We have been out of internet contact for so long as we have been on the best trips of Oz so far (Fraser Island and Whitsundays).

So i will start with Fraser Island - basically this is the biggest sand island and is about half an hours drive from a place called Rainbow Beach. We spent 3 days and 2 nights here and it consists of 4x4 driving, camping and lots of walking! You get separated into groups and we had 6 in our car. You stay with these guys the whole time you are on the island and take in turn to drive around the island. It is all off road and up and down sand dunes so is very fun but also a bit scary! On the first day we walked through a rainforest and saw a huuuge python in the wild (!), went to 2 amazing freshwater lakes and set up our camp. We were staying in a slightly better campsite then others as they had permanent tents and toilets etc so they were slightly more civilised! One of the main things on fraser island are these dogs called dingos. There are about 200 on the island and are quite aggressive. The week before we got there a girl was attacked and had to have loads of stiches on her legs as she was surrounded by a pack (didn't tell you this bit mum!). Its absoultely fine, you just can't walk around on your own so you have to go to the toilet in groups etc etc. We only actually saw 2 the entire time we were on the island so were pretty lucky. The second day we visited more lakes and went up to a view point where you can look out and see sharks and sting rays. The sea was quite rough this day so sadly we didn't see any wildlife but it was still a pretty impressive view. The last day we went to another lake (they are all hidden around the island) which you had to cross an enormous sand dune to get to. We had a great time - it was so much fun and we got to meet some really fun people.

We had 1 day to recover and then set off to sail the whitsundays. The whitsundays fringes the great barrier reef and we set off on the biggest boat of 50 for 2 days and 2 nights. The weather was perfect and the scenery was just like a postcard. WE got to go snorking on both days which is incredible - the sea is heaving with fish and we got to visit whitehaven beach which has to be the most beautiful beach in the world. The sand is so soft as its made of 98% silicon (i think) and the water is bright turquoise blue. You can't actually swim in the sea however without a stinger suit as there are jelly fish so it is very funny as everybody puts on a very unflatering wetsuit everytime you go in the water! The second night while we were anchored 4 dolphins came up and circled our boat. This attracted lots of fish and a few small sharks which was incredible. We were so lucky with the weather the entire time and again got to meet lots of nice people.

Lastly we have been in a place called magnetic island. This is an island 30 minutes ferry from a place called townsville. Again it is just like a postcard. We stayed in a hostel which was right on the beach and again the weather was perfect. We took the time to chill and catch up with some sunbathing. Now we are in Cairns which is TORRENTIAL RAIN! The forecast is not supposed to get any better and we are supposed to be going out for a dive on the great barrier reef on saturday 14th so fingers crossed it gets better! WE leave for NZ on the 16th April. Very sad to leave Oz as we have had an amazing time but excited for the next chapter! Love V xxx

(I will try and upload a few photos but for some reason they are not working)