The Entrance - 5th August We caught the bus and were met in Newcastle by Suzanne's dad's old school friend Dave, who took us about an hour south to his place at 'The Entrance', which is a small town nestled between the ocean and a huge lake. Dave, his wife Kay and their dog Molly made us feel very welcome. They have a spacious open-plan house that they designed themselves.Dave is very knowledgeable about the area and was able to pass on facts on just about ...

Port MacQuarie - 1st August Took the journey further south to Port MacQuarie which was a seven hour bus trip with a few comfort stops in between.Arrived in Port Mac and was pounced on by the backpacker touts trying to get us into their clutches.We decided to walk into town and bear the brunt of the heavy back packs to see some rooms before making our minds up on our accommodation.We found a beautiful apartment that had Suzanne licking the walls and salivating ...

ByronBay, New South Wales - 29th July Had a short trip to ByronBay (in NSW) and enjoyed some beautiful scenery along the coastal road.As soon as we arrived we had a good feel for the place as it seems to have a laid back bohemian vibe.So far the hostels have been OK with some better than others, but then we are choosing the double en suite's for most of the time!Generally clean with some really friendly, helpful staff and at least they have some life there rat...

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast 27th July On the Greyhound bus again, this time a short trip to Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast. Checked in to the hostel and then had a walk along the beach.The sea is a beautiful colour and there were a handful of surfers bobbing around waiting for 'the' wave. Sat and watched for a while and decided that it seems quite a futile pursuit, which includes lots of sitting around in the water with only a slim chance of riding the w...

Brisbane 25th July (nearly, but not quite 'Bris-bland') We took the five hour Greyhound bus trip to Brisbane which was pretty uneventful.Staying at Banana Benders Backpacker's which is again very basic but very friendly staff and a great location.Walked down to the South Bank area which is replica of the London South Bank with the bars, restaurants, big wheel, art museums, market stalls and live music.The view from the river bank here isn't really a touch on t...