After a bit of a long and boring briefing we got into our groups and started to load everything onto our 4x4. 'Merv' was our instructor who told us everything we needed to know, he was quite a character. We got given everything that we needed including two eskys... one for alcohol and the other for food. The amount of food we were given was luxury, we actually had a good balanced diet for a few days! Once we were all packed and ready to go we drove to the ferry and off we headed to Fraser Island.
Driving the four wheel drive across the beach was so much fun, although driving it along some of the tracks were a little bit more scary as you could easily lose control or get stuck.
The first day we went to Eurong where we stopped and stocked up on ice and water, then we headed to Lake McKenzie. It was absolutely beautiful, with crystal clear waters and sand surrounding it. That night we set up camp right on the beach front, we had nothing around us and when you needed to go to the toilet you had to take the shovel with you and dig your own hole... classy we know! After drinking nearly all our alcohol in one night, everyone got to know each other and have a really good laugh together.
The next morning we all woke up bright and early and went down to the sea to wash our dishes before making scrambled egg on toast for everyone, yum! That day we drove all the way to the top of the Island where we climbed up to Indian head. From there you could see all the sand dunes which made up the Island, you are also supposed to see sharks from there too but unfortuantely we didnt.
That night we stayed at an aboriginal camp where we had a bonfire, got painted like aboriginals and learnt more about the digeridoo. There were also a few dingos roaming around the place trying to eat you food... they may look cute but you definately wouldnt get too close to them.
On our final day we went to Eli Creek before making our way to Lake Wabby. Just before we made it to the lake our good old 4x4 decided to break down... just our luck. We had to walk to the nearest liitle town where we rang Merv and he sent a mechanic out to us. Once the mechanic arrived he sorted out a few battery connections and we were back on the road... it wasnt completely fixed though as we could only turn the car off by opening the bonnet... classic!
Lake Wabby had big sand dunes surrounding it, it was really pretty. After spending a hour or so there we headed back to our ferry and said farewell to Fraser Island.
Overall the weather wasnt amazing but it was definately better than previous weeks, we also had a really good group which completey made the trip what it was.
Links to Photos:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2272675&l=37066&id=197810485
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Brisbane and Noosa
Unfortunately when we arrived in Brisbane we did not have a hostel booked and everywhere was fully booked.... until finally a hostel let the four of use squeeze into a three bed dorm, thank god. It ended up being a really nice hostel too, the bar was good and cheap and the people were really friendly. Our second night there we ended up being moved into a four bed en suite with a fridge and TV....luxury! As we were hungover anyway we decided to make the most of our room by staying in it most of the day, we had a lovely little inside picnic and watch a couple of films.... fantastic.
There wasnt really much to do in Brisbane expect from have a look aroung the shops and walk around the city, so we just had a day of sorting our lives out and deciding on our next plan of action.
Noosa was a gorgeous place but unfortuantely the weather decided to turn horrible!
The first night we arrived we had to put out tents up in the dark and in the pissing rain!!! But worse was to come. When we woke up the grass was completely waterlogged around us and as soon as we stepped out side our tent we got drenched. One dry place to escape to would have been the car... but because boys will be boys and they had to buy a soft roof to put their surf boards which actually leaves a slight gap in the doors resulted in the whole of the inside of the car was soaked through. We were all cold wet and all we had left to do was to drive to the nearest indoor shopping centre so we could dry off and get some breaky! Later on in teh day we figured out that the only way to beat the rain was to join in, so we got into our bikini's and boardies and jumped into the sea! We spent the next few hours there until we decided to go and treat ourselves to fish and chips for dinner.
That night there was no way we could go back into our tents, so we told our sob story to the campsite owner who let us upgrade to a deluxe cabin for only a few dollars more... it was amazing... it had a kitchen, sitting room, TV, pots, pans, cups, glasses, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom etc!!!
We all went to Emundi market while we were in Noosa. It was quite big with lots of tat as well as some cool things. we also got another free digeridoo lesson, think we will be pros by the end of our trip!
On Valentines day all four of us went to Steve Irwins Australia Zoo, it was really good and had lots to see. The croc show was a little disappointing but the crazy tiger keeper made up for it by playing and restling with 3 young tigers. Next new job... to be a tiger trainer! In the evening each couple went off and did own own thing then booked into a lovely appartment for the night.
Links to photos of Brisbane, Noosa and Tin Can Bay:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2272655&l=c3aae&id=197810485
There wasnt really much to do in Brisbane expect from have a look aroung the shops and walk around the city, so we just had a day of sorting our lives out and deciding on our next plan of action.
