Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Day 19
So the penultimate day in the van, the last full day in it if you like, and happily having spent so long in it previously it was great to spend hardly anytime in it, not driving more than 40 miles all in for the day.
That's because today we went to Australia Zoo, made famous as the home zoo of the crocodile hunter Steve Irwin who tragically died back in 2006.
We arrived in good time for the 9am opening time, and once in immediately headed for Roo Heaven before all the crowds in order that Amanda and I could get some good times with the Kangaroos and wallabies and feed them prior to all the crowds and whilst they were still hungry. This turned out to be a great idea. After this, we saw and patted some koalas, then we went to feed the elephants. Amanda liked it so much she went back for seconds.
We then travelled around the zoo a bit more, before heading to the crocoseum, the big stadium built in the middle of the zoo in order to watch the entertaining show with a wide variety of animals, concluding with the big salt water crocs performing the show that Steve Irwin would have done back in the day.
We had an (expensive) lunch, then spent the afternoon alternating visiting the animals and watching the shows, the Tiger show and Birds of Prey shows were both very good. In the end we left at around 4.15pm, which shows how good and big the zoo was.
We headed up the hills behind the zoo to find our campsite and after getting some beer and meat rations in, we had a nice BBQ to celebrate our last night in the van.
Onwards to Brisbane and Steve and Dani's tomorrow.
That's because today we went to Australia Zoo, made famous as the home zoo of the crocodile hunter Steve Irwin who tragically died back in 2006.
We arrived in good time for the 9am opening time, and once in immediately headed for Roo Heaven before all the crowds in order that Amanda and I could get some good times with the Kangaroos and wallabies and feed them prior to all the crowds and whilst they were still hungry. This turned out to be a great idea. After this, we saw and patted some koalas, then we went to feed the elephants. Amanda liked it so much she went back for seconds.
We then travelled around the zoo a bit more, before heading to the crocoseum, the big stadium built in the middle of the zoo in order to watch the entertaining show with a wide variety of animals, concluding with the big salt water crocs performing the show that Steve Irwin would have done back in the day.
We had an (expensive) lunch, then spent the afternoon alternating visiting the animals and watching the shows, the Tiger show and Birds of Prey shows were both very good. In the end we left at around 4.15pm, which shows how good and big the zoo was.
We headed up the hills behind the zoo to find our campsite and after getting some beer and meat rations in, we had a nice BBQ to celebrate our last night in the van.
Onwards to Brisbane and Steve and Dani's tomorrow.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Day 18
Another day, another early start, 7am alarm for our trip down the coast to the Sunshine Coast.
First stop after a quick drive around Hervey Bay was Tin Can Point, where they feed dolphins ever day at 8-9am, however unfortunately as has been the case so often in this trip, the distances between places was quite large so we didn't arrive until 10am by which time the dolphins had been and gone. However on the trip over we did experience a large brushfire, fortunately not too closely, however close enough to smell the burning and see the skies darken.
After this, we headed to Noosa and the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, where we partook in some lunch and a walk through town and along the beach, before heading to Sunshine Beach for some sunbathing and a swim. Unfortunately sunshine beach and the Sunshine Coast only lived up to their names for around a half hour as after this the cloud tumbled in and we had a short sharp shower. As such we headed to the van and slowly drove down the coast to Golden Beach where we set up camp.
This allowed a bit of chill out time, a wee walk into town, the writing and posting of some post cards and then headed to the local club, this time the powerboat club for dinner and a couple of beers, which was a lovely end to a quite uneventful day.
Alas, we also think it may have been the first day where 30 degrees was not breached, although this is guesswork, as lunch in Noosa sitting outside was real hot!
First stop after a quick drive around Hervey Bay was Tin Can Point, where they feed dolphins ever day at 8-9am, however unfortunately as has been the case so often in this trip, the distances between places was quite large so we didn't arrive until 10am by which time the dolphins had been and gone. However on the trip over we did experience a large brushfire, fortunately not too closely, however close enough to smell the burning and see the skies darken.
After this, we headed to Noosa and the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, where we partook in some lunch and a walk through town and along the beach, before heading to Sunshine Beach for some sunbathing and a swim. Unfortunately sunshine beach and the Sunshine Coast only lived up to their names for around a half hour as after this the cloud tumbled in and we had a short sharp shower. As such we headed to the van and slowly drove down the coast to Golden Beach where we set up camp.
