Sorry there is so much, I had gotten so far behind. I will upload the piccies as soon as I can. Will fill in any gaps when I get home, can't tell you everything or won't have anything to tell you when I get back. xx
10th December - Cape Tribulation
Got picked up at 8am, we drove to the rain forest, saw some really big spiders. Cape tribulation is where the rain forest meets the reef. We went on a crocodile safari boat, we only saw 2 crocs and they were babies, not the most exciting day but at least the weather stayed dry. We stopped off in Port Douglas on the way back which was a lovely town. Didn't really have enough time to see all the places.
11th December - Magnetic Island
Caught the bus at 7.30am to Townsville, there was a cockroach near my seat so I couldn't relax. I have been so lucky, I haven't seen many. Caught the ferry over to the island and checked in to the room with the girls I met on the barrier reef trip. They had hired a convertible car to go around the island, the photos looked stunning. Was going to do this until I saw the poster for horse riding. Had a free meal and some drinks with the girls. It is a party hostel but we had a good night. There was an aussie family who brought their baby with them. not the best place for a baby especially when the parents and all their friends were drunk.
12th December - Magnetic Island
Left early to get the 8am bus to the horse riding ranch. Looking forward to it as you go in the sea swimming with the horses. I had a horse called charlie who was lovely. Had an amazing time, we rode for about 1 hour then had to change into our stinger suits before riding the horses bareback into the sea. It was overcast and the sea was quite rough. everytime a wave came it nearly knocked you off. Some people fell off in the sea. I loved every minute of it. I met a lady from urmston and 2 girls from ireland, they hadn't rode before but we all had a great time. Got a lift back to the hostel by the owner of the ranch, she said there are jobs there if I was ever interested. Had a quiet night and had the dorm to myself which was nice.
13th December - Magnetic Island - Airlie Beach
Caught the ferry back to Townsville to get the bus to Airlie Beach. I had just checked into my hostel and was going to my room and bumped into one of the irish girls from horse riding. They were meeting with the lady from manchester, I arranged to meet up with them for something to eat and a drink. Met in the bar next to the hostel and they introduced me to some other irish people who were so drunk but really funny. Stayed and enjoyed the happy hour then moved onto another bar called shannanigans. Had some drinks in there until one of the girls pointed out that it was 3am, we headed over to a club and didn't get in until around 5.30am. Luckily I didn't have any trips planned for the next day we just chilled by the lagoon.
14th December - Airlie Beach
Didn't feel too great but just lazed around in the shade by the lagoon. The lagoons are man made beached and swimming pools next to the beach. You can't swim in the sea without a stinger suit at certain times of the year so these places are great. They are free to use as well. Went to check in for my whitsundays sailing trip, really looking forward to it but just to be on the safe side I bought some motion sickness tablets, I have never slept on a boat before. Had a lazy day and early night to get ready for the 3 day boat trip.
15th December - Whitsundays
Went to check in for the boat at 1.45, could only take a small bag and they even took your shoes off you before you got on board. One thing there was no limit on was how much alcohol you could take on board. I went for the half bottle of vodka and a bottle of orange, not touching the GOON, nasty nasty stuff. 2 irish guys brought 16ltrs of goon between the 2 off them for 2 nights…that's going to be messy. All the people on the trip were really friendly and we had a great night on board the boat. The sleeping quarters were interesting, bunk beds below deck with no air conditioning, it was so hot. We sailed for about 5hours and stopped for the night, if you wanted to swim you had to put on your stinger suit. I had heard that you could only have a 30second shower and you couldn't use shampoo or shower gel but when I checked in at the travel agent they said to take shampoo etc it would be fine.. Oh no they were wrong, a 30 second shower each day, no shampoo or shower gel and the shower was a hose that came out of the sink in the very small toilet. Basically you put in over you head and had the quickest wash possible in 30 seconds. Still it was an experience. Most people slept on the deck it was far too hot below deck.
