A MELBOURNE couple who drive 3000km to the Whitsundays at lest once a year, celebrated their 45th visit to Hardy Reef last week.
Jackie and Peter Mihalec also celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary earlier this year, making the milestone trip that bit more special.
Jackie Mihalec said every time the couple visited Hardy Reef it was “awesome and different”.
“If there is a current, I love to drift snorkel, if it’s high tide I love snorkelling over the top of the reef, if it’s low tide I like watching the fish hug the reef wall [and] if it’s raining or rough you get a roller coaster ride at the same time – so much fun. I just love it in any condition,” she said.
Mrs Mihalec described herself as 64 and loving life, “and the main reason I keep coming back to Hardy Reef is that it makes me feel very safe,” she said.
“There is a snorkel rope you can use and the staff are amazing, constantly on snorkel watch and ensuring everyone is looked after.”
“I am usually the first person in the water and stay there until the last call for lunch.”
The couple, who first visited Hardy Reef 23 years ago and found themselves hooked, were hosted by Cruise Whitsundays during many of their trips.
Cruise Whitsundays business tourism executive Steve Neale said he had met the Mihalecs on several occasions over the years.
“One of the great things about working in the tourism industry is happy customers and it’s been wonderful to see the Mihalecs come back year after year and see them enjoy the reef so much,” he said.
“And it’s nice for them to see so many old faces still around the reef operations and catch up with them each time they visit.”