This allowed a bit of chill out time, a wee walk into town, the writing and posting of some post cards and then headed to the local club, this time the powerboat club for dinner and a couple of beers, which was a lovely end to a quite uneventful day.
Alas, we also think it may have been the first day where 30 degrees was not breached, although this is guesswork, as lunch in Noosa sitting outside was real hot!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Day 16 & 17
So as you might have worked out, there was no Saturday diary written. That's because we were off the mainland for the weekend, enjoying the two day Fraser Explorer Tour of Fraser Island.
Once again we had to wake early, as we had a 7.20am pick up in a bus to take us to River Heads where the Fraser Venture Barge was to get us to the Island. Well this was eventful in itself, as the large current caused by the tide made embarkation of people and particularly 4x4s somewhat exciting. However we all managed to get on safely, and around 35 minutes later we met our tour guide Les who got us on board the largest bus I had ever seen. The need for this customised bus was almost immediately apparent, as all the roads on Frazer Island are, like the island itself, made entirely out of sand. This meant the roads were very very bumpy and caused a significantly jolly ride.
First up was Lake Mackenzie, a lake on the island with no source except the rain and no way out except for evaporation. The waters were very clean and quite cool and it was itself a cool way to start the trip, albeit a bit busy.
Les then had us on a rainforest walk where we saw a large lizard and some other bits an bobs, including some massive trees. Following this we went to the Eurang beach resort for a buffet lunch and then hit the beach, doubling as the highway, up to Lake Wabby, where a 40 minute walk took us to some incredible sandblown dunes and a cool lake at the bottom. We spent the rest of the afternoon there, before walking back to the bus and heading back to Eurang for dinner and a nights sleep.
Happily on the way back, we bumped into some dingos, stereo dingos in fact as there was one on either side of the bus. Although very slight and cute to look at, the number of stories Les told us meant I was happy we saw them in the van and not face to face. Dinner was again lovely and plentiful, and after a couple of beers at happy hour at the beach bar we went to bed.
Another early start so we could get back on the beach and drive up to Eli Creek, a large natural spring, where we had a swim (a real lazy river) sunbathe and watch all the backpackers behave stupidly. Once Les got the van across the Creek we headed North to the Champagne Pools and Indian Head. Here we saw some great views, but also were lucky enough to see sharks, dolphins and a turtle in the sea below us.
Back on the bus to a larger beach as the tide had retreated and we had lunch at the Maheno Shipwreck, before heading back to Eurango for a last shop and wash before a slow and relatively long trip back to Hervey Bay via Kingfisher Resort this time due to the tides. All in all a great weekend, with our guide Les really making the trip with his informative, humorous and educated stories and tales.
Dinner was a forgettable Mexican.
Days 16 & 17
Apologies for the delay in updating the blog, however we were away form the campervan on
Friday, January 11, 2013
Day 15
After the slightly demoralising day yesterday, today was much more fun, particularly this morning when we went to reef2beach surf school to learn how to surf. The guys teaching us were ridiculously laid back and nice, and after about 30 minutes technical training on the beach, we hit the water and had two hours of trying to stand up and grab a wave.
All I can say is that I managed to stand up and surf a few times, but also managed to wipe out a few times as well. Net end result, big smiles, sea water and sand everywhere and some sunburn with the water washing the sunscreen off!
Following this, we had some lunch then hit the road for Hervey Bay, our 'base' for our weekend trip to Fraser Island. As usual the trip was slightly longer than planned despite only one short stop, but we found our beachside property promptly and after some clothes washing etc, we were able to grab a bit of dinner and look at the Internet to catch up on some news.
Early start tomorrow and probably no diary as we hit up Fraser Island!
All I can say is that I managed to stand up and surf a few times, but also managed to wipe out a few times as well. Net end result, big smiles, sea water and sand everywhere and some sunburn with the water washing the sunscreen off!
Following this, we had some lunch then hit the road for Hervey Bay, our 'base' for our weekend trip to Fraser Island. As usual the trip was slightly longer than planned despite only one short stop, but we found our beachside property promptly and after some clothes washing etc, we were able to grab a bit of dinner and look at the Internet to catch up on some news.
Early start tomorrow and probably no diary as we hit up Fraser Island!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Day 14
Unfortunately Day 14 was probably the most boring and uneventful of all the days we have experienced so far, with the vast majority having been spent behind the wheel of the van as we drove from MacKay to Agnes Water/Town of 1770. There was little to see or do on the way that added to the lack of enjoyment.
