We are all packed and super excited for our first excursion on the East Coast of Australia....... FRASER ISLAND & NOOSA (a.k.a Sunshine Coast)!!! I know we have had little journeys but this time it's one of the big "you must"!!!

I'm not too sure if this excitment is more about the week off work, as the previous week we worked over 55 hours which had knocked us for six a little and are now grateful for some time off stress free!! Or because it is one of the worlds most beautiful island!!

We check that we had everything, passports... Check, tickets.... Check, all our clothes for one whole week for 3 in one backpack! Hopefully this means I can seriously cut back my clothes for my homeward journey!!

Up early and being experience backpackers now we allowed Shereen to carry the backpack the 20min walk to the bus station, giving her experience of budgetting and preparing her for S.E.A!!! We weren't excited about this bus journey as Greyhound buses in our experience are not very comfy with little leg room, but it is only 5hours!!

We chose to start our journey from Rainbow Beach, one because the name sounds amazing but more importantly we had heard they had nice beaches and was much pretty than Harvy Bay which is an industrial port so we could spend our afternoon exploring! We checked into our hostel at Pippies and wondered off for some exploring of the beach, it was beautiful! We lost Hana.. well she was preoccupied with her early Christmas present her new DSL camera so she was off snapping everything!! We left our marks on some of the soft rocks and splashed in the sea!! We returned for our safety brief which was painful but definately looked more painful for the hostel manager a middle age sun damaged true Shelia who was honest with her terrible hangover that she would just leave the video to explain!! We split into our groups, ours was mainly British with one Belgium but we were all that little bit older and well travelleweep we gelled straight away. We all decide to try to drive at some point, the bit I was most excited about and set off to buy our groceries! We had chosen the tour where you as a group paid for your food and cooked for yourselves each day. We didn't mess around and got the important ingredents first.... 5 boxes of GOON our full allowence for the trip and then brought some yummy BBQ food and treats!!

With everything ready for the next day 'pippies' had organised what they said was the most beautiful sunset in Australia trip. Not being one to want to miss out especially on this beauty we sent off with the group, they hadn't warned us about the hike up the hugh hill but we didn't have anything else to do and the exercise keeps us healthy. We walked through a little foresty area and into this clearing and WOW even without the looming sunset the view was spectacular and took each and eveyones breathe away. You couldn't help but stop for a few minute to just stare at the landscape that was before us. We had walked out of the forest into a clearing between two hills, gorgeous sand lay between this hills that to the left had a picturesque view of the sea shimmering in the afternoon sun and too the right was lush green Australian bush. As the sun was setting it turned the sand different colours of yellow, orange and finally red. The wind was rushing through the channel which made it slightly chilly but sent the sand floating over the ground making it feel more magical (well if you ignored the places the sand was flying into!). We took our pictures and Shereen & I ran up one sand dune to run straight back down again, this is something I will never tire of even if it is hard work getting to the top! However the sun was going to bed and that was where we should be heading as we have one big adventure begining the next day. I do agree though I think it will be one place I will remember forever for it's sunset but more importantly it's stunning landscape.

Somehow when we awoke we managed to down size again to be able to leave half our stuff behind, I wasn't planning on doing much more than relaxing. We had our briefings, excited by the fact big sharks surround the whole island making sea swimming forbidden and checked our 4x4 for the trip. We were the lucky group, we were the following the guide car so we had to drive!! It was a hugh white mean machine but didn't look all that comfy or modern, it passed it's safety inspection and we got on our way.

Now me not being one to be scared and definately looking forward to the driving (I know I am a girl but I love the boy things!!) I volunteered my services first! So I jumped in and we speed off to the ferry. I felt like a giant in the driving seat but it was suprisingly easy to drive well on the roads at least. We had a quick stop before we entered the track to the ferry, I had to take it out off 2 wheel drive and into 4 wheels as we were hitting the beach. I had to follow the lead car trying to follow in his tracks which seems easier than done, the car drove like those trollies you get for tescos with the dodgy wheel. You turned one way but you could feel the wheels and the car going the other, however we survived and made it to the boat with a quick whizz up the ramp.

The ferry crossing was a time to stretch your legs, but I felt saver in the car than on the boat that I was convinced moving a lot more up and down than others made me believe. Once on the other side it was still 4 wheels all the way, driving through narrow paths through dense forest then into clearings and a long beaches. I think driving round the countryside came in handy, plus I felt super safe in my monster truck. Although the beach was great fun it was like driving on ice but you always had to keep a close eye on the sea, make sure you didn't get washed out by any big unexpected waves. As we approached an entrance back into the forest we had to give it some welly through the soft sand to make sure we didn't get stuck!!! I was do fabulous until the leader got his truck stuck and I had to break mid way, that was it we got wedged in!! We tried forwards, backwards, fast, slow but no the leader had to try and lucikly he managed it and we were make on the road.

