For our first full day in Brisbane we decided to go for a walk across the bridge to South Bank. A lovely area with gardens, cafes and 3 outdoor public pools. We grabbed some lunch at one of the cafes and watched the Australian Ibis birds scavenge for food around people's picnics. After a tasty lunch we went to the outdoor pool to cool off in the shade (36 degrees) and dip our toesies in the water.

Once we had cooled off we continued walking to Kangaroo point cliffs, to see the tall red rocks rise high against the Brisbane River. On the way we spotted some lizards which fascinated both of us, they looked like mini crocodiles. Further on we came across somewhere to buy Ice cream, much needed in the heat! Our walk then continued over the Story Bridge in to the CBD and main shopping area. When we had set out we never anticipated how big Brisbane was, we began the long walk back to the hostel as huge flashes of lightening lit up the sky. Just as the rain started we popped in to the supermarket for dinner supplies, the Aussies seemed to be hiding from the rain. Being British we walked back in the rain rather than sheltering from it!

Staying in a hostel allows us to cook for ourselves which is a great way to save money, but I must admit I was getting sick of blunt knives and limited kitchen equipment. In attempting to cut veg I managed to slip off and slightly cut my finger, I suppose there is a positive to blunt knives. We then fashioned a pot lid using a plate as the only lids on offer were very small and fitted none of the pots (puzzling). Having survived another meal an early night is in order as it will be Australia zoo tomorrow!