We had been trying to get down as quickly as possible with the hope of joining the Chopparoo tour however, we were to be left unhappy as the numerous roadworks slowed progress to a crawl.
After a look around the very small towns, we found a campsite and headed into town of 1770 for a lovely meal. barramundi again for me. It was delicious!
Another poor nights sleep as the van was very very hot. Surfing tomorrow to cool us down!
We had been trying to get down as quickly as possible with the hope of joining the Chopparoo tour however, we were to be left unhappy as the numerous roadworks slowed progress to a crawl.
After a look around the very small towns, we found a campsite and headed into town of 1770 for a lovely meal. barramundi again for me. It was delicious!
Another poor nights sleep as the van was very very hot. Surfing tomorrow to cool us down!
Agnes Water and 1770
After the longest drive ever, we have made it! It feels more temperate than elsewhere!
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Day 13
Day 13...unlucky for some, it not us on this occasion. Along with it being Amanda and my 5 year anniversary, it was also possibly one of the best days yet!
Another relatively early start, with a 7.30am alarm, in order that we could be picked up by the good people of Ocean Rafting, for our Northern Exposure trip around the Whitsundays with them. The early start actually was for a relatively sedate start as it took some time for check in and boarding to be completed, however almost immediately after we boarded our boat, 'Jammin'' we understood exactly the power and speed of the boats.
The morning was spent scuttling around a few island spots with stops for snorkelling in two
Locations. At the first, it was for snorkelling amongst the coral, at the second, it was fish, fish, fish, with so many fish around, it was impossible not to touch them.
Following this, it was time to head to Whitehaven beach on Whitsunday Island, and wow what a place. Bright blue sea and pure white sand. We walked up to the lookout for better views then went back down to the beach to play with the crabs. Just an amazing place. Back on the boat we grabbed another lovely lunch, then we had 45 minutes to enjoy the beach, just an amazing, amazing place!
Then it was back not the boats for a little bit of fun, pulling turns and jumps and generally seeing the power of the boats!
We arrived back in Airlie beach, grabbed the van and after some supplies, hit the road for MacKay, where after a slight problem finding a caravan park, found one in Beaconsfield where we cooked up a BBQ and chatted with the locals.
Just a good day all round.
Another relatively early start, with a 7.30am alarm, in order that we could be picked up by the good people of Ocean Rafting, for our Northern Exposure trip around the Whitsundays with them. The early start actually was for a relatively sedate start as it took some time for check in and boarding to be completed, however almost immediately after we boarded our boat, 'Jammin'' we understood exactly the power and speed of the boats.
The morning was spent scuttling around a few island spots with stops for snorkelling in two
Locations. At the first, it was for snorkelling amongst the coral, at the second, it was fish, fish, fish, with so many fish around, it was impossible not to touch them.
Following this, it was time to head to Whitehaven beach on Whitsunday Island, and wow what a place. Bright blue sea and pure white sand. We walked up to the lookout for better views then went back down to the beach to play with the crabs. Just an amazing place. Back on the boat we grabbed another lovely lunch, then we had 45 minutes to enjoy the beach, just an amazing, amazing place!
Then it was back not the boats for a little bit of fun, pulling turns and jumps and generally seeing the power of the boats!
We arrived back in Airlie beach, grabbed the van and after some supplies, hit the road for MacKay, where after a slight problem finding a caravan park, found one in Beaconsfield where we cooked up a BBQ and chatted with the locals.
Just a good day all round.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Day 12
So we've reached what I believe is halfway on the trip and it feels like the days are going slightly faster which is concerning. Today was another transition/travel day, with the morning spent semi-leisurely in Townsville and the rest of the day travelling to Airlie Beach ahead of activities tomorrow!
First up was a visit to Reef HQ, an aquarium in Townsville CBD with a focus on the Great Barrier Reef, the main highlight of which is a 'fake' reef in the centre. I thought it was ok, there was a range of animals in the place and lots for kids, plus liked the presentation given by the lady diving in the tank, but felt it could have been more informative than it was. Following reef hq, we took a walk into town for a new haircut for Neil!
Then prior to hitting the road, we travelled up the main hill in Townsville for a panoramic view. Very nice it was too, but I still can't quite put my finger on Townsville and if I like it or not!
Then it was back in the camper as we headed south through Ayr and Bowen, before reaching Airlie Beach, Gateway to the Whitsunday's! We found the campsite, did the usual cleaning, washing and refreshing, then took a walk into town for a Mexican dinner and a few beers!