The darker clouds started to roll in over head as we approached our first check point, we did a quick whizz round Lake Boomajn and took our photos before it rained. The lake was a pretty colour, with a red colour to it, now this isn't because it was dirty like Hana believed but because tea leaves had stained it a tea colour. We joined the trucks and the group for our first lunch together, we pulled out our group sandwiches and had our little picnic in the safe bounderies protecting us from Dingos. I persuaded Hana to have a go as it was easier than she would realise, so with the drivers changed we set off into the forest. She was very good keeping up and enjoying the rough terrain and slippery sands.

The roads were very windy and were not paved nor even flat so it was steady driving to ensure the passagers in the back didn't fly up and bang their heads, this obviously did happen but it wasn't on purpose at all!!!!

Our next stop was Lake Wonggoolba, sister to
Lake Mc Kenzie. We pulled up but those dark clouds hadn't disappeared and as we desended the steps to the fabulous clearing of a beautiful fresh water lake surrounded by hills which were rich with green forestry. Unfortunately the scene was heavenly and with that the heavens opened and dumped something we are use to rain!!! We took shelter under a tree, but being true Brits we weren't going to be beaten and we wanted to swim. We were planning on getting wet anyway so it didn't matter if it was a little early. We stripped and ran into the water, it wasn't super hot but it was warm enough. As soon as we got stuck in the others joined some still a little reluctant but our guide was happy to see us making the most of it. To be honest it made it more magical being in the water in the rain. Our guide explained it was special sand, silcone sand which had many special properties. The first was you could use it to make your silver jewellery sparkling again, I tried and it seemed to work, it was also good for the skin and hair, so we rubbed our skin down and washed our hair it felt silky smooth afterwards but the best quality was as toothpaste!! Yes toothpaste so yes we picked up some sand popped it on our finger, opened our mouths and rubbed the sand along our teeth. With a quick rinse out with fresh water your teeth felt silky smooth and squeey clean teeth. The rain didn't stop though and it was starting to get nippy so a quick dash to our clothes which were soaked and a quick run to our truck to try and dry out a little. Another driver change and we were off.

We had a quick pit stop, before heading back onto the open sand land. Whizzy along the open beach as the tide was out and we had lots of hard sand ahead we took some tourist pictures. Excited by the fact that as we were driving a plane was flying towards us preparing to land right in front of us! In the distance you caught the glimpse of the next famous stop, the shipwreck of Maheno.! We pulled up high on the sand and fell out the trucks cameras at the ready. The tide was on it's way in submerging the battered wreck that although severly weathered was clear to distinguish it's almighty size. You weren't really allowed to climb inside it and was suppose to keep a 2m distance, however we couldn't resist peering through the port holes and into the cargo bays. Around the back of the boat the sides had worn away, we decided it was ok to walk inside as you techicnally couldn't see the back as it was virtually gone and the sea covered the only piece remaining. Hana was having lots of fun using different settings on new camera that Shereen and I were left to wonder ourselves. Just before our time was up we took a quick photo of us all peeping through the rusty port holes and went to join the group, but our group wasn't surrounding our trucks they were circling another car. As we approached it became clear what was wrong the family had locked the keys inside and were trying to break through the tiny gap in the window using some wire. Our guide was a stand by fire fighter so he was trying to help them, we didn't have long as the tide was rising and within the next hour the car would be stuck deep in sea water. After some tense times and near misses they were successful and we were finally back on our way to camp, trying to race the tide in and the sun that was setting on our first day of adventure.

Arriving into our campsite for the next couple of nights, I was excited to see our tents were already made and everything was set out perfectly. We were sharing with another group but that didn't matter as it was just one night. We unpacked our stuff, fought for the best tents and then as a group decided it was food time. We cooked up an awesome BBQ, everyone chipped in which brought the group closer. Kat the only non English person in our group (Belgium) and also the oldest but with the energy of a happy go lucky teenager brought out a surprise bottle of champers which she had smuggled on to the island. We drank our best drink from our tinned camping cups and dung into our feast of burgers and salad. Fully stuffed we continued our drinking which had be down graded to cheap boxes goon and gathered around the camp fire, giggling and telling stories while roasting a few marshmellows.