Noosa was a gorgeous place but unfortuantely the weather decided to turn horrible!
The first night we arrived we had to put out tents up in the dark and in the pissing rain!!! But worse was to come. When we woke up the grass was completely waterlogged around us and as soon as we stepped out side our tent we got drenched. One dry place to escape to would have been the car... but because boys will be boys and they had to buy a soft roof to put their surf boards which actually leaves a slight gap in the doors resulted in the whole of the inside of the car was soaked through. We were all cold wet and all we had left to do was to drive to the nearest indoor shopping centre so we could dry off and get some breaky! Later on in teh day we figured out that the only way to beat the rain was to join in, so we got into our bikini's and boardies and jumped into the sea! We spent the next few hours there until we decided to go and treat ourselves to fish and chips for dinner.
That night there was no way we could go back into our tents, so we told our sob story to the campsite owner who let us upgrade to a deluxe cabin for only a few dollars more... it was amazing... it had a kitchen, sitting room, TV, pots, pans, cups, glasses, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom etc!!!
We all went to Emundi market while we were in Noosa. It was quite big with lots of tat as well as some cool things. we also got another free digeridoo lesson, think we will be pros by the end of our trip!
On Valentines day all four of us went to Steve Irwins Australia Zoo, it was really good and had lots to see. The croc show was a little disappointing but the crazy tiger keeper made up for it by playing and restling with 3 young tigers. Next new job... to be a tiger trainer! In the evening each couple went off and did own own thing then booked into a lovely appartment for the night.
Links to photos of Brisbane, Noosa and Tin Can Bay:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2272655&l=c3aae&id=197810485
Monday, February 4, 2008
Gold Coast
We stopped at several places along the Gold Coast but as the weather was not too good to us we didnt get to enjoy the beaches as much as we had hoped.
We spent an afternoon on Fingal bay in Tweeds Head, and when the rain got too hard we headed back to camp for the evening with a good old chinese takeaway. Another day we went to Rainbow Bay and Coolangatta where the waves were amazing.. but the current was so stong it was impossible to surf! Burleigh was a lovely little place where the sun finally decided to show its face. Jenny however decided to have a bit of a wobbly moment on the beach and fainted... obversly not used to the sun!!!!
Surfers paradise was bigger than we expected with a tall skyline and a massive beach. Unfortunately the weather was really bad while we were here so we didnt spend much time on the beach and the boys didn't really surf as the conditions were rubbish. We did however make the most of the nightlife. One of the nights we went out with seven other hostels, we all got free cowboy hats, glow sticks and drinks, free entry into clubs and finger food to held absorb some of the alcohol! Another day we went to the theme park there called Dreamworld. It was brilliant, not only did it have crazy rides but it had tiger shows, kangaroos and everything. The Vortex ride was definately our favourite ride. It is one where you get spun around so fast you stick to the wall. We were constantly trying to see who could move around the fastest, who could go upside down, climb over someone etc... endless fun!
Overall Surfers did feel a little bit tacky... but still definately worth the visit!
Links to Photos:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2269122&l=edc90&id=197810485
We spent an afternoon on Fingal bay in Tweeds Head, and when the rain got too hard we headed back to camp for the evening with a good old chinese takeaway. Another day we went to Rainbow Bay and Coolangatta where the waves were amazing.. but the current was so stong it was impossible to surf! Burleigh was a lovely little place where the sun finally decided to show its face. Jenny however decided to have a bit of a wobbly moment on the beach and fainted... obversly not used to the sun!!!!
Surfers paradise was bigger than we expected with a tall skyline and a massive beach. Unfortunately the weather was really bad while we were here so we didnt spend much time on the beach and the boys didn't really surf as the conditions were rubbish. We did however make the most of the nightlife. One of the nights we went out with seven other hostels, we all got free cowboy hats, glow sticks and drinks, free entry into clubs and finger food to held absorb some of the alcohol! Another day we went to the theme park there called Dreamworld. It was brilliant, not only did it have crazy rides but it had tiger shows, kangaroos and everything. The Vortex ride was definately our favourite ride. It is one where you get spun around so fast you stick to the wall. We were constantly trying to see who could move around the fastest, who could go upside down, climb over someone etc... endless fun!
Overall Surfers did feel a little bit tacky... but still definately worth the visit!
