Sometimes A Girl Just Needs a Dress Sale

Day 33, South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand Cruise

Friday, Nov. 4, 2022; Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia.

Today brought another new and fun port on the Australian east coast between Cairns and Sydney. On previous cruises I’ve visited the city of Brisbane, the beach resort town of Mooloolaba and the in-between port of Townsville. This time we have two stops along this coast – Airlie Beach and Moreton Island.

From Top, Cairns, Airlie Beach and Moreton Island

Airlie Beach is a fun resort town whose only downside is the lack of a cruise pier. Because the distance from our anchorage to the dock was long, we engaged local ferry boats to tender guests ashore. They were nice catamarans that had comfortable cushioned seats, rode the swells smoothly and made good time on the long transfer. They were still slow to load and unload. We didn’t arrive at the port until almost noon so it was a short day. But once in town, the trip was worth the effort.

The temperature has moderated from the tropical humidity nearer the equator. A stiff breeze kept me cool during the short walk to town, but required a hand to hold onto the hat that shaded me from the sun’s rays. I never quite trust the sunblock, as I do burn easily.

The bay in the middle of town was mostly mud as we arrived at low tide. It didn’t matter, because like in other areas of this coast, the ocean isn’t meant for swimming. Instead residents and tourists head for the town lagoon.

My intention was to wander around a bit and find a nice place for lunch ashore. I did well on the wandering part; not so much on eating lunch. Oh well, I’m never really hungry on this cruise, it seems.

Local residents had set up a fun market on the edge of the bay, with booths selling traditional Aussie hats, handmade jewelry, wooden carvings and, of course, t-shirts. Nearby pubs featured live music all afternoon. We arrived just in time for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, and while we didn’t have tickets to the main events, the music spilled out across the town.

My score was in the purchase of two dresses. I would never have bought the muted green linen dress if I weren’t living on a cruise ship that offers free laundry and pressing. I don’t think I own an iron any more, and certainly not an ironing board. The other is a brightly patterned cotton dress. I could have bought many more, as it’s the end of their season and everything was on sale. But I don’t really need more clothes and I certainly won’t have room to take them home on the long flight. I’ll remember Airlie Beach when I need to shop again for dresses – the selection here suits me just fine.

Tonight’s show in the Main Stage was a pleasant surprise. I’m not usually a fan of stand-up comedians on cruise ships. Some have funny five-minute sets, but it’s painful when they stretch it to 40 or 45 minutes. Australian Jim Short kept us laughing and the time passed quickly. I’ll keep my eye out for him on future cruises.