After Byron Bay we headed to Surf Camp at Arawara beach to become world champions (of surfing). We had one lesson in the afternoon and one the following morning. The ratio of surf heroes (instructors) to surf dudes (us) was quite low which at times made it difficult to get help when we were struggling. However for $45 we couldn't complain getting a night's accommodation, 6 hours of surfing and 2 meals. Jo was pleased that it was the first time she'd managed to stand up on the board and I was getting up maybe 50% of the time. Too easy.

Then we went to Barrington, another one of the Oz Experience's more random stops. The main activity on offer was night kayaking. The owners of the resort/farm claimed it was the only place in the world you can do it. For once, we turned down the chance to do it and we retired to the hot tub instead. Those who did do it told us it was the most frightening thing they'd ever done so we think we made the right choice. All but one of them fell out and some were a little hurt after paddling into rocks/trees.

The next day we arrived in Sydney late afternoon. We did some internetting and ate at BBQ King - an awesome chinese restaurant where we had copious amounts of peking duck. Yum. Our second day in Sydney started off ominously as our safe in reception wouldn't open and it contained everything of value that we have! In the end the manager had to break into it and we got our stuff. We walked around the centre for most of the day and in the evening we took a ferry to Birchgrove, home to Jenny, Jerome, Georgia and Madeleine, friends of Jo's family. We spent a lovely evening at their house and have been invited to stay at their house at New Year.

As we are due to be back in Sydney in time for New Year we are now in Canberra visiting Jenny's parents. We had a quick drive around the city to get our bearings (we're off to explore tomorrow) and had a lazy afternoon doing washing and getting my hair cut. On Saturday we're moving onto Victoria to visit more of the Brigg family and hopefully finding Suzie in Melbourne next week.

The weather is incredible by the way.

Lots of love

Mikey & Jo xxx