We can't believe that our time in Oz is at an end. Our drive back from Agnes Water took us back to Bree's (off road for a bit) in time for us to celebrate the New Year with the Alder cousins. All three children stayed up to welcome 2014, they were the main entertainment dancing and dressing up.

January 1st we had a final family gathering at Robbie and Christine, Ken & Celia drove down from Buderim and Robbie and Wendy Johnston came up from Moreton Bay with their girls. Craig and Rob hadn't seen each other for more than 20 years therefore there was a lot of catching up happening. The younger cousins made good fun memories enjoying the sun and garden. One of the best things about this holiday has been the family catch ups and how welcoming everyone has been. The other highlight of course has been the weather which has been very kind since we left Melbourne only being too hot on a couple of occasions.

Today, our final day in Australia we soaked up the sun on the island of Tangalooma the world's third largest sand island. To our collective relief the ninety minute ferry ride was much calmer than the Lady Musgrave trip. After a quick dip in the sea and a bite to eat we boarded the desert safari bus to see the sand dunes. The idea was to walk to the top of the 100 metre high dunes carrying a piece of chip board and toboggan down. Goggles were provided to help prevent sand in the eyes. While Craig and the rest were careering down at speeds up to 60kms an hour I was playing photographer. Just as I plucked up enough courage to join the fun it was time to go back without me getting a chance to have a go. I'm still not sure if I am relieved or disappointed. Unfortunately we couldn't stay on until the evening to feed the dolphins which was on our bucket list. Back at Robbie and Christine we had our last Australian meal feeling grateful for the chance to be antipodeans for a few weeks.