Hi Guys, I am in a new country so updating my blog. Have landed safely in New Zealand & stayed in Auckland for a bit until I decide how to approach the Islands.Since last time I wrote I have travelled on the East coast from Cairns to Brisbane. As I mentioned i snorkelled in the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns which was immense with colours so vivid (fish & reef).

My next destination was Townsville; I arrived on a public holiday called' Queen's Birthday'. Now I do not understand how they have a public holiday on this day whereas back home there is no such thing. I arrived with everything closed; including the hostel I pre-booked before. Therefore I found another hostel which was for working backpackers; was very cheap but not too clean. While in Townsville I walked up Castle Hill (which was more like a Mountain), I was knackered getting up the hill but the views were worth it. Townsville would be a better town but there are works down the high street which is not picturesque. Couple of days was worth in Townsville, but the beaches are nice along front. I went to Magnetic Island for a night which is just across from Townsville, again climbed upto another lookout point which was just as tiring as Castle Hill but was rewarded with cracking views.

My next destination was Airlie beach to chill out & watch some of the World cup while here. Its not a big destination but its a good place to relax either on beach or in the bars. I decided not to sail on the Whitsundays, because of my budget I would go to Fraser Island instead. Next destination was Rockhampton; there is not a lot there, its called the Beef Capital and it's definitely a redneck area. However the Botanical Gardens is the best I have seen in Australia so far. On the way to Rockhampton I got a bit of a brief/talk about Jesus, God by Lutheran Church goers & was trapped in the bus for 7 hours!! All through these last couple of paragraphs from Cairns to Rockhampton I kept bumping into a German girl called Jennifer, it was just a coincidence but was quite weird as never made plans. I think she was stalking me *joke*.

Went onto Hervey Bay which was a stop off to get onto Fraser Island. I was originally going to go on a guided tour on Fraser Island but got kind of egged-on into a self-tour. It was a great experience; it lasted 3 days 2 nights & included camping on the island. The best bit was the driving on the beach using a 3 ton 4 wheel drive, kind of scary at first but it's thrilling. Also drove within the rainforest on bumpy tracks; it was amazing & the experience with the 6 German guys/gals was great. I went onto Noosa Heads for a few days to chill out on beach, watch World cup games & walks in the National forests. I ended up in Brisbane for a couple of nights before heading off to New Zealand.

Auckland is a cool place & I arrived on Friday; the weekend was crazy but has calmed down during the weekdays. I visited Devonport which reminded me of 'Portland Bill' the kids TV show (not sure if you all will remember - use youtube). Today I went up to Rangitoto Volcanic Island; found out when I arrived its not active but they're not entirely sure. It is one of the newest Volcanoes to spring from the Earth's core (only 600 years), after walking it's a big Island!! I have booked with Stray tours & tomorrow I start - going up to bay of islands.