We arrived on the overnight train from coffs harbour which is a long long way only about 5cm on the map but was about 12 hours long. We tried to get some sleep but we fail mostly but had a good breakie on the train. We tried to check in to the YHA (which was more like a hotel with 7 floors, swimming pool, spa , cinema room and resturant) but unfortunaltly we were not able to. Into long term storage our luggage went and off we were to manly beach. It was a great day the sun was out, the ferry ride was just as good the second time and first thing we did was find a secluded spot on the beach and snoozed for a few hours (taking care not to get sun burnt obviously) our stomachs woke us up and we had a nice sandwich (which was huge) and coffee watching a the day go by and the surfers wiping themselfs out. We then rested for a bit more and tried surfing for ourselfs, we've had a few lessons and we both managed to stand on our boards (athough only for about 5 seconds) and i could remember most of what i was tought but I forgot how unfit I was and so after a few good attemps at falling (which is suprisingly fun) i managed to stand on the board and after a few good waves I was knackered. Jem opted for the less exerting body board and was having a great time. After 1/2 hours rest however I went back in (Jem opted out in favour of topping up her tan) So off I went with the bodyboard and were catching some really big waves (for me that is) but then I saw a shadow nearby out to sea (I obviously surf with no glasses and therefore can see only vague shapes) I looked around and couldnt see any people near me so with thoughts about shark attacks in my mind I went back to shore fast but not making too many spashes. I put my glasses on and told Jem but when we looked we saw a load of dolphins in the bay, which was nice.

After this excitment we decided we had enough and went to check in by this time it was about 5. We went to the local cinema and had really cheap chinese meal as they were closing.

Then next day is Known as the day of luxury as we got up late (11am - iknow thats early) and went on a lunch time cruise had some great grub and loads of wine and saw the sites in sydney harbour this lasted about 3 hours by which time we were a bit pissed and went for a power nap before the big night out as tonight was the night of 'The Phantom of the Opera'. This was in a big complex in the heart of the city called Star City and the show was great but leads were fantastic and Jem was singing along happily. The show ended and it was too earlty to go to bed so we went as played in the Casino next door won our money back and crashed after a great day.

Then next day we moved to Newcasle as its still asuburb (only 2 hour train journey) it was recomended to us as it had great beaches nad fantastic food. We stayed there 3 days and the only godf think was on the second day when we went on a wine tour of Hunter Valley. There was only 6 of us 2 were a really old couple who were a great laugh and the bloke only drank beer!!!