Cairns

Townsville

We came to Townsville with the plan of catching a ferry over to Magnetic Island which we had been told was very beautiful, however, we slept in and missed the early ferries so instead decided to have a stroll around town. The town despite being hot and warm was very bleak in design, the beach was just mud plains and the town centre very very quiet. So in the end we went up the local mountain for some nice-ish views over the town, we did however get some great views of magnetic island and what could have been. Never mind it was a welcome break from the constant drinking of both Fraser Island and the Whitsundays.

Mission Beach and THAT SKY DIVE

Before leaving Townsville i decided to book us a skydive in Mission Beach without telling Sonya, so you can imagine her face when we arrived in Mission Beach and i mentioned the surprise, a few expletives were said and i believe the words "YOUR DUMPED" were mentioned. Mission Beach itself wasn't what we were expecting, it was a very small village with just one small street, the beach was nice but you couldn't swim in the sea do to dangerous stingers (Boxed Jellyfish) so the first day we just relaxed (well i did) around the camp site. Sonya continued to worry about all the things that could go wrong. Finally the day of doom arrived with Sonya having no sleep (for some reason i was feeling quietly calm). It seemed to take ages for the 11.30 pick up time to arrive, eventually it did and we were wisked off to the air field in a van, Sonya didn't speak at all, all the way there. On route we picked up two Irish guys who were also doing the jump and i think they were shitting themselves more than Sonya (seriously i was still calm) After arriving at the airfield we were introduced to our tandem instructors, given (quite litterally) a 2 minute training course, put into our harnesses and put onto the plane, all within 10 mins of arriving, so no time to think about it. The Plane had no door on it and i was sat right next to the where it should have been, so i had a great view (still Calm) We then took off and climbed....1000ft......2000ft.....3000ft etc, the views below of the coastline and the clear blue sea were fantastic. After about 20 minutes and thinking we were quite high, i stupidly asked if we were about at the intended height of 14000ft (approx 3 miles high) to which the instructor replied "we are only half way at 7000ft" that was when it hit me and the thoughts of what the hell am i doing entered my head. We eventually arrived at 14000ft, one of the Irish guys was first to go and before i could even think, i was being ushered towards the door and then i was kneeling just outside the door and just had this surreal feeling which i can't begin to explain, but i wasn't feeling scared or worrying about parachutes not opening, and then i was gone hurtling towards the ground at 200km's an hour, despite the wind wistling past my face, it felt like i was floating, the views were amazing. The 60 second freefall seemed to last 10 seconds before the parachute was pulled, then we really did just float back down to earth and landed on Mission Beach. It was the most amazing feeling i've ever had and my legs were still shaking some hours later. If you ever get the chance to do a jump, go for it, it is the most insane thing ever

Lee

well the day Lee told me we were doing the sky dive i froze completely and did not speak much or sleep for the next day or so. But the day eventually arrived and we were whisked away in the minibus to pick up the other stupid people who were also going to hurtle to the ground at 200kph. As Lee said it was literally arrive at the airfiled, receive two minutes training, meet your instructor and then get into the plane. Lucky for me my instructor was fab and quickly relaxed me and as much as i was shitting myself i was now feeling quite excited.One of the other instructors in the plane asked if it would be ok to take me out for a drink if Lee did not make it and of course i accepted even though i knew he would!
As the plane reached its destination of 14,000ft and after getting my instructor to check my harness and clips a 1000 times we were ready. i wittnessed lee and the irish guys disappear from the plance and then it was my time. At this point my heart was in overdrive, i sat on the edge of the plane thinking oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! and my whole body felt like jelly then we were gone! As the wind was hurtling on my face trying to breathe normally was definitely an achievement and at the same time trying to smile and wave at the camera and look at the views i could definitely say i am a great multitasker! Then the free fall was over and the parachute opened then all you could hear was me screaming oh my god i did it!! over and over again with the instructor in hysterics behind me trying to give me high fives!! A very relaxing parachuting experience was then had taking in all the views of mission beach and the great barrier reef absolutely magical! Then it was time to land on the beach straight on my bum!. Took a while to get up but when i did i jumped straight on Lee and was just so proud of myself and Lee of course for doing the most maddest thing in the world, what an experience definitely reccommneded and i am still buzzing from the experience now just writing this brings an enormous smile to my face.

