sports and activities - and that's just the start.

For sailing enthusiasts, there’s the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, and for keen golfers, the Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only Australian 18-hole championship course on its own island. Plus, with six different levels of accommodation to choose from across the island - ranging from plush, couples’ suites, to family-friendly apartments and holiday homes, a holiday on Hamilton Island really does offer something for everyone.

Whitehaven Beach is a pristine, award-winning beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. Whitehaven Beach stretches over seven kilometres and boasts brilliant white silica sand that is among the purest in the world. Sink your feet into the sand and wade into the warm waves that gently lap the shore and you'll soon realise why people come here from all over the world.

At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning inlet where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours. Many people claim Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach are the most beautiful places they've ever seen.

The lookout at Tongue Point is the best spot from which to view the swirling sands of Hill Inlet, so if you don't mind a short bushwalk, book your Whitehaven tour with an operator that visits the lookout (I can do this for you)

Day 13

We left Daydream Island by boat via Hamilton Island to Sydney. We flew with Virgin Australia, in economy class. We stayed at Menzies Sydney for 5 nights.

Day 14

We went to Paddy’s Market in Sydney. It’s a great place to get good bargains including, for us, a new suitcase and souvenirs! Afterwards, we went on the Sydney Bridge Twilight Climb. It was amazing to see view of Sydney.

This was also my second time and I was presented with a certificate, which was a nice touch. It’s a must-do when you are in Sydney. There are 3 different types of climbs. A tip, don’t have any alcoholic drinks 24 hours before you climb as you won’t be allowed to climb. In the evening, we went to Rocks, a great, buzzing atmosphere.

Day 15

We had an impressive guided tour of Sydney Opera House. It was great to hear how Sydney Opera House was built and designed. In the afternoon, we went on a cruise around Sydney Harbour with afternoon tea. Another great way of seeing Sydney and some of those lovely bays including Manly and Watson Bay.

Day 16

My wife had a private surfing lesson in Bondi. She had a great time, as it was her first lesson. Whilst she was having her lesson I sat and admired Bondi Beach and all the surfers around.

Day 17

We met up with my wife's cousin at our hotel in Sydney!

Day 18

We flew from Sydney to Singapore in business class, with Qantas (flying time 8 hours 35 minutes). We stayed at Quincy hotel for 2 nights.

We ventured onto busy Orchard Road where there are plenty of shops, like Oxford Street in London in the UK.

Day 19

We had afternoon tea at the famous Raffles Hotel. I thought afternoon tea was amazing. We also had afternoon city tour of Singapore taking in some of the famous sights.

Day 20

The hotel arranged Hop-on and Hop-off tour where we took in more sights of Singapore and we even went to Sentosa Island.

I wish we had had more time to explore Singapore as Singapore had so much to offer. We want to come back again and for a longer time.

Day 21

We headed back home from Singapore via Dubai to Heathrow, flying with Emirates in business class.

This trip was an amazing adventure. I would love to do it again, but spending more time in each destination as I felt it was a bit of a rush, cramming lots into a short amount of time. As is often said of Australia, I didn’t realise how big Australia is and the distances you cover!

If you're thinking about a trip to Australia, get in touch and I can give you more information.