Sorry it has been so long since my last blog. Have been so busy!

Right so after my Whitsundays trip I headed off to Kroombit Cattle Station in the outback. We stayed on a big cattle ranch and ate nice homecooked meals and dressed up as cowboys. I had an unfortunate incident with my wrist on the mechanical bull but it is all mended now so not to worry! I wore a bandage for a while and got lots of sympathy and people carrying my bag! They had us up at 6 in the morning at the ranch and we did some activities including lasooing and catching and branding (or pretending) a goat. Afterwards we headed for Hervey Bay which is where my Fraser Island trip went from.

Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island and big groups go over in self-drive 4x4s and explore the island and camp overnight. I didn't do any of the driving as the roads were really scary. The island is beautiful though and although you can't swim in the sea (lots of sharks) we swam in all the lakes and creeks. We camped out on the beach for 2 nights with no toilets and showers and lots of dingoes for company and had bbqs and goon. Lake MacKenzie was the highlight and although I did get a lot from the experience I don't think i'll be going back again!

Headed for Rainbow Beach the next day and caught up with some friends there then stopped off in Moloolaba the next day. Stayed there on my own (which was nice for a change) and had a great time going to underwater world, chilling out on the beach and reading. Stayed in a really friendly hostel where we all sat down for dinner together. The next afternoon I left from Brisbane with a few friends. It rained so we partook in some retail therapy and then went out in the evening. The next day Diana and I headed for the koala sanctuary where we got to cuddle koalas (not as cuddly as they look)! Had an explore of Brisbane the next day - went through the Botanical Gardens, cultural centre and saw the manmade beach in the city. It's a really nice city but not loads to do so headed for Byron Bay after 2 nights.

I have skipped out Surfer's Paradise as I wasn't in the mood for it and so I could have a little longer here. Had to leave all of my friends behind as they are moving a little slower than me but made some new friends on the bus and have spent the last two days with a girl from Cornwall. Went to the beach yesterday, hired bikes and cycled around town and went to the cinema to see New Moon. Today we got up at 5:00 to watch the sunrise at the lighthouse in the picture which is Australia's most easterly point. Walked back down to the hostel and then I went sea kayaking and saw dolphins. Am very tired now.

Tomorrow I go to Surf Camp and then off to Sydney on Tuesday. Hope you are all well and getting ready from Christmas!