Tomorrow we hit the water once again, this time on some speed rafts!
First up was a visit to Reef HQ, an aquarium in Townsville CBD with a focus on the Great Barrier Reef, the main highlight of which is a 'fake' reef in the centre. I thought it was ok, there was a range of animals in the place and lots for kids, plus liked the presentation given by the lady diving in the tank, but felt it could have been more informative than it was. Following reef hq, we took a walk into town for a new haircut for Neil!
Then prior to hitting the road, we travelled up the main hill in Townsville for a panoramic view. Very nice it was too, but I still can't quite put my finger on Townsville and if I like it or not!
Then it was back in the camper as we headed south through Ayr and Bowen, before reaching Airlie Beach, Gateway to the Whitsunday's! We found the campsite, did the usual cleaning, washing and refreshing, then took a walk into town for a Mexican dinner and a few beers!
Tomorrow we hit the water once again, this time on some speed rafts!
Monday, January 07, 2013
Day 11
So after the busy-ness of day 10, a good nights sleep saw a late wake up at 8.45am, which caused something of a rush to get ready to check out by 10am.
First up was a visit to Barinda for the largest Bcon Sarnie known to man and a visit to the tourist information for things to do on our trip south during the day. First up was visits to two waterfalls in the rainforest, Barinda Boulders and Josephine Falls. Both were very nice to look at and although areas were set aside for swimming we decided, that we'd spent enough time in the H2O for the time being and gave it a miss.
A short journey south to Flying Fish point for an ice cream before heading to the Mission Beach area for lunch and a nosey. This area is a world heritage site as it's the only place in the world where you can see a reef, beach and rainforest all in one place. The area is famous for the Cassowary birds, and there are all kinds of signs warning you to not drive into them. Sadly we didn't see any wild ones, although we did see a wild wallaby (not a kangaroo, as informed by Amanda)!
We then hit the road with the intention of overnighting in Townsville. A few stops for interesting sights saw us see the Golden Welly in Tully, created to underline it's status as Australia's wettest place and physically showing what 8m of rainfall looks like, which fell in 1950.
We arrived in Townsville relatively late, but managed a quick shower before dinner in The Brewery in Townsville, a lovely bar/restaurant in the refurbished old Post Office. the campsite again is close enough to the sea to just about hear the waves breaking on the beach (albeit the cars on the road between us and the beach are somewhat louder!)
Onwards to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays tomorrow!
First up was a visit to Barinda for the largest Bcon Sarnie known to man and a visit to the tourist information for things to do on our trip south during the day. First up was visits to two waterfalls in the rainforest, Barinda Boulders and Josephine Falls. Both were very nice to look at and although areas were set aside for swimming we decided, that we'd spent enough time in the H2O for the time being and gave it a miss.
A short journey south to Flying Fish point for an ice cream before heading to the Mission Beach area for lunch and a nosey. This area is a world heritage site as it's the only place in the world where you can see a reef, beach and rainforest all in one place. The area is famous for the Cassowary birds, and there are all kinds of signs warning you to not drive into them. Sadly we didn't see any wild ones, although we did see a wild wallaby (not a kangaroo, as informed by Amanda)!
We then hit the road with the intention of overnighting in Townsville. A few stops for interesting sights saw us see the Golden Welly in Tully, created to underline it's status as Australia's wettest place and physically showing what 8m of rainfall looks like, which fell in 1950.
We arrived in Townsville relatively late, but managed a quick shower before dinner in The Brewery in Townsville, a lovely bar/restaurant in the refurbished old Post Office. the campsite again is close enough to the sea to just about hear the waves breaking on the beach (albeit the cars on the road between us and the beach are somewhat louder!)
Onwards to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays tomorrow!
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Day 10
The earliest 'alarm' yet of the trip with the onset of 6am developing the silence of Palm Cove into an absolute cachony of horribleness. Stil, this allowed us to be parked up in Cairns outside the reef boat terminal for our second trip to the reef, this time on down under cruises.
The trip outward much faster in this modern boat, but also quite rough, which made listening to the scuba introduction quite tricky! On arrival at the reef, we were in the last group for scuba, so we spent about an hour snorkelling at the reef before the first scuba dive, where we were both attached to the instructor the whole way. However, despite this, we loved it and I cashed in my Christ,as present to be used for fun in Australia.
