Got a coach down to the Gold Coast from Brisbane, and arrived in Southport around lunch time in time for an explore.  Its much less busy than Brisbane, far more of the aussie chilled out atmosphere!  Its nice to be out of the city and relax for a bit.  On Saturday my friend Katie who I met on the Thailand tour picked me up and we went on a mini tour of the area.  Went to Surfers Paradise which is very touristy but nice - the beach is...

Was picked up early in the morning ready for my 4 wheel drive adventure to  Moreton island, which is an hour ferry ride off the coast of Brisbane.  When the ferry landed we drove along a picturesque beach to our permanent camp site, dropped off our bags and went to the beach. We went snorkelling around the ship wrecks they have planted all along the coast to encourage reefs and wildlife.  It was really fascinating, but i think i have been spoiled b...

Arrived in Brisbane on Monday (2nd) and after checking into my hostel i went on a walk into the city and down to South bank (pic above) - an artificial beach and essentially the Cairns lagoon of Brisbane.  Its really pretty and well used by the public, there was a great atmosphere and it was really nice to sit in the sunshine by the water!The next day I did the tourist things.  I went to New Farm Park, a public park on the river from which has...

Got in at 5am last night after a great night, wouldnt have been too bad except we were picked up by our transfer at 7.20am this morning - ugh!  Got to the ferry port by 8am ready for the boat to Fitzroy Island.  Had a coffee and some food in an attempt to feel human again!An hours boat ride away from Cairns is Fitzroy island - a beautiful, uninhabited beach (well, theres holiday accommodation but noone lives there permanently) island.  We had ...

Got picked up by the coach at 8am which felt pretty early but the sunshine helped a little! Our tour guide/driver is nicknamed Wales - i have no idea why - and he's a Kiwi Bill Bryson who looked a bit like Jack Black and was hilarious! he made the trip so funny. He had annecdotes, jokes, stories and information, he was really passionate about the area and the environment of the rainforest and the reef, it was so interesting to listen to him. After unpackin...