Totally out of the blue and I think if not being slightly intoxicated we were thrilled by the hugh carpet snake that was brought out from our toilet block by one of the guides, yes it was found curled round the sink drain pipe!!! However with all inabitions pushed aside we happily had the snake drapped over our necks and enjoyed having our pictures. As a group we decided to pop down to the beach to marvel up at the cloudless sky to enjoy all the bright stars that shone above. It was pretty magical, we also played in the sand which I still don't understand why or how but it too sparkled in the night sky. A few of us went for a little wade in the sea but not more than 2ft of water as this was highly shark infested water and they can come in as close as 3ft of water, I did offer a shark my little toe as bait but none fancied it. Later that night we also went Dingo hunting, again this isn't advices but our guide just laughed at us as we were so noisy and so many that any Dingo even remotely close would run at the slightly whiff of us, besides as we were trekking through the forest area the Dingos were enjoying our left overs in the campsite infront of the others. So our hunt was unsuccessful, until we decided to calm down by the camp fire again and saw the Dingos running around. Having a relatively early start we finally decided to call it a night and I'm glad for the alcohol as it made it easier to sleep especially as I had been tight and not paid the extra for a sleeping bag.

We still didn't have the best sleep, Hana had caught a sickness bug and wasn't feeling too hot. It was touch and go if we would continue with the adventures but she pulled through. We speed off along the beach to Eli Creek a favourite joint that is packed with morning after people hence the nickname .... Hangover creek!!! It was a little fresh water stream that flowed from a short walk into the forest and down into a pool right by the sea. The water was fresh enough to drink and Jo and I grabbed some rubber rings and floated down the creek sipping the water as we lazyed our way hoping to sort out our sorry heads. It was very relaxing and perfect but we had lots to do so we only had a short time before we were back in the truck.

We left the beach behind and took our trucks back off road through the jungle to our next stop. Fraser Island is so famous for being one hugh sandy island surrounded by sea but with loads of fresh water lakes and lush green forest areas, therefore a lot of sights are very similiar but each one as beautiful as the next with it's own unique style. This area was called Lake Wabby. This lake was not quite as easy to get to like the others, we had an hour walk through the forest then a sandy dune and happily but not sure it helped the sun had come out. We had been warned and how ever tempting it was the huge sand dune that slid directly into the lake below, which looked perfect to run down but was off bounds. This was my favourite setting so far, probably helped by the sunshine. We all again stripped off and dived in, but then came the screams!!! Very girly screams even from the guys, it appears that this was also a lake fully with life and lots of fish swam past you which took us all by suprise. Some braved and swam over to the far side but most of us just chilled out soaking up the sun and i think still nursing the night before.

The walk back was a struggle, I had vowed after Africa my sand dune climbing was over but oh no we had the climb back before the hike back for a much need lunch. We had a big drive ahead to get to our next two stops but these were going to be different to the previous and also getting to watch the sunset was always a highlight on these tours.

Whizzing off through the jungle stopping just to stretch our legs but more importantly rest our bruised bottoms for a walk though the jungle following a little stream we arrived at our final stop for the day. We had pulled up to the only place on the island where it was kind of safe to swim in the salt water sea The Champange Pools. So we weren't really getting to swim in the sea as this area was known for sharks and several tiger sharks had been spotted and we had seen some photos to prove it. However we grab our rubber rings and set off for the cool dip. We had to walk down the steep cliff but as you did your eyes looked over the pools and they were fabulous. Ok so maybe they were just glorified rock pools that just so happened to be deep enough to swim in, but the setting was beautiful. We chucked our clothes off and followed our guide out and around to the deepest point. We took it in turns to dive into the pools. Now I hear you ask why Champange pools, well this isn't a snobby affair where we get brought Champange in long slim flutes to sip and watch the sunset oh no it's better I believe. As the tide comes in to fill the pools it has to flow over the walls of the pool and as it cascades down the edges it creates Champange like bubbles hence the wonderful name. Even though the sun was off to bed and the temperature was dropping it felt shettled and warm in the pools, but you know us Brits we are never happy and when our guide mentioned a cave we were bored of our relaxation and wanted to explore. This adventure didn't turn out quite as planned the tide had come in a little further than first thought and unless we battled the sea around the rocks our adventure would have to be cut short. It was fun trying but enough was enough so we returned to the others and went for a brisk walk up Indian Head to watch the sun finally depart. (Little bit of info, Indian Head is called Indian Head after Captain Cook famous words as he sailed by Fraser Island on the way to Sydney.... "hey look at all the Indian coming to say hello on that rock!") Up here was a perfect spot for us to take our tour group photos and to spot sharks that sadly didn't come out to play for us.

Back at camp we set about cooking us up a hugh feast again, no BBQ tonight but the team created an awesome and gorgeous stir fry from I don't know what but it was beautiful. We drank our yummy goon and sat around as a big group doing our end of day "least & most grateful" before chuckling away to travel stories. It wasn't going to be a heavy night goon has that affect on you, but we did wonder down to the beach to marvel at the stars before heading back to camp for a musical bonazar by the fire. A local aboriginal and his friends were staying close by and grabbed their guitars and played some good old travel songs. Merrily we sang along, yes even with my Courtney voice and had a laugh. I had to call it a night earlier than others but it was nice to listen to drift off to sleep by the sound of the guitar and wonderful singing.

