We had arranged to stay with Jenn's, Nan's cousin Mike in Brisbane. When we unloaded off the bus, and after a bit of miscommunication and sitting on pavements Mike came and picked us up. We spent the week with Mike, visited his son and daughter and their families. We were very well fed and spoiled by everyone. Saw the sights of Brisbane, including my very first koala (even if it was asleep and had it's back turned to us). Caught up with our travelling friends a...

Rolled into Brisbane Saturday lunch time. Waited on the pavement for Mike, (Jenn's Nan's cousin!) to collect us. Apparently there's more than one Magistrates court.... drama. We stayed with Mike for a week. Luxury compared to what we're used to! We had a room and a double bed each. Spent the week seeing the sights of Brisbane and met the rest of Mike's family. Got fed and watered everywhere we went which we enjoyed too much. Managed to stock up on much needed wa...

Had a compulsory stopover in 1770. Named so as it was the first spot Captain Cook landed on. We were only there for one night but we saw all the sights, which were the hostel and the garage. Took advantage of the free barbecue and played cards with the other stranded bus passengers. Arrived at Rainbow beach the next day. The bus driver 'you can call me Pappa' Keith (no thanks Keith) showed us the beach which is stunning. Have the home and away theme tune playing...

Next stop down the coast is Airlie beach. It's a lovely little beach town but definitely backpacker town. We met up with Suzy from our Asia tour. Felt like reuniting with family because we spent so much time with her. Had a couple of days to do the usual, lagoon in the day and bar at night routine. All towns by the beach in Oz have barbeques set up for the public to use. Such a good idea. So a group of us chipped in and had a barbie one evening. The must-do ac...

Had to get up at 5am in Cairns for our first trip on the Oz Experience bus. So far, so good. Made our way down south to Townsville where we boarded the ferry across to Magnetic Island. Staying at Base hostel on the island. It's right on the beach and you stay in small beach hut style dorms. Paradise....again. Went for a walk to the old forts on the island. It's a home for wild koalas but did we see any??? No. Enjoyed the walk and the sunset from the top of th...