　
16th December - Whitsundays
Up at 6.30am, breakfast at 7am. We stopped to go snorkelling which was good, saw some amazing fish, all different colours. We then went to whitehaven beach. OMG this was gorgeous, squeaky white sand and clear ocean, it was paradise. We have been so lucky with the weather as it had forecast rain but it was a gorgeous clear day. Headed for Hook Island for another snorkel, getting more used it now. Dropped us on a sandbank between 2 islands, it looked like you were walking on water. We sat and watched the sunset which was amazing, we also saw dolphins. Headed back to the boat for a BBQ, drinking and playing games. Played charades with the irish group, it was so funny, Maurice and Damo were hilarious guys, they called all the girls Mary because they could never remember their names and always took the p**s out of everyone. Late night but a good one.
17th December - Whitsundays
We set off back to Airlie beach, everyone was so tired and hot, there was no shade on the boat and we all started to burn, it was also too hot to go below deck out of the sun. We got back to the mainland around 11am and I went straight to the hostel to cool down. Luckily my room was ready and the aircon was on cold. Fell asleep for 3hours, really needed it. Went to meet the other from the boat for the after party in the bar next to the hostel, one of the irish guys couldn't even face a drink after all the goon they had consumed. We nominated one of the guys to play the game, they had to get the item the guy called out from their table and run back to the stage with it. I had seen this in so many hostels that I new what the items were going to be, we had them all ready, even one of the girls had her bra undone ready to go. Yes we won and got 4 jugs of beer between about 8 of us as most of the boat were on the night bus to Fraser and couldn't make the after party. Didn't last too late, needed an early night.
18th December - Airlie Beach - Rainbow Beach
Got up to check out, went over to the lagoon and sat in the shade, my bus wasn't leaving until 5.40pm, it was an overnight one to Rainbow beach. Next minute I heard, "Mary, Mary, it was the irish guys from the sailing boat. I went over to join them and the other irish couple I met and spent the day with them until I had to get my bags and go for the bus. Next stop Fraser Island.
19th December - Rainbow Beach
Arrived at 7.30am, the journey wasn't too bad as I had 2 seats to myself. Had to hang around until 11am before I could check in. Shared a room with another group of irish people. Went to the other hostel for tea as the kitchen at dingos was awful. the food at the other hostel was amazing and they only charged 10 dollars. Met with the irish guys and couple and had a few drinks, went back to our bar and bumped into stacey, one of the girls I met on the barrier reef tour. You bump into so many people you have already met along the way. Sat with them and played dare games, they move onto Byron Bay tomorrow for Christmas. I am looking forward to going to Dave & Paulines (my mums friends) Started to rain again and didn't stop all day, just did my washing and packed for fraser. So glad I am not camping in this weather.
20th December - 22nd December Fraser Island
The rest of the room left early to pack for their camping trip to fraser, I wasn't leaving until 11ish so had time to chill out. There was only a small group on our tour, 3 girls from england, 1 german guy and a couple from switzerland, and you can't forget our driver and tour guide, pervy pete. Got the boat over to the island and checked in at the hostel, we were the only people staying there which was good. We went to Wabby lake which was lovely, the whole island is just sand and the lake was surrounded by sand dewns. the guys were jumping off them, I just wanted a body board so we could board down them to the lake. We moved on to other lakes and viewing points on the island and kept bumping into the other groups including the irish guys from the whitsundays trip and I also saw a guy who was on my bus from melbourne to sydney. The weather was gorgeous and we could get in some sunbathing. We went to Indian Point to look our for sharks, we just saw some turtles and rays but the views were amazing. Then onto Champagne pools, the sea is suppose to come over the rocks to make the pools bubble but the water was too calm, the water was cool though which helped as it was hot again. We spent the nights playing drinking and pool games and on the last night we went down the beach to a hotel bar. We all had a drink and dance before heading back to our hostel around 1.30am. We raided the cupboards for food before the tour guide came back. Had a bumpy ride along the beach and I got thrown across the back of the vehicle, it was good fun but it hurt my back. The last day it rained. We went to the red lake and another one which I can't remember the name of, the water was so blue it was a shame the weather wasn't better because it would have looked stunning in the sunshine. Got back to the hostel later in the afternoon after making sure the tour guide didn't fall asleep at the wheel taking us back. It was a great tour with a good group. Checked in the room with Abi and DanI the 2 english girls, early start in the morning again to Mooloolah Bar.