Up early again the next day, we packed up all our gear and packed the vans a little sad our trip was coming to an end. However we were off to see the highlight of the trip and the sun had come out to play today so sunbathing could be a possibility at last. We whizzed along the beach trying hard not to hit too many bumps it was harder than it looked especially with some silly boys messing around us. Cutting into the forest one last time to find Lake Mc Kenzie the largest fresh water lake on the island. We arrived with brilliant sunshine and grab our beach towels and toys and ran to the lake we only had 2 hours left and we all wanted to make the most of it. The lake was beautiful, hills surrounded the lake with lush green forest blanketing the sides. The water was a crystel still blue and so inviting so without any encouragement we ran straight in and cooled down. Once the chill set in, it was time to venture out to dry off and work on the Aussie tan especially as the dark clouds were finally present again in the distance. Being true Brits we sensed the rain and decided to call it quits just before the heavens opened up. Luckily we were all back in the cars and were ready to desembark the island. I had one more shot at driving back as it was far to exciting to only have one go. However the journey back was a ottos more difficult than planned the tide had come in further that certain points were impassable without going through the sea. However I must say without being too big headed my driving skills were exceptional, and we passed everywhere sometimes even better than our leader. We pulled up and queued patiently for the boat, took some silly photos and played a little footy before it was time to set sail and say goodbye to Fraser Island.

It was a lovely island full of beautiful scenary and a must for everyone who ventures to Australia's east coast. We only saw the main spots and I'm sure the more secluded parts are spectacular too but we didn't have time on our side but what we did was a definate highlight for Australia and was made better by the exceptational people we meet in our truck.

We still had one more night left as a group and with a little goon left we enjoyed a few glasses around the bonfire in Pippies Hostel. As we
sat there Jo decided it was time to say her final goodbyes to her travelling skirt, her favourite dirt stained ripped skirt that had been her faithful friend from the start of her travels. It was an emotional time and one we both understood and shared with her, we had a speech before the skirt was placed into the burning flames and as it turned to sinders the ash floated away in the breeze to continue the travels. You become attached to strange things when you are travelling I think it is because it's like a part of home you take with you. We finished off the goon and called it a night as we still had three more days of fun before going back to work.

Today we are super excited, still sad to say goodbye but we have made arrangents to meet up with Jo again when she visits Brisbane in a few days but more importantly we are off to another tick on the East Coast route..... Noosa, aka Sunshien Coast. This though is still not why we are so excited it's the people we are meeting..... Catherine and the gang from Melbs Beck, Jing, Ramsey, Kelly and Andy. They had an awesome deal staying in a villa in Noosa for an awesome price so we had decided to tag along and enjoy the weekend of fun.

We arrived in Noosa before the others so we trapsed down with all our gear to the beach for a little relaxation but as soon as we got there we couldn't resist the waves. We dug out our bikinis and went to play in the surf. After a few hours we went a joined the group brought some grociers and most importantly some alcohol (not goon though this time we are upper class now and can afford beer!) so that we could stay secluded in our villa for the whole weekend. The first night we drank and partyed played some games and enjoyed some silly moments down by the beach and sea, enjoying being reunited again.

After a good nights sleep we awoke and spent the day down by the beach, playing in the sea playing a new beach game. I'm not sure of the name but it was fun, you drew a circle, divided it into section depending on how many people were playing. You named your section a country, then you threw a ball into the air while calling a country. The country called had to catch the ball while everyone fled as soon as the ball was caught you stopped. The catcher then threw the ball at another country, if they hit them they could get more teritory but only what they could reach from their section in one single movement of a stick standing up, if they missed the country they tried to hit could claim thier teritory. It was good fun but everyones aiming was terrible, and I lost big style. As the night drew in the beers appeared and we decided to treat ourselves to fish n chips. So we walked along the pitch black beach to the nearest town and devoured a feast of fish, dim sims and chips it was deliscious.

This is how we spent the rest of the time together playing on the beach and drinking in the evening until it was time to end. We packed up our stuff and said our goodbyes but we had made a pack we wouldn't say goodbye for long as we were going to go to Mardi Gras in Sydney together. So it was TTFN till then, we set off on our cheap travel back to Brissy trying to catch only local transport back. This was a big mistake as it took forever but we were happy we had a lovely time in Fraser and an awesome time with Cat and her friends we were smiling all the way back who cared if we had work for 11 hours the next day.