Wednesday - 8 mile walk around the coast looking for a big banana, quite literally a banana that tourists flock too. Unfortunately the banana was not big enough for us to see and so we aimlessly strolled along deserted beaches, catching some rays and whale/dolphin watching. Thursday - Embarked on another 6-8 mile walk to the botanical gardens and Coffs harbour town. It was market day and so we bargained for a good deal on pasta, fruit and cakes. We also ate the ...

Monday - Arrived in Port Macquarie and were straight onto bikes to cycle the 9km coastline. Amazing beaches, warm weather and a beautiful sunset made our stay at port Macquarie thoroughly enjoyable. We spent the evening huddled under blankets (the evenings get cold) watching a film, enemy of state, with the hostel owners and fellow backpackers. They gave us free donuts...worth staying up for! Tuesday - we visited the Koala Hospital in the morning and read about ...

Saturday - Natasha and I spent the day in the blue mountains trekking through the australian rainforest and taking numerous photos! :) I spent most of my time trying to encourage Natasha around cliff corners and across waterfalls! Amazing views was worth the 2 hour train journey! Made friends with locals particularly an Aussie man with a keen interest in exaggerating the dangers of the bush! Sunday - WHALES!!!! 5 humpback whales swam past us as we stood on the...

Thursday - took the ferry across the Harbour to Taronga Zoo where we stumbled across wild peacocks, pigeons with weird beaks and emus ready to strike. We watched the seal show, a particular favourite of Maria's and narrowly avoided being splashed. Ended the day by walking around the Botanical Gardens and taking pictures from Mrs Macquarie's seat. Friday - we spent the first part of our morning avoiding the seagulls who threatened to steal our pain au chocolats ...

Arrived in Sydney at 10:30 am and were prompty whisked off by a hippie whose driving could rival even the worst Italian. Checked in at the Base Backpackers and headed off to explore the sights of Sydney. We joined the legions of toursists happy snapping everything we considered remotely interested. The weather was brilliant and we managed to see Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in their full glory. Off to Taronga zoo tomorrow on a ferry. We are v.excited to m...