I booked 6 nights in the Bundaberg region to see the beaches and Lady Musgrave island – but Lady Musgrave Island was the big drawcard for me. It’s a coral island at the southern end of the Great Barrier reef.

I had decided because we are spending so many nights in a caravan we would splurge and do the overnight experience. We left the caravan in the caravan park at Bundaberg.

On the way to the harbour early in the morning, Chris said I wonder why the clock is showing an hour early. The answer: start of daylight savings in Victoria. We were an hour early because our phones changes to Melbourne time – lucky it wasn’t the other way around. It gave me a chance to buy a coffee from the cutest little cafe (Kellys by the Sea which open crazy early) around the corner at Burnett Heads.

The time arrived to board. Because we were doing the overnight experience, the upgraded Captain’s Club experience is included. We got to board first and were seated on the first level. We were served coffee and morning tea.

It is a 2.5 hour trip to the island and it can be a bit rough. The information provided recommends if you get motion sickness, take Phenergan the night before and Travelcalm on the day. I took the full Phenergan dose the night before and two Travelcalm tablets on the morning. Chris said you will only need one and I ignored him. I felt like I was away with the fairies and almost slurring my words. Anyway, the good part of that was I slept the whole way but I will probably listen to Chris next time.

We were divided into groups before we got off the catamaran. We were in the turtle group. That meant the order of our day was: island walk, glass bottle boat then snorkelling. We were told we didn’t have to visit the island if we just wanted to snorkel but I think most people visited the island.

We toured the island for about 40 minutes. The tour was led by Steven, a marine biologist. I don’t generally find learning about trees and birds very interesting, but Steven was so passionate and had a way of explaining the island that made us want to know more. The water was so clear and there were birds everywhere.

Next it was time to head back to the pontoon via a glass bottom boat tour. We saw this turtle on the way so cute. I will never get sick of seeing turtles.

Lunch was ready for us when we got back then it was time for snorkelling.

We were given a briefing, our snorkel fin and wetsuit (wetsuit is included in the Captain’s package otherwise can hire) and we were off. Saw heaps of colorful fish all different sizes but no more turtles.

At 2.30 the day trippers departed (about 180 people) and suddenly there was only four crew and about 12 guests left. I found out later it was very busy day on the pontoon – Sunday of a long weekend in Queensland. Even at capacity the staff did so well managing the numbers by putting us into groups. The next day there were only 40 people on the catamaran.

It was so quiet after everyone left! The bar/ cafe and snorkelling area all empty. The showers / toilets were opened for us. During the day only the toilets on the catamaran can be used.

We were shown our bed and given the rundown – basically snorkel whenever you like – just let the staff know.

I had ordered an optional cheese platter and it arrived at 5 o-clock with champagne. We sat and admired the sun going down from our tent. It felt so exclusive!

Our three course dinner was served via candlelight. I wish I took photos of the three courses – cooked by Jason the chef absolutely delicious and very fancy.

The lights were turned onto red – less noise pollution for the turtles. They don’t like light. We all went to bed early.

I got up early to take photos at sunrise. Breakfast was served then we went snorkelling before the catamaran with the next load of passengers came. One turtle came right up to me and looked at me as if to say you’re in my way. We had a stare off. I moved my fins to let the turtle past. We saw quite a few turtles.

I had booked a discover scuba session – scuba diving for people not certified. I am certified, but haven’t dived for about 25 years so decided I was happy to do the discover session. It turned out I was the only one booked for the day. I told the guide that I’ve dived before. He gave me a refresher on how to equalise (clear your ears), clear water from the mask underwater and find my regulator if I dropped it underwater. It was a like a private lesson. I was surprised it all came back to me. Then we were off. It wasn’t very deep so not scary.

It gives a different perspective to snorkelling when you are further down. I would recommend giving the Discover Scuba a go if you are on the fence.

The day came to an end and it was time to go home. Goodbye pontoon. Hope to see you again.

But it was not quite over. We were served champagne and a cheese platter on the catamaran. What a way to finish the trip.

You can come during turtle breeding season and see the turtles laying their eggs. I may have to start saving…