Some of the islands are exactly the same today as when Captain Cook first saw them, and this could be him now.

Not all our neighbours travelled by wind alone. Seaplanes can drop into your anchorage, pick you up and take you to the outer Reef.

Fitzalan Pass. One of the many narrow passages that has a bad reputation. Luckily it was well-behaved today.

Once more we get to see a full moon rising on this trip – our 3rd so far. This time it’s over Lupton Island and we’re anchored in Waite Bay on Hazelwood Island. No one else here; an idyllic tropical experience.

On our way to Waite Bay. Nicholson Island on the left, Hazelwood on the right and Pentecost in the middle distance.

Beginning our walk along the Ngaro Sea Trail and looking back at our anchorage in Chance Bay. Can you see Top Shelf there?

From the lookout on our walk. At the bottom of the cliff is Whitehaven Beach. In the distance is Chalkies Beach on Hazelwood Island.

Solway Pass from the lookout.

These guys give a whole new perspective to Street Food. On Whitehaven Beach.

Another leg of the Ngaro Sea Trail.

Torres Herald Beach in Turtle Bay. This was a delightful luncheon spot for us. We arrived on a rising tide and were able to take Top Shelf right in to shore.

Doesn’t look far, but don’t let it fool you!

It started in lush rainforest.

Steve, on his way to Whitsunday Peak

We made it to the top – quite an effort.

The view north from Whitsunday Peak. Cid Island on the left, Cid Harbour the protected area between the island and the headland jutting out from the right.

Dugong Inlet from Whitsunday Peak. Sawmill Beach to the bottom left.

Looking south from Whitsunday Peak. Gulnare Inlet in the foreground, Hamilton Island top left with Dent Island just to the east of it.

Selfie on Whitsunday Peak.

We thoroughly enjoyed a swim at Dugong Beach after the climb to the Peak.

Enjoying a lovely sail from Cid towards Airlie.

There’s nothing quite like the first G&T once back in civilisation.

This is the largest catamaran in the world. To get a perspective of how big it is Denise is standing on the pontoon beside it.

Hemisphere, the catamaran. This is luxury at it’s most opulent.