Hey everyone!

First of all I apologise for the delay in updates. Been a crazy couple of weeks having far too much fun to get close enough to a computer. So 2day I will be summarising Australia so far. No drifting off asleep now...

Next stop after Sydney was a place called 'Surf Camp'. Any guesses as to what we did here? Thats right-learn to surf. The weather was terrible and it was a very early start yet Tim and I managed to catch our first waves with the grace and prowess of Patrick Swayze in 'Point Break'. Really enjoyed surfing and will endeveaur to have another go along the coast. Make sure u check out the photo of both of us sharing a swell.

Next stop Byron Bay. This was a very classy seaside resort with lots of nice restaurants and bars overlooking the sea (not a typical backpackers destination!). However, we had a great time cycling around the bay and up to the famous lighthouse that holds the title of most easterly point of Australia. We also had a lovely romantic stroll along the promenade one evening.

After that we headed to Brisbane where we were fortunate enough to stay with some friends we made in South Africa some 3 months before. They were great hosts (cheers Ben and Katie) and showed us some fantastic sights of the city, including a viewpoint overlooking the whole city. We also played security at Ben's sisters 18th Bday Party and I played my first game of Poker (which i lost convincingly!). We discovered RSL clubs which are similar to social/community centres in the UK. RSL clubs offer cheap food, drink and Pokies (Ozzy slot machines) all under one roof (Jus like the Thorngate Dicky, hehe).

We then proceeded to a lovely little town called Noosa. This place is truely beautiful and is my preffered choice for retirement (not thinking too far ahead!). Here we mainly sunbathed and bodysurfed before exploring Australia Zoo. This is the biggest zoo in Oz and home to the famous 'Steve Irwin' crocoseum. RIP Steve. It was 40 degrees C the day we went to the zoo so you can imagine how sweaty I was! I was lucky enough to see my first Komodo Dragon (my fav animal 4 those of u who don't know that) as well as performing Crocs, snakes and 100 year old turtles.

Fraser Island. Wowsers. This has been my favourite stop on our Australia journey so far. The largest sand island in the world playing home to some of the most beautiful freshwater lakes and beaches. Be able to swim underwater with your eyes open in 30 degree C freshwater is simply awesome.I could've stayed there forever (well maybe if i had all u guys with me).We were let loose on the island in a group of 11 people with just a 4x4 and camping equipment. We encountered snakes, lizards as long as humans, dingos and big ass spiders (eugh!).

Our next stayover was a bit different. We stayed overnight at a cattle station in the outback. Here we ate more beef than I do in a typical year at home and did terrible things with farm animals! First on the agenda was 'Goat hurding'. Basically, this involves entering a goat ring filled with mud, poo and goats pee. Chasing the goat around in circles before catching it by the horns, flipping it on its back and pretending to brand it.We also learnt how to crack a whip, lassoo a fake cow and throw a boomerang. Oh and i found my calling.Buckaroo. I managed to dominate the event that is riding a mechanical bull! I think all that work on the Bosu stability ball in the gym has finally payed off. i will try and upload the video on here for u guys to see me in all my glory.

Today we have just returned from the 'Whitsundays' which is a collection of 74 island off the east coast of Australia, just south of the great barrier reef. We were lucky enough to sail on a maxiboat for 2 days and 2 nights around the Whitsundays stopping only to snorkel and bushwalk. We also sore our first shark whilst snorkeling yesterday which was a lot scarier than being in a cage with them! Had a little swim with a sting ray and lived to tell the tale which was very cool.

Off to 'Magnetic Island' then our final stop- Cairns before flying to New Zealand next week so will post my final Oz blog b4 then.

Hope ur all good and not too sleepy after that huge blog.

Love ya XxX

PS. Well done to my ultra successful girlfriend Becky for getting her dream job this week - all the stressin finallly paid off baby.

Happy bday to my dad who is far too old for me to mention to u all!

And well done Mum and Dicky for moving house so smoothly X