23rd Dec - Dave & Paulines
Got the bus to Mooloolah Bar and was suppose to get a connection to Caloundra but the buses were on strike. Managed to get in touch with Dave and Pauline and they came to Mooloolah to collect me. It was good to see people you new. Got back to their house and then met some of the neighbours. Most of them knew my mum and dad from their visit. They were on the wine in the afternoon, just like my mum and dad would have been. haha Christmas day at the beach is cancelled, the rain isn't going to stop.
24th December - Dave & Paulines
Met up with Ian and he dropped his daughter off, maddie, she is gorgeous. Dave and Pauline had her for the day so she could open her presents. She was really good and loved her presents. We went to the neighbours party around 4.30...they are early starters!!! Had a good night chatting to Pauline and their friends. Jo and Chris arrived just as the party was finishing and we headed back home. Had an early night as I was up at 6am to skype home. raining again.
25th December - Dave & Paulines
Up at 6am to skype home as everyone was at my mums for a xmas eve party. It was so good to see everyone. Adele and Ali went round and all the neighbours were there and they came in one at a time to have a chat. I opened my presents in front of them which was nice. Was on there for 1and half hours
It rained all day but we had a traditional christmas dinner which chris and jo cooked. Paul and marie came and they are vegan so we had some food they had cooked which was nice. I hadn't seen paul since they left the uk when I was about 10, it was good to catch up and reminisce about old times. Had a good day but still missed being at home with my family for christmas day.
26th December - Dave & Paulines
Went to the apartment where we were suppose to be for Christmas Dinner, it was gorgeous, right on the beach. Paul and Marie were staying there with her mum. We had lunch there and went shopping on the way back. The guys were watching the cricket, australia wasn't doing too well. Went back to meet up with Ian and Maddie so the others could give her some presents. It was lovely to see them all together after all these years. Watched titanic, it is good to just relax for abit before heading back on the road.
27th December - Dave & Paulines
Still raining!!!!! It is so depressing, they haven't seen it like this in years, grey skies and non stop raining. I picked the best time to go to Australia, bad weather and the worse exchange rate in years.
Managed to sort some of my malaysia and thailand trip out on the computer. Just waiting to hear from wayne about going to work at the farm. A bit wet but I am looking forward to doing some work.
28th December - Brisbane - Jo & Chris's
Jo & Chris left their laptop at Dave & Paulines so we went to Brisbane to drop it off and I had arranged to stay there for a few days as I hadn't heard from Wayne, also I hadn't see Brisbane. They have an apartment in the middle of the city which was lovely. We went out for lunch and tea and I stayed over.
29th December - Brisbane
Jo & Chris went to Sydney for new year. I had the option to go but money was tight and fancied seeing more of Brisbane, I have seen Sydney. I stayed in the apartment which was great as it is so close to the centre. I walked around the city and for once in days it didn't rain. It is a lovely city, not too big and busy. Again there is a lagoon in the centre where you can go for a swim, even in the rain if you wish. Had a chilled night in watching TV, it was lovely
30th December - Brisbane
Caught a bus to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. You can hold a Koala in Queensland, no other area lets you hold them. I had my photo taken holding a koala, it was amazing, they are gorgeous, I wanted to bring him home. I finally saw a platypus, they are strange looking creatures. There were baby koalas and kangaroos, the weather was gorgeous and I spent most of the day there. I caught the bus back to the centre of brisbane and had a look around the shops. Even with the sales on it is still really expensive here. Arranged to go back to Dave and Paulines for New Year and will head to Waynes after that.
31st December - Dave & Paulines
I caught the train back to Dave & Paulines and helped them sort everything out for their new years party. Loads of the neighbours came around, most of the ones from christmas eve and they brought loads of food and drink. We had a good night. Missed being out with the girls but can make up for that when I am home. Spoke to my mum and dad on skype which was nice, need to be up early again to speak to them for their new year.
1st January - Wayes
Dave and Pauline took me over to Waynes farm where I will be helping out for the next few days. It is a big place with loads of horses and foals. He breeds race horses so they are worth some money. I met Cat and Esther who work with Wayne and then they showed me around the place. I was to help Esther with the feeds and the cleaning of the stables which was fine but I nearly dropped dead when they told me I start at 5.30am I went to bed early and set my alarm for 5am.
