Next on the journey was Magnetic Island, we got there..just! Our Oz Experience bus broke down in the middle of nowhere (something to do with the gears). Passed the time with a bit of rugby and Crocodile Dundee DVD on the bus. After a couple of hours another bus came to our rescue and got us to Townsville and the ferry across to the island J

Bit choppy on the way and got pretty wet, unluckily for us the umbrella was just out of hand for the first wave! Weather wasn't great for the days we were on the island, but made the most of it by hiring out a 'Moke' which is half way between a go-kart and a dune buggy! Good fun thrashing that around! Went for a couple of walks, a bit on the dangerous side with snakes and other interesting fauna. Shaved a mate's head (Jeroen), had a workout in our dorm and I managed to knock a plate of cheese and biscuits out of an unsuspecting swedish girl's hands while evading a piece of marmite on toast!

Next was supposed to be a ferry/bus journey to Cairns, meeting up with some Dutch guys we met on Fraser Island….but due to the River Tulley flooding, no access north was possible, so we were stranded in Townsville for a couple of days. A lot of people moaned but we thought it was quite a nice place! Went to the well-equipped gym, saw Rambo in the cinema and I went for a good run along the promenade. Also we got free breakfasts and dinners which suited us down to the ground, and the weather was pretty sunny so we got a couple of sunbathing sessions in J

Finally made it north to Cairns, via a crocodile farm where I was greeted by a man saying "do you want to hold a baby croc?" and just as I was about to answer, placed one in my hands! Funny feeling things crocodiles… Had an awesome hour and a bit going round the farm with the ranger winding up all the crocodiles, alligators and cassowaries (look those nasty ones up!).

First night in Cairns was a heavy one at the infamous Woolshed! Finally crawled back in at 8am after getting lost on the way back! Spent a couple of days lazing about in the sun at the man-made lagoon, and participated in the odd bit of drinking, and went out for a very civilized meal then off to (accidentally) a gay bar - where myself and Matt got good drinks deals and a free shot! Who knows why!?...Left pretty soon after the free drinks dried out.

A night flight to Auckland followed, with a drunk guy in the airport being restrained by police - I actually enjoyed his singing! On New Zealand soil, immigration was a little bit of a hassle with some problem over our working visa's, but made it through unscathed. A bus into Auckland for a little look around, then onto Takapuna to meet Miff (Matthew), Matt's friend (Ollie's) little brother - who gave us a lift to the house we are staying at now. Lovely big place in the country, with swimming pool and sky TV - mmmmmmm! Big thanks to Mike (dad), for being so hospitable and firstly allowing us to stay here! Also to Miff and Dan for entertaining us. Just pity that I get Miff out so many times in garden cricket - thought he'd be sick of it by now! Haha

So since we have been in Auckland, we've bought ourselves a campervan (see photos), got our itinerary sorted and we are just waiting now on Ollie to find out when his operation is, so we can leave and start travelling round the 2 islands!! Can't wait!!

Will report back soon