We had safely escaped the flooded lands of New South Wales and were very happy that ourselves and all our possessions were all safe and sound. Before we could head towards Pete we had to wait for the Highway to open so we could get back to Queensland. The flood was so bad that a part of the Highway connecting New South Wales and Queensland was completely under water. Whilst waiting for the road to open up, Lex and I decided to head back up to Byron Bay to see its beautiful Lighthouse. We had a really nice walk and can officially say that we have been to the most eastern part of Australia. After the lighthouse we decided to take another crack at heading up to Pete but unfortunately peanut butter, the roads were not yet safe enough. To kill some more time we found the local cinema and watched the afternoon movie: Manchester by the sea. At around 16:00 we received the go ahead and could officially end our little water adventure and head to our new destination, Burleigh Heads. Pete has now been dubbed our hero and saviour.

We arrived safe and sound in Burleigh but had just missed Pete who had to work and was not due back until the next afternoon. As soon as I arrived in Burleigh I felt at home. It has to be the most pleasant, chilled out surfer town I have ever seen. Pete's apartment was right on the beach so we could hear the ocean and could watch the many surfers coming in and out. There was a beautiful park where people were exercising, picnicking, and of course making use of the many free barbecues that the Australian government provides. We happily settled in to our very own room (luxury much) and had an early night full of pleasant dreams that had nothing to do with flooding.

On Sunday we awoke to the sound of birds and waves and decided to explore the centre of Burleigh. We had a drink a one of the bars and decided to head back to our new home. Our day had been the basic definition of a lazy sunday. In the evening we were reunited with Pete and Janey and we cooked some dinner for them before once again heading to our comfortable new sleeping quarters.

During the next couple of days we walked in the Burleigh Heads National Park and caught up with friends, family, and admin at a local cafe with free WiFi. Pete was in and out between shifts (he's a docter working in the hospital emergency unit) but when he was home he cooked for us and we caught up with a glass of wine or two. Now saying that Pete cooked for us is actually the understatement of the century because Pete is an incredble cook! During our week in Burleigh we were thoroughly spoilt by his delicous dinners, an incredble breakfast, and his homemade Brownies ( I literally didn't want to leave). I left Burleigh feeling like a stuffed Christmas Turkey.

On Wednesday we decided to go to Surfers Paradise. We were told that we shouldn't expect much from Surfers paradise and that it was basicially the Las Vegas of Australia. The stories were pretty much accurate but we wanted to see it for ourselves. Even the name Surfers Paradise is a bit of a paradox seeing as there was not one surfer out when we were there. However, we still had a nice day meandering around the shops and booked ourselves a canal tour through the many canals connected to Surfers Paradise. The canal tour was very pleasant and we saw some very nice (expensive) houses. We even cruised passed Jackie Chan's holiday house but unfortunately he wasn't at home so we couldn't pop in for a cup of tea.

On Thursday evening we were back in Surfers Paradise to go a couch surfing meet and greet event being held at the local tapas bar. It was also half price tapas night so we thought if not why not, might as well have a meal while we're at it. The couchsurfing gathering was great and it really made me see once again just what a special and unique concept couch surfing is. It's so great to see travellers come together with a genuine sense of community interest in each other's experiences. The people were so kind, fun and, helpful that we came home that night with some new friends and an even greater sense of travel enthusiasm.

Our last few day's in Burleigh we explored the area and spent some more time with Pete and Janey. On Sunday night I finally got the chance to go and see Beauty and the Beast with Janey and her housmate MK. It was totally all that I expected it to be and more! I felt like I was a little kid again. This was also sadly our last day with Pete and Janey, so we had to say our goodbyes (for now).

On Monday we packed up Cornelius and headed to our new home for the next three nights: Maroochydore with our first couchsurfing host Andy. Boy was this week going to be jam packed with some great activities and people, and we didn't even know it yet....