Happy new year! So far 2012 has been brilliant, rum hangover aside!

Anyhow.......... when we last blogged we had decided to stay in Byron Bay for xmas which was an inspired decision. Eight days of beaching swimming, sleeping eating and drinking....utter bliss. While shopping in town we bumped into Elle Macphearson (the super model) and Dave from Flight of the Conchords, apart from rubbing shoulders with celebs we had one big chill out.

Xmas day, we headed down the beach for a swim and sunbathe then back to the beach house for a couple of steaks on the bbq and couple of beers, you know, the usual.

Wednesday 28th we arrived in Brisbane, which has really surprised us. Its a river city and has loads of cool districts, good nightlife (24 hour pubs), a street beach and lots going on. Our first night here we got a little tipsy in one of the 24 hour bars on the high street which meant that the next day we just chilled out on the Southbank in the shade reading and watching the world go by. The street beach is pretty much as it sounds, an articficial beach with sand and a massive pool in the middle of parkland stroll and its free! That evening we went to the moonlight cinema and watch Contagion outside in a park with beanbags, beers and huge bats flying overhead was brilliant.

Next day we explored the city its got a nice mix of old buildings surrounded by really modern pieces of architecture yet somehow it all works. We went to Chinatown, Eagle street pier, Caxton and the Cultural Centre followed by a good ramen noodle meal and cinema again this time Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol the less said about that the better.

New years eve we had a monster internet session to put some plans together for our delve into Asia. Then headed to the Suncorp Stadium for Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory (Fays 1st live footy match). We couldn't believe you can watch the game with a beer and a kebab in hand. Roar won 3-1 and it was quite a good game. After full time we followed the hordes to The Caxton pub for celebrations, see in the new year with plenty of dancing and too much rum. Crashing back at our hostel around 4.

Very tired and rummy, we have gone mad and booked an apartment in Brisbanes skyscraper for the night where we are heading shortly to crash out in style.

Going to watch the Brisbane Internation tennis tournament tommorrow, Andy Murray has been seed no.1, should be good. Then down to Sydney - Canberra see you there.