Well we were welcomed to Australia by beautiful showers and deep grey clouds!!!!  To be honest it was freezing and Clair had to buy a jumper but it didn't last for long.  Our hostel was a clean and friendly place.  We were sharing with some lovely girls.  Izi and Jenny gave us some good advice, we hope to meet up with Jenny in Sydney.  We also had a Tasmainian Devil in our room, well that's what we nicknamed her because of her constant noise and destruction!!!  We also heard the adventures of two Yorkshire Men, Jonny and Steve which included being bitten by a spider and he had the bite marks to prove it!!!!!!!!

The sun came out in time for the river festival where we got to see a magnificant fireworks display.  As you can see from our photographs, it was truely amazing.  That evening we met up with Chrissy (Aussie teacher who worked with Clair at St Peter's) and her Sister, who showed us around the busy South Bank of Brisbane.

The following day we took a trip to Beerwah which is the home of Australia Zoo.  We had a fantastic day and were lucky enough to get a hug from a Kola Bear.  We witnessed feeding time for the big Crocs, we really wouldn't like to be on the menu for their dinner.  Got to walk amongst the Kangaroos and feed them. We saw Dingos, Wombats, Venmous snakes as well as Parrots and lots of other Native Australian animals.

We headed out that night and met a couple of crazy Irish guys from our hostel who introduced us to the nightlife in Brisbane!  We had a fab time in Normanbys and enjoyed the live band and Australian wine.  However my head wasn't too good in the morning so Clair had to meet Chrissy for the tour around Brisbane Museum where she was treated to a muffin the size of a balloon.    I made it to the boat trip down the Brisbane River where we had a delicious lunch and a good chit chat!

Our first stop in Oz was an enjoyable experience.  We are heading up to Cairns now,  where the Sun is sure to be shining!

Miss you all lots,

Love Lisa and Clair xox