Had a great couple of days in Brisbane - very busy but great!!

On monday I got the bus to the gold coast, to surfers paradise, and it was exactly as the name suggests! Not that I did any surfing myself but I enjoyed watching the professionals. Instead I did some sunbathing and people watching. I also had a wander through the shops and took a trip on the aquaduck. All the kids got a chance to steer the boat once we drove into the water but he said I was too old!!

When I returned to the hostel that night I met a girl called Lauren from Edinburgh. We ended up going out for a few drinks and met up with a few irish guys so we had a good laugh with them!!

Tuesday morning was a struggle and a rush to get to the bus terminal for my day trip to Fraser Island, thankfully I just made it as it was a brilliant day!!! There was 5 people on the tour and our crazy 4x4 driver Joel. Before I went I knew the island was mostly sand but I wasn't quite prepared for the crazy skidding and bouncing along the beach and sandy tracks. Just as well I didn't have a hangover!!! We spent a couple of hours at/in lake McKenzie and then had a lovely lunch before having a wee walk through the rainforest - it was stunning!!!

Wednesday I flew into Sydney. It was fab to be met at the airport by my cousin Julie and she is very kindly putting me up and showing me the city. We went straight to the harbour to the opera house and the bridge. I had a tour of Julie's lovely appartment in Manly, then we headed back into the city and did had a walk round the Botanic gardens. We went for a couple of beers and some dinner and had a good time catching up.

Thursday We headed out to Toronga zoo, the highlight being the baby elephant and elephant show. We then went to Bondi beach. Its been a bit cloudy and drizzly since I arrived here so we didn't stay at the beach for long but it was pretty busy with surfers considering the weather.

Today we have a great day planned, going to walk the harbour bridge then head to Darling harbour for some shopping and a wee visit to the aquarium (seen as I didn't make barrier reef). We are going out for dinner then going to see the show 'Wicked' and have a couple of cocktails to celebrate my birthday - so really looking forward to it!!!

Tomorrow afternoon I head to my next stop Melbourne!!! :)