We spent our last 2 days in Australia based in Cairns and enjoying the fantastic free lagoon on the promenade for croc and stinger free swimming and then touring the Atherton Tableland where we visited some incredibly beautiful lakes and waterfalls (including the Millaa Millaa falls used in the Qantas ad where Rog braved the cold water for a swim). Final reflections on Oz: 1. The incredibly friendly and helpful nature of the people, particularly out o...

We spent on night in Mission Beach staying at a motel where the host and hostess (Bob and Angie)were unbelievably friendly - even plying us with free cold beers and their life stories while we lazed in the pool and played ball with their little dog Angel. Mission Beach is at the edge of the tropical rainforest region and we were serenaded all night by some particularly noisy frogs and other jungle noises. I also managed to get bitten copiously every day despit...

We have just returned to Townsville from a 2 day trip to Maggie or Magnetic Island. Apparently it got its name because it interfered with Captain Cook's compass while he was navigating the area. We left the car in the ferry car park and negotiated the 20 minute ferry and local bus to Horseshoe Bay where we were staying in a bush village apartment. The following paragraph comes with an embarrassment warning for the family! When we arrived to check in it was ...

We drove to Airlie Beach from Agnes Water via Rockhampton (Rocky to the locals). Panic in Rocky as we decided to celebrate Valentine's day by not booking a meal, but by wandering through town past record numbers of statues of Bulls, on the assumption that Aussies were not romantic and there would be plenty of tables available. WRONG! Like a latter day Mary and Joseph were turned away from several places before finally finding a table at a newly opened Thai rest...

We had a reasoned debate about how much luggage it was appropriate to take to Fraser Island for a 2 day 1 night tour. Failing to agree we decided to use Nick as an arbiter as he had previously done the same tour. Unfortunately Nick let me down big time and recommended that we take minimum baggage and travel light. For this heinous crime of treachery he has been immediately disinherited and, had I been savaged to death by dingoes because I failed to protect my...