Sonya x

Airlie Beach and The Whitsunday Islands

Landed in Airlie Beach and booked straight into our campsite the wonderful flame tree an environmentally rainforest retreat what they forgot to mention in the brochure is that the campsite is next to an airfield and bless them they put us directly next to the fence where the aeroplanes take off so you can imagine what a peaceful nights sleep we had. And to top it off some kind of bird liked to squeel at the top of their lungs at 2am i got such a fright! Only stayed here for two nights couldn't put up with the rainforest and all its nature so it was off to the hostel Magnums! for our free nights before we set sail!
We seemed to have gone from bad to worse with the accomodation it seemed we moved into an 18-30s resort but it was free so couldn't moan too much! and no birds or runways close by thank goodness!
Bumped into Yordie, Emma and Sarah (guys we met in Brisbane)in a supermarket of all places had a good chat with them and probably will met up with them again somewhere on the east coast!
Finally the day arrived and we were off on our adventure sailing around the whitsundays unfortunately the boat we had booked on was having repairs done on it so we changed boats to Hammer! An excellent maxi yacht with a fantastic crew!We were introduced to the crew, Skipper Andy, Deck hands andy and alex, and host sambo!!! who most importantly explained the rules of the boat ie flushing the toilet for a minimum of 20 seconds and no brushing of hair except of the upper deck and limiting showers to one minute only! Met our other sailing buddies (Andy, Alex, Alsion, Sylvia, Simone, Rowan, James, Olivier, Cathal, Patricia, Florence, Dani, Yasmine, Sinali, Karen, Lisa, Alex, Chrissie, Jamilla and Kieran AKA Lauren) and away we went, me and lee helped to crank the sails up and before we knew it we were at our first spot for snorkelling Caves Cove!. All geared up in our gorgeous stinger suits we jumped into the cools waters of the whitsundays! The coral and sea life was amazing and me and lee finally mastered the art of snorkelling without swallowing too much salt water! Then it was off to Nara Inlet to put the anchor down as this is where we were sleeping tonight and to indulge in the gorgeous feast cooked by our host Sambo!. Me and Lee got the smallest double bed in the world but with all the alcohol and drinking games that were played that night we just passed out cold! Poor Olivier took the drinking games to the extreme especially with Up the river, down the river! and also Whats the name of the game! he managed to pass out but then threw up everywhere bless him the brilliant crew helped clean him and the boat up whilst laughing and then made Oliviers bed the swag on top deck so the captain could keep a close eye on him! Even though he did make it back down to the lower deck in the middle of the night poking Sylvia trying to find his bag then waking the boat up to tell us he had lost his contact lens but he was sure they were in his eyes, hilarious night but i guess you had to be there!
Woke up early the next morning most of the sailors nursing small hangovers but we all mucked in and we were off sailing again! First stop Whitehaven beach an absolute paradise spent a couple of hours here just chilling on the beach and taking in the gorgeous views, then off to Luncheon bay for more snorkelling, at this point a couple of us on the boat including myself were feeling slightly sea sick or was it the hangover not sure but i am blaming the sea sickness as there was some rough waves out there, so me and a few girls opted to chill out on another beach whilst the rest snorkelled. Lee did attempt to snorkell but didn't make it and was taken back to the boat where he completely and utterly threw his guts up then it was back to bed for Lee and his migraine!! (HANGOVER)
Finally made it to our resting place for the night Stone haven where another delicious dinner was delivered and more drinks to be had but no more drinking games especially for Olivier.
Up early again for our final voyage back to the mainland! Cannot beleive what an amazing time we had and espeically with a great group of friends, thanks espeically to Rowan for making me laugh so much and pretending to be a Charlies Angel! and a big get well soon to Simone who bravely carried on with the worst case of tonsilitis! and also your tale about you being an illegal mary poppins! and also to Alex (the pinoneer in triangle playing) you are an inspriation to all up and coming percussionisits! and Ciaran (real name Lauren / barbara.) You had us all fooled with your name (Lauren had bought a ticket from a guy in harvey bay called cairan therefore had to be ciaran for the trip!) thanks for the laughs and all your tales. Olivier the best french guy i have ever met carry on being the gorgeous funny french guy and what's the name of the game "i don't know" whats the aim of the game " i don't know"!! still brings me to tears when i think of that night! Dani and Yasmin - a fab couple and thanks for sharing your bed!! A huge thanks to the rest of the gang for making such a memorable trip! andy and alsion, sylvia, James (good luck in Dr school ), cathal, patricia, florence, sinali, karen, lisa and alex (someone had to be boring!) chrissie and Jamilla.
Arrived at the mainland to be greeted by a professional photographer to take our group photo for the bargain of $15 so as soon as she had taken the photo in our worst state possible as we had not had showers or brushed our hair in three days i decided to save the group even more money by taking the photo with our own cameras for free the photographer was not amused! oh well!
All met up that night for beers and a laugh with all the gang and the crew a great night and will sorely miss our new found friends!
After our mad adventure sailing spent the next four nights chilling in Airlie beach around the lagoon with Rowan, Simone, Olivier and Lauren! Its a hard life.

