Time to hit a bit more of the Gold Coast before getting to Brisbane. We had imagined Tweed Heads, Coolongata and Surfers Paradise to be like smaller versions of Byron Bay. However, rather than the relaxed atmosphere we were expecting, the area is really developed with lots of highrise buildings and malls. And while we passed on the opportunity to go to Sea World or Movie World we definately enjoyed the beaches and restaurants. We did try to be cultural and went t...

We ended up staying in Byron a few days, staying right on the beach with the sun shining and warm waters. Didn't do much but chill on the beach and surf it up, but I think that's excusable! Met the local drunks who had a fight, with blood and everything, whilst standing on my clothes on the beach... gross (but not like I was gonna complain)!! Went to a really bad comedy night where the main jokes focused on the compere's balls, but he was probably just overcompen...

Rain, rain, rain...more rain. Not impressed with Ozzie weather so far so kept heading North in search of the elusive sunshine. Finally we got to Coffs Harbour and the sun actually came out, yay! From then on the days have been spent on the beach surfing and trying to get our tans back.

After a 12 hour flight spent squinting at our mini TV screens we emerged in the land of Oz, dazed and slightly confused but excited none the less. We had arranged a pick up with the hostel we were staying with, the 'Jolly Swagman' (sadly not actaully in a boat) but there was no one to meet us at the airport. After making sure it wasn't all a dream and we weren't still in Africa, Jack ran about the airport making phone calls whilst I guarded the bags (i.e. after n...