Left for the reef early in the morning from cairns harbour to spend a couple of days bobing about on a big boat, the Kangaroo Explorer. Got a lift out to it on an old fashioned fishing boat which made alot of noise and big waves, but didnt go too fast. The crew on all the boats were very good craic and made great feeds for us.First reef we were on was Miln Reef where we done a snorkel over the top of the reef, seen plenty of bright coloured fishes and wee tiny je...

Getting off the ferry from the mainland we headed over to our own wee A-frame bungalow, between the national park rainforest and the beach. We took it easy for the morning and relaxed on horseshoe bay before heading back to our digs which also run a wildlife sanctuary/hospital. Had a guided tour and let the big talking parrots sit on us which tried to scratch our arms off when they took random mood swings.Seen a few cros and handled a 2 year old salt water, tho ...

Spent 3 nights here between our reef visit and trip out north, accomodation was a real friendly spot in the south of the city, great food too.Would hvae been good to see more of the city as there seems to be plenty to do but maybe next time.

Spent the day in Airlie beach after an overnight bus, which as expected was the most uncomfortable experience. Plenty of foreigners about the place, but the fish and chips just weren't up to the standard we get at home in sunny NI. Spent the afternoon lounging around the manmade lagoon, which is a common sight in big towns further north, as its not that safe to swim in the sea or lakes anymore cos of risk of the crocs and sharks. Laura and James left for their Wh...

Fraser island was briiliant, highlight of Oz so far. After getting onto the ferry and onto the island of sand I made sure we got our money worth out of the Landcruiser. The island is only made of sand but is covered in a rainforest so bouncing over the tree roots kept everyone awake. We headed like everyone else for central station, getting stuck behind some eijit that kept getting stuck in the sand. At central station we took a stroll through the rainforest and...