Sonya x

Rockhampton

Not really much to say about this place as we only used it as a stopover, the only thing of any interest is we got to stay in a cabin which was part of the Olympic Village during the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Hervey Bay / Fraser Island

Landed in Hervey bay and checked into our hostel not the best but its only for sleeping in. Went to our briefing about fraser island and we were put into our groups. by far ours was the best, made up of 3 english, 1 mad scot, 2 mad canadians, 2 americans, 2 dutch, and 1 german. Spent the night in hervey bay drinking with our new found friends and ended up in the club next door with free cocktails and beers so who could resist and singing happy birthday to nick in our group. Most of the group left to go to bed around 10pm including myself as we had to be up at 5am the next morning. Lee, Dallas, Gareth, Lauren and Stuart stayed in the club till the wee hours, Stu took a turn for the worse in the club and vomited on the carpet much to the groups shock but stu was soon back to drinking, a conquerer he is!
Up early at 5am to check all the equipment, learn how to drive a 4wd and most importantly know how to back away from the mad dingoes on the island if they want to attack you! None of us in the group had ever drove a 4wd before so fun was definitely to be had!
Despite the back seat drivers not trusting our dutch map readers Marks directions, he perfectly navigated us to the ferry landing in plenty of time, then over to Fraser Island, having done all our checks we got off the ferry and headed in land and immediatly entered on to the soft sand, The four wheel adventure had well and truly begun. After a bumpy 30 mins with most people in the back banging there heads on numerous occasions we arrived at our 1st stop, Lake MacKenzie, The lake was unbelievable, a mixture of dark blue, light blue and crystal clear and despite being a little fresh when we jumped in, we all went for a swim and had a good laugh. Back in the 4x4 we headed off to our next stop Lake Wabby, on route the 1st of many bags of Goon (boxed wine) was opened by Gareth (Scot) and Dallas (Canadian) and they both did well not to spill a drop. Lake Wabby was amazing, it was just a small lake but surrounded by massive sand dunes which seemed to go on forever and even had trees growing out of it, it looked so wierd. The lads decided it would be fun to roll down the dunes to the bottom which was great until you had to climb back up, it was a killer, Nick however went a little too far, as he reached the bottom and stood up, he stumbled and ended up flat faced in the lake. With the boys still trying to remove all the sand from their pockets and other areas we finally arrived on the beach, it was cool driving along the beach with the huge waves crashing just metres away from us. We stopped at Eli Creek, walked halfway up on the platforms and then got in and waded all the way back in the beautiful emerald coloured Creek. After again drying off we had one more stop for the day - Maheno Wreck, a ship which ran aground in the early 1900's and has been slowly rusting away ever since, it was still good to see. Then it was time to set up camp for the night. We found a decent-ish spot, put the four tents up that were already covered in sand from the previous travellers and then after soughting who was sleeping where, the bar-be-que was lit, the food was great until it started to rain and in the hurry to put up the tarp we managed to cover the rest of the burgers and sausages in sand so we just moved on to the drinking which went on into the early hours with all 3 Koala groups having a good laugh.
It was an early rise the following morning so we could get up to Indian Head and back before the tide came in, we were hoping to see some Tiger Sharks from this vantage point as it was a breeding ground for them (one of the reasons not to swim in the sea surrounding Fraser Island) Unfortunately we didn't see any, however we did get to see a couple of Whales breaching about 200 metres from the coast which was cool. We managed to beat the tide and headed south to Lake Birrabeen, again despite being slighly cool we all headed in for a swim and more importantly a wash as we have nowhere to shower. After a few hours of swimming and lazing about we moved on to Rainbow Gorge which was full of massive sand dunes, this time of all different colours which looked quite spectacular and had one of the highest dunes i've seen, so again we thought it would be fun to roll down, i ended up in the bushes and had a mouth full of sand, not nice. We then found our new spot for the seconds nights camping, this time we put the tarp up before any cooking commenced. After a wonderful spag bol we decided to have a game of Up the River, Down the River (card game) It didn't take long for every one to be pissed and as with the night before it wasn't till the early hours that every one made it to bed.
Again an early start, not as early as the day before as there were a few sore heads, we packed everything up and went south again along the beach to Eurong where we managed to get some breakfast (pizza slices, umm) then we visited another Lake again more for the wash than anything else, this time it was very cold and started to hammer it down which helped with the showering. Only a few of the boys and Lauren braved the conditions, the rest returned to the comfort of the 4x4 for a chat. When the rain finally subsided wveryone got dry and we headed back to the ferry landing awiting our return back, the lads were still smacking the goon. Having arrived back on the mainland and cleaning all our stuff, we all met for a subdued drink, by now after having a luke warm shower (which i was disgusted at the hostel for) we were all feeling the effects of a long long weekend. I have to say it was one of the most fun weekends i've ever had and to share it with a great bunch of people from different nationalities was the icing on the cake.

Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach

After leaving noosa we decided to chill out even more and landed in tin can bay! Spent a couple of days here eating the local seafood and feeding the dolphins an amazing experience even though we did have to get up early (7am). From tin can bay drove to rainbow beach and took in all the colours of the beach from black sand to pure white.
short and sweet off to hervey bay then off to fraser island for 4wd yahoo!!!

Noosa! Queensland

Arrived again in sunshine, loving this winter weather! Spent three days here doing absolute bugger all and loving it, its so hard lazing on a beach all day with our white bodies! Did manage to get off our butts to go walking through Noosa national park where we came across many a bush turkey! Didn't end up on our plates though! This place is very chilled out bit like Byron Bay but Bryon remains our firm favourite!
Had a great time here only short but sweet its off to Rainbow beach and Tin can bay next!

Brisbane. Queensland.

Arrived in the wonderful sunshine and took about two hours to put the tent up, had to stop every five minutes to relax and bask in the sunshine! We took a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where we finally got to cuddle a koala it was fantastic even though they did stink but thats boys for you! Got to see about 150 koalas in all, all lazing about and munching on their leaves. Was lucky enough to see a couple of mums and their babies they were the cutest thing ever. Spent the night with our neighbours on the campsite and a couple we had met in sydney called James and Tegan. Had a fab night with the irish and their family and a dutch guy called yordie! Lee's new name is now Ray as Shaymus the irish girls dad kept calling him that throughout the drunken night! It was hilarious but you had to be there. The night finally folded at 2am, for James slightly earlier! We all woke with slight hangovers the next day and after saying farewell to the gang we went off to explore Brisbane city centre. Another cool city, even has an inner city beach where people can just chill out or visit the great markets right behind them even though not allowed to indulge as on a budget!
Off to Noosa tomorrow for more chill out time!

The Gold Coast and Byron Bay part 2!

Well we sadly left Byron Bay for the Gold Coast and surfer's paradise. The place itself reminds us of the tacky area of spain like majorca full of high rise buildings and cranes and no character whatsoever! Surfers paradise itself was nothing special but it was just one of those places that you just have to go to!
Luckily we had great weather whilst we were there and spent three lazy days chilling out on the beach and shopping!
Managed to catch up with a girl i worked with during my advantage plus days called Emily who moved back to the gold coast from perth! Had a great night out with her and her boyfriend (shannon) and suffered with a hangover the next day. Decided to head back to Byron Bay as missing it so much so off we went. As soon as we arrived back in the bay we knew we had made the right decision! Heaven! Went to see the humpback whales up close and personal on a whale watchnig trip with only six other people and a mad captain, absolutely hilarious. Got to see some gorgeous whales and dolphins all in their natural habitat. The highlight being when one of the whales breached completely out of the water unfortunately he was too quick to grab a photo but it was an amzing experience one defintely to be repeated. But did manage to get a phots of his footprint see above!
Spent the next day chilling out, taking in the sights of Byron on the walk up to the lighthouse.
Unfortunately though our time is up in Byron and its time to move up the coast getting ready for our fraser island 4wd experience and sailing around the whitsunday islands on a maxi yacht sail boat yahoo!!!!