Tuesday March 14
We left Sydney at 12:40pm with Helen and Garry ‘in tow’ - thanks to our AmEx cards we could guest them into the Virgin Lounge. It was an uneventful flight - we arrived at Hammo at 2:30pm (local time, -1 hour from Sydney).
We collected our bags, keys to our condo (Unit 12 Hidden Cove) and buggy - they bring your bags separately. After a few wrong turns we found our unit. It was quite stunning - huge lounge/dining/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large terrace overlooking the Whitsunday waters and islands. Hammo is very hilly so a buggy is quite a necessity.
Garry and Dieter went off to do some grocery shopping while Helen and I unpacked. After happy hour and showers we walked into the ‘village’ for dinner at Romanos. We had to walk as normal road rules apply to the buggies meaning no drinking and driving. It was a 12 minute walk to the restaurant - downhill - the hike home in hot and humid conditions was a chore. Romanos was OK - say a 6.5 out of 10.
Wednesday March 15
We had a bit of a lazy day - morning walk for H&G, brekkie, swim in the complex pool, an island tour by buggy, lunch at the pub, more shopping, afternoon siesta, and finally BBQ dinner at home (Steak, salad and baked potatoes).
Thursday March 16
Today was our pre-booked lunch at the Golf Club - reached via a 10 minute boat ride. As this venue is so popular we could only get a 2pm booking even booking many weeks in advance.
We took the 2pm ferry to the golf club for our 2:15pm lunch - it was excellent. Back on Hammo we bought some bread and ham for a light dinner and fixings for an early lunch on Friday (before our snorkelling tour).
Friday March 17
Another day on Hammo - perfect weather and also St Patrick’s Day - not that there was any evidence of this on Hammo - no parade or green beer.
After a relaxing morning and an early lunch we took off on a half day snorkelling tour to Pearl Bay (on Hayman Island of all places). It was an hour by fast catamaran to the bay with one hour for snorkelling then back home.
Back at our condo we quickly showered to get ready for our final dinner - this time a Bommies at the yacht club - pretty good - some of the mains were a bit disappointing but this was made up with excellent desserts.
Saturday March 18
It was time to leave Hammo (Hidden Cove unit 12) - H&G headed back to Sydney and we were off to Hayman Island for 5 more nights.