Links to Photos:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2269122&l=edc90&id=197810485
Byron Bay incl link to pictures
Byron Bay is a gorgeous little place perfect for chilling out and doing some surfing. Our campsite was right on the beach so we could just wonder down when ever we felt like it. There are beaches facing all directions so there is never any problem finding the right waves to surf on. Finally us girls managed to stand up on our surfboards even if it was only for a second or two!
One day we had a wonder around the shops and a guy who worked in one offered to teach us how to play the digeridoo. It was hillarious, at first we were all just making loud raspberry sounds, but eventually we got the hang of it (kind of). You couldnt last very long though because it hurts your cheeks and makes you really light headed.
At night you could enjoy listening to the people busking in the street, or go to the lovely hotel on the beach which always had a live band playing. We also went to a couple of cheap backpackers place where there was plenty going on and lots of cheap drinks available. We ended up staying here for a few days but we could have easily stayed here longer.
Link to pictures of the east coast so far:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2269104&l=92d67&id=197810485
One day we had a wonder around the shops and a guy who worked in one offered to teach us how to play the digeridoo. It was hillarious, at first we were all just making loud raspberry sounds, but eventually we got the hang of it (kind of). You couldnt last very long though because it hurts your cheeks and makes you really light headed.
At night you could enjoy listening to the people busking in the street, or go to the lovely hotel on the beach which always had a live band playing. We also went to a couple of cheap backpackers place where there was plenty going on and lots of cheap drinks available. We ended up staying here for a few days but we could have easily stayed here longer.
Link to pictures of the east coast so far:
http://leedsac.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2269104&l=92d67&id=197810485
Coffs Harbour
We didnt actually get to see much of coffs harbour as we were not there for long but we did go to the pet-porpoise place, which was brilliant. Kim got a kiss from a seal and a bottle-nose dolphin. The seal kiss was the best, he gave her a right smacker. We also got to feed the sharks, fish and turtles.
We did get the chance to see Park beach and Digger beach in the morning before we left, where we watched a few really good surfers, they made it look so easy!!
We did get the chance to see Park beach and Digger beach in the morning before we left, where we watched a few really good surfers, they made it look so easy!!
Port MacQuarie
A beautiful green town, with a lovely river to walk along and go fishing in. There are several beaches too all in a line next to each other. We didnt have time to see them all but tried to get to as many as we could.
Port Stephens
We arrived here when it was the last holiday weekend for the ozzies so it was pretty busy, but luckily we managed to find one last space at one of the camp sites. It was actually Australia day when we arrived so everyone was out and about celebrating the day. That night we walked to the harbour to eat fish and chips and watch the fire work display. It was really pretty and very romantic.
The beaches around Port Stephens are endless. Shoal bay was one of our favourites, so we spent most of our time there. We tried to go snorkling but the water was a little too rough, however we did see a man catch an octopus!!! Solider point was also another nice little spot where we went one evening to watch the sunset.
The beaches around Port Stephens are endless. Shoal bay was one of our favourites, so we spent most of our time there. We tried to go snorkling but the water was a little too rough, however we did see a man catch an octopus!!! Solider point was also another nice little spot where we went one evening to watch the sunset.
Breakdown!!!
Uuh ooh!!! Viser minelli almost died on us, the poor thing.
The engine overheated and our battery was dying. After 3 hours in the sun the boys realised our drive belt had gone!! A few people did stop to try and help us but because we were in the middle of nowhere, most of them were driving big log trucks and just couldnt help us. We were officially in the worst place for breaking down!!! Anyway about 7 hours after we actually broke down one log man towed us about 30km back on ourselves to a little town where we had to wait until the morning for the mechanic. There was nothing much around except from a pub and a few scary people, so that night we thought it would be safer to sleep in the car. Probably one fo the worst nights sleep ever, brought us a little closer but i dont think we will be doing it again in a hurry.
Luckily the mechnanic came to viser's rescue in the morning and saved her. Finally we were back on the road to carry on with our journey.
The engine overheated and our battery was dying. After 3 hours in the sun the boys realised our drive belt had gone!! A few people did stop to try and help us but because we were in the middle of nowhere, most of them were driving big log trucks and just couldnt help us. We were officially in the worst place for breaking down!!! Anyway about 7 hours after we actually broke down one log man towed us about 30km back on ourselves to a little town where we had to wait until the morning for the mechanic. There was nothing much around except from a pub and a few scary people, so that night we thought it would be safer to sleep in the car. Probably one fo the worst nights sleep ever, brought us a little closer but i dont think we will be doing it again in a hurry.
Luckily the mechnanic came to viser's rescue in the morning and saved her. Finally we were back on the road to carry on with our journey.
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