The boat then moved to a second reef and following a short snorkel, we then had our second scuba dive, this time although with an instructor, we were pretty much on our own. hpily our instructor was great at seeing loads of neat stuff, so along with Nemo, a reef shark, a ray, a clam and loads of fishes, we also managed to see a turtle, which was incredible! An incredible day all round!
Back to Cairns, and a drive south to Fishing Falls, where we spent the evening, no food outlets were open, so it was a bit of a quiet evening, although kind of needed after a 6am start,
The trip outward much faster in this modern boat, but also quite rough, which made listening to the scuba introduction quite tricky! On arrival at the reef, we were in the last group for scuba, so we spent about an hour snorkelling at the reef before the first scuba dive, where we were both attached to the instructor the whole way. However, despite this, we loved it and I cashed in my Christ,as present to be used for fun in Australia.
The boat then moved to a second reef and following a short snorkel, we then had our second scuba dive, this time although with an instructor, we were pretty much on our own. hpily our instructor was great at seeing loads of neat stuff, so along with Nemo, a reef shark, a ray, a clam and loads of fishes, we also managed to see a turtle, which was incredible! An incredible day all round!
Back to Cairns, and a drive south to Fishing Falls, where we spent the evening, no food outlets were open, so it was a bit of a quiet evening, although kind of needed after a 6am start,
Day 9
Need to move forward 12 hours
So it was out with civilisation today and onto camping times as we left the Cairns Pullman hotel and headed to the Jucy outlet in town to pick up our van. After a long time and long story we ended up rolling away in a four person van, although judging by the issues we have found with space in it, four people would seem optimistic.
First stop as ever was the supermarket, but we en headed north, up towards the Daintree rainforest where we visit Bruce Belcher and his crocodile riverboat cruise. Sadly as its mating season, there weren't too many big mummy and daddy crocs for us to see, but we saw threes. Total, two yearlings and a three year old.
We then headed south again, to Mossman gorge, where we managed to swim in a really nice cooling freshwater river. Absolutely lovely! Really refreshing stuff, that helped keep us cool all the way to a Palm Cove where we were staying the night via Port Douglas.
After a lot of messing and unpacking we had some dinner, fish and chips for me, before finally heading back to the van to try and get some sleep before the reef...part 2!
So it was out with civilisation today and onto camping times as we left the Cairns Pullman hotel and headed to the Jucy outlet in town to pick up our van. After a long time and long story we ended up rolling away in a four person van, although judging by the issues we have found with space in it, four people would seem optimistic.
First stop as ever was the supermarket, but we en headed north, up towards the Daintree rainforest where we visit Bruce Belcher and his crocodile riverboat cruise. Sadly as its mating season, there weren't too many big mummy and daddy crocs for us to see, but we saw threes. Total, two yearlings and a three year old.
We then headed south again, to Mossman gorge, where we managed to swim in a really nice cooling freshwater river. Absolutely lovely! Really refreshing stuff, that helped keep us cool all the way to a Palm Cove where we were staying the night via Port Douglas.
After a lot of messing and unpacking we had some dinner, fish and chips for me, before finally heading back to the van to try and get some sleep before the reef...part 2!
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Bliss-ish
About to head to sleep and can hear the waves crashing against the beach about 30m away!
Hopefully the noisy Aussies shut up soon!
Hopefully the noisy Aussies shut up soon!
Day 8
Need to move forward 8 hrs
So day 8 saw us hit the Great Barrier Reef for the first time, and it was an early start to board Ocean Free, a two master yacht that was to take us snorkelling then visit Green Island.
The outward trip was very Roy and as we were sat at the front it provided us with a vast amount of splashes from the sea. At some points it was hard to tell if we were in the sea or outside the sea!
On arrival at the spot just off Green Island, we donned flippers and goggles and off into the sea we went, as an early jumper, I was very lucky to swim with a green turtle, much to Amanda's annoyance! Amanda was a good snorkels too however and in no time we were zooming around, checking out the fish and coral and on our way back to the boat for lunch, we saw a reef shark too.
Lunch was very nice, although brief (and the green turtle re-surfaced as it appeared to be on a vendetta against Amanda, and we were then off on the tender to Green Island, which we walked around and enjoyed the very exclusive resort on this island. Back to the boat for some more snorkelling then a nice calmer sail back to port.
Back in port we realised just how burnt we were, but a lot of after sun later and then some nice dinner at the local pub (steak, yum), it was back to the hotel and bed, our Last night in a real hotel for 10 days!
