a few more from australia

I was just flicking through all my Australia photos (which I can't believe was nearly 6 months ago!!!) and was wishing for warm weather and sand at my feet, when I realised I haven’t shared my pictures from our weekend boat trip around the Whitsundays.

We spent the first afternoon and evening heading into the heart of the Whitsundays and getting to know our boat family over a few glasses of wine and barbequed fish, before bedding down for the night on the deck. We where awoken at 6.30am to the sounds of gentle music, to be greeted with the most spectacular sunrise over the ocean. We then proceeded with a morning swim to shore and landed on the gorgeous Whitehaven beach, for more fun in the sun. After lunch we snorkelled in the Great Barrier reef (I spotted a lone turtle) and partied the night away on deck, to then repeat the next day before heading back to shore. It was by far the most chilled out and furthest away from reality I have ever felt, and it’s a weekend I won’t forget in a hurry.






a morning dip



This was taken at 7.30am after the mornings swim to shore




The beautiful sunset in the Whitsundays

ozzie travels

ahhh, Brisbane. It was a pleasure to come across your beautiful city, full with cosmopolitan charm and sophistication. We only spent 2 whole days here, but finally the sun shone, and it was actually warm on the skin. A feeling I hadn't felt in a long time. We took Brisbane in our stride, and enjoyed the scenery of the south bank, and the botanical gardens whilst lapping up the sun and getting stuck in to a good old book (or kindle in my case)

I loved Brisbane, and if I had to pick a place to live in Oz, I would have to pick here.

p.s not many pictures where taken, due to unforseen circumstances (cough cough* sunbathing)


(other posts - Sydney, Fraser Island, Byron Bay)

I just had to share

I was just looking through my Australia photos AGAIN, and giggled to myself and felt I had to share the AMAZING concept they have down under. Wait for it...Drive thru alcohol shops. Yes. DRIVE THRU booze shops. Yes, I hear you thinking over there, it is exactly like McDonalds, except they bring you booze, yes, sweet sweet booze, straight to your car, and you don't have to move!!! It is definitely up there with the worlds best inventions (oh yes including McDonalds it's self) This needs to come to the UK, but can you imagine the controversy and uproar....best just get of my butt and walk into the shops then. Pah. 

oh, and this made my day

even though I just happen to be a teensy, little bit of a fan. Not a major one, I just happen to own his albums, DVD, and may of, just once, seen him in concert (ahhhhh, my secrets out)

fraser island

So back to our adventures down under I give you Fraser Island. The largest sand Island in the world located just off the east coast of Australia. 75 miles long, with over 100 fresh water lakes, crystal clear creeks and stunning rainforest, we were in for a treat.

We joined a group of backpackers for a 3 day, 2 night tag-along tour of the island. I could barely contain my excitement as the only way around the island is by 4x4. It was so much fun. As usual the weather was not on our side at all for the whole trip, which definitley ruined the picture esc views, and definatley didn't help with getting my tan going, but the trip was so amazing, it didn't matter at all.

We cruised along the sand, stopped by lakes, walked through the rainforest, and saw some incredible sites. We camped by night and ate mountains of bbq food for dinner. It was time to get at one with nature, using a shovel for the toilet and washing in the fresh lakes, it was fun to get away from the real world and take on an adventure.

byron bay

After our incredible stay in Sydney we hopped on a plane to our next destination. We travelled 760 km north, up the coast to the small town of Byron Bay.  A backpackers haven, it was definitely a location highlight for us. A small, hippy town located on the beach it was miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The laid back vibe, no shoes, and cute little shops, I was sold.

We where there for only 2 full days, and started day one off early checking out the local market before heading down to the beach to catch some rays. Unfortunately for us the heavens opened on us mid afternoon, and didn’t stop for the whole time we where there. Day 2 we couldn’t even go outside as it was torrential.

We also couldn't help in taking some cheesey photo's. Well we couldn't sunbathe??

Sydney: day 5

So our last day in Sydney was upon us. There was only one more thing to do, head to the world's famous Bondi Beach. We jumped on the bus and took the 20 minute ride to the outskirts of the city. The winter sun was shining and we thought we were in for a full day on the beach. We pitched our spot and couldn't believe there was no one on the beach. All we could spot where joggers and couples in jackets taking a winter stroll, where as we were in our summer finest attempting to catch a tan. We soon gave up though, as unfortunately the wind was just to cold, so we packed up and headed back into the city.

Who need's David Hasselhoff?

We found a perfect spot on the edge of the Botanical gardens overlooking the harbour, and spent the last light of the day chilling out, reading and taking in the last breaths of Sydney air.

I was sad our first section was over, but was so excited to get out of the city and into proper Australia.

Sydney: day 4, escaping the city

we decided to leave the city for the day and escape to the beautiful Blue Mountains. About an hour and a half away we travelled by coach into the heart of the mountains. We passed small villages and Australian countryside before we reached our destination. I think you will agree it was breathtaking. It was a gorgeous clear day and we could see right down into the valley, and saw the famous 'three sisters' rock {if you ever see an Australia Tourism advert, this is the view they show}

after spending only an hour starting at the view we where back in the coach for another 2 hour drive inland to our next destination. The Jenolan caves. I was recommended to go there, and I am glad we did. We were taken on a tour of the grand caves, where we saw the stunning formations, and learnt some amazing facts, which I can't for life of me relay to you as my brain is like a sieve. It was pretty special, but 2 hours is a bit long for my liking to be looking at the practically the same thing, but if you happen to be in the area, it's worth a look.

Australia: a video

To mix it up a bit I thought I would share the video I have been working on, to capture our trip in Australia. It was fun to shoot and make and although I definitley need to invest in a better quality camcorder, I am so glad I took videos as well as the millions of photos. So let me know what you think...?

p.s the music is Delta Goodrem- standing on top of the world. It would be our holiday song, as it was played a lot out there. And, well I really love it.

Sydney day 3

after getting a better night's sleep we looked out the window to find rain. Yes rain. In Australia you say? You are correct. Apparently it has been their worst summer in 50 years and heading to be their worst winter also. Aren't we the lucky ones? After putting on my only pair of trousers (hello naive Brit) and flip flops we headed out into the rain.
It turns out the rain also sucks in Australia, and leaves you wet and miserable. We had planned to head to Bondi beach, but instead found ourselves wandering aimlessly round the city.
We pondered about going to the Aquarium or the IMAX (the world's largest, must you know) but we didn't really want to part with our money over something that didn't interest us. So we stuck it out and got wet.

We stumbled across a huge indoor market selling everything from fruit and veg to boomerangs and fake Uggs. It was a huge pile of tat, but I loved the hustle and bustle of everything. I even managed a knock down deal on a few I phone cases (I promise they really are designer)

The afternoon soon went quickly, as we strolled through China town and chatted away about the weather (classic Brits) We then got to spend the rest of the afternoon catching up with my good friend Jack, who is now living in Sydney.
We caught up on all the gossip his end, and the not so interesting gossip our end. Cider after cider we drank. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.