From Surfers 'far from Paradise' we went to Brisbane to stay with Tom, a friend from uni, in his palace of an apartment. There was marble everywhere, a sauna, gym, swimming pool- everything we are not used to, we were in heaven. :)

Here we went to South Beach which was a lovely lagoon right in the middle of the city. Finally we were having some sunshine. Tom also took us to the Greyhound races one night which was a great laugh and Erin walked away $12 up, Tom and I on the otherhand werent so lucky! We also visited the botanical gardens which were prob the nicest we have seen in Oz and spent the rest of our time chilling in the 30 degrees heat. :) Had a fab timne with Tom and was nice seeing him again after over 2 yrs.

From luxury we went straight back to slumming it in a VERY cheap hostel - koala's in Noosa Heads.

Here we were hit with a dorm full of 18 yr olds, who kept calling us 'Mum', come on we arent that old! But they were a good laugh and we all got on great. on our 2nd day we went to Australia Zoo which was a great day out. We had the pleasure of seeing Bindi (Steve Irwins daughter) and her backing group the 'crocmen'- great! The best part of the day was we both held a cuddly koala, although he wasnt that nice to Erin and scratched her shoulder, dont worry she hasnt got rabies- at least i dont think she has- oh well im the fortunate one that had the jab before we went away! Spent our last night trying out the bar in the hostel which was full of locals- we're not feeling over impressed with the Aussies at the mo- lets hope it picks up as we go up the coast.