So day 8 saw us hit the Great Barrier Reef for the first time, and it was an early start to board Ocean Free, a two master yacht that was to take us snorkelling then visit Green Island.
The outward trip was very Roy and as we were sat at the front it provided us with a vast amount of splashes from the sea. At some points it was hard to tell if we were in the sea or outside the sea!
On arrival at the spot just off Green Island, we donned flippers and goggles and off into the sea we went, as an early jumper, I was very lucky to swim with a green turtle, much to Amanda's annoyance! Amanda was a good snorkels too however and in no time we were zooming around, checking out the fish and coral and on our way back to the boat for lunch, we saw a reef shark too.
Lunch was very nice, although brief (and the green turtle re-surfaced as it appeared to be on a vendetta against Amanda, and we were then off on the tender to Green Island, which we walked around and enjoyed the very exclusive resort on this island. Back to the boat for some more snorkelling then a nice calmer sail back to port.
Back in port we realised just how burnt we were, but a lot of after sun later and then some nice dinner at the local pub (steak, yum), it was back to the hotel and bed, our Last night in a real hotel for 10 days!
Friday, January 04, 2013
Day 7
Change time to 12 hours earlier
A bit of a quiet day all in all, spending the morning poolside at the hotel and then in the afternoon a trip to the mall where some new shorts were purchased.
Evening meal in Ochre restaurant where they served all kinds of creepy crawlies and Australian fare! Amanda risked some Kangaroo, which I tried myself and was very nice. Off to the reef tomorrow!
A bit of a quiet day all in all, spending the morning poolside at the hotel and then in the afternoon a trip to the mall where some new shorts were purchased.
Evening meal in Ochre restaurant where they served all kinds of creepy crawlies and Australian fare! Amanda risked some Kangaroo, which I tried myself and was very nice. Off to the reef tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Day 6
Well, not too much to write today as Day 6 was a little bit of a transition day. We woke relatively early and got a lift with Helen to the airport for our 3 hour Jetstar flight to Cairns which was quite comfy for a no frills airline.
And when we arrived in Cairns, well, what about the tropical heat and humidity! A quick walk to sort out our bearings, then real hardworking to get on some reef trips with them mostly being booked up, but we sorted a trip for Friday and Sunday so the drive to Cookston is now off, probably a good thing in hindsight. Now we just need good weather.
We understand Thursday is set fair so some quality pool time is on the cards!
And when we arrived in Cairns, well, what about the tropical heat and humidity! A quick walk to sort out our bearings, then real hardworking to get on some reef trips with them mostly being booked up, but we sorted a trip for Friday and Sunday so the drive to Cookston is now off, probably a good thing in hindsight. Now we just need good weather.
We understand Thursday is set fair so some quality pool time is on the cards!
Another lovely night...
Another lovely meal! Bit of Italian tonight, and another huge portion! How are these Aussies all so thin?!
Tropics
So we made it to the tropical north, and lovely it is too, although its so humid! Feels like holidays though!
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Day 5
After the busy schedule of the first few days in Australia, we were subconsciously requiring a bit of a break from the fully packed scheduling, and New Year's Day proved to be a great antidote for this. After a relatively lazy wake up of around 10pm, Amanda and I headed out in the car with Gary to the beaches around Sydney, notably seeing Bondi and Coogee and Cronulla beaches and those around Botany Bay headlands.
Unbelievably, all of Sydney also saw fit to hit the beaches, so parking was very, very sparse and we failed to stop near any of them for a dip. However, with the sun the way it had been it was not a bad break for us to get some shade.
Later in the day, Gary and Helen took us to the Bank Tavern in Kogarth for dinner and it was really lovely, although very big. All in all we had a wonderful time in Sydney, especially with Gary and Helen and its definitely somewhere I could see myself living in the future.
Onwards on Day 6 up north to Queensland, Cairns and the Barrier Reef!
Unbelievably, all of Sydney also saw fit to hit the beaches, so parking was very, very sparse and we failed to stop near any of them for a dip. However, with the sun the way it had been it was not a bad break for us to get some shade.
Later in the day, Gary and Helen took us to the Bank Tavern in Kogarth for dinner and it was really lovely, although very big. All in all we had a wonderful time in Sydney, especially with Gary and Helen and its definitely somewhere I could see myself living in the future.
Onwards on Day 6 up north to Queensland, Cairns and the Barrier Reef!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)