2nd January - Waynes
How I managed to get up I don't know. We had to prepare all the feed and then go down to the fields in the truck and feed all the horses, there were 31 horses. I sweated so much I must have lost some weight. The horses were gorgeous but it was such hard work. Once we had finished the morning rounds we only had a couple of hours before the lunch rounds and then the tea time rounds. I am so unfit. I was in bed around 9pm.
3rd January - Waynes
We started abit earlier this morning as me and esther were going to Australia Zoo, Wayne had agreed to do the lunch time feeds while we were out so we had time between morning and tea to go there. The sun was shining too which helped. We had a great day out. The highlight was seeing the crocs show, where they come up out of the water and get the food. Steve Irwins wife and kids were the main part of the show as well. It is an amazing place and so well looked after. there are all kinds of animals it was a shame we didn't have longer there. After doing the horses teas I could have slept for a week.
4th January - Waynes
Same again, including catching a foal which had escaped and nearly getting bitten then reared up at by their yearling colt who was getting ready to go to the sales. They are hoping to get over $50,000 for him at the sales. Watched some films but finding these early mornings so hard.
5th January - Waynes
Did the morning and the lunch feeds but only half of the tea as I was going to the trotters. This is horse racing where the horses can only trot and the jockey is in a small carriage behind them. We left around 4.15. We sat inside and had a meal and drinks while the racing was on. OMG they can trot fast. They arrange for me to go inside the starter vehicle, it was so scary, you are going backwards and the horses are so close to you before you excelerate off and they start racing. It was an amazing experience but a scary one. We didn't get back until around 11.30 and I was up at 4am YES 4AM to go to the horse sales on the gold coast with Cat.
6th January - Magic Millions Horse Sales
There are about 4 main horse sales on a year and this one was soley for yearlings. Charger was going to this to be sold. I think Wayne was glad he was going as the day before he had reared up behind wayne and landed on his shoulders. It could have killed him. Me and Cat got there just before the horse trailers arrived. the block we were working on had 28 horses coming to be sold. They all arrived at the same time and yes it was raining again. We unloaded them between us but I only managed 2 of them. They are not the easiest to handle at that age and also they were so scared of everything. We worked all day and went back to the apartment they had rented for us with the other workers in surfers paradise. OMG it was gorgeous, it was right on the beach. Shame we wouldn't be in it long. Went to bed at 8.30 as we had another 4am start in the morning.
7th Janauary - Magic Millions Horse Sales - Byron Bay
I had arrange with Jo & Chris that we would go to Byron for the weekend. We couldn't find any accommodation for less than $300 a night so we decided to go for the day. I worked the sales in the morning and met with chris & jo around 12. They wanted me to stay at the sales and said they could find me work until may if I wanted it, I think I would have been dead by the end of Jan if I carried on. I guess it does get easier.
Byron was a great place. the rain stayed away so we could go in the sea and have a sunbathe. It was a shame we couldn't have stayed the whole weekend. Going back to Brisbane until I leave for Singapore.
8th Janaury - Brisbane
Raining again, it is just like Manchester the only difference is that you can wear your shorts as it is still hot. Went to walkabout creek and through the rain forest to mount glorious. Jo and Chris have been great and taken to loads of places and made sure I see as much as I can while I am here. We had a BBQ around the pool at their apartment, in the rain. I can't see it ever going away.
9th January - Brisbane
Went to the shops and me and jo went to the cinema to watch the film with Jake Gylenhyal, love sex and drugs I think. It was okay. Chris cooked a roast dinner which was nice. I didn't think I would eating a roast dinner in Australia in the summer, you would think it would too hot and sunny, oh no peeing it down once again.
10th January - last day in Australia.
Sorted out my bag and caught up with my blog from the 9th December. I can't let it get that behind again. Hopefully going for dinner with Dave Pauline, Paul Marie and Jo Chris depending on the weather and if Dave and Pauline can get here. Looking forward to moving on to Asia for the next adventure.