Hey Hey!!

I've had a brilliant time this last week or so! It's been crazy. I left Byron a little disappointed because of the weather as there's not much else to do there except chill on the beach in the sun. so i didn't make it to the lighthouse because of the rain which was annoying.

But i went up to Brisbane to stay for two nights. My room wasn't ready when i got there so i just wandered around the city for a few hours.... it's actually really nice even thought i haven't heard many good things about it! As it's a little bit in land it's got no beach but theres some man made lagoon on the river which was pretty cool.

The next day i went to Australia Zoo (i find it pretty weird that i don't think i've been to the zoo at home for about 15 years but i've now been to two in 3 weeks ... ) But anyway! The zoo was massive! I met a girl on the bus who was really cool so we spent the day together. It rained though so we bought those massive ponchos which was obviously very attractive. We saw a crocodile show presented by the Irwin family minus steve (apparently Bindi is a national treasure here) and we actually saw them feed a dead pig to the crocodile. it was probably the most disgusting thing i've ever seen when the crocodile had the pigs head in his mouth and thrashed around until the rest of its body broke off its head... went flying and it was left with just the head in its mouth. it then swallowed it whole. . a bit of pig gut also flew into the audience and a guy then threw it back. how disgusting..

The rest of the day we just wandered around and it was a pretty standard zoo... plus we got to feed kangaroos and play (kind of) with koalas. ALTHOUGH! i missed having my photo taken with the koala... i was DEVESTATED. so i'm now determined to find somewhere else i can hold one!

My last night in brisbane was loads of fun. i just went out with the girls in my dorm and invited the girl from the zoo along. But then i had to say goodbye the next day :(

Next i headed north to Rainbow beach ready for my three day camping trip Fraser island... the biggest sand island in the world! It was absolutely crazy. i was expecting a bit of a camping site at least... maybe with toilets or picnic benches or bbqs or something.. but it was basically the middle of nowhere on a beach. which made it even better!

We spent the days exploring the island, swimming in natural lakes, climbing sand dunes, drinking goon, cooking on a gas stove, taking it in turns to drive 4x4 jeeps around the beaches, avoiding being attacked by wild dingos which were sniffnig around camp, sleeping on the hard floor, climbing up hills and generally having a great time. The weather on the second day was a little rubbish but luckily it blew over and we got lots of sun in the end. It was a bit of a challenge... but one which was pretty easy to rise to because everyone was in the same situation! My group were really really cool so i feel like ive made some great friends.. although of course, i've had to say goodbye again.

I think that's been the biggest difference in terms or travelling Thailand and Australia. in Thailand i wasn't really on a particular schedule to i could stay in places as long as i wanted if i met some cool people. Although here, with the bus timetables and the need to book everything in advance, along with me leaving myself short of time so being on a tight schedule, you never really stay with the same people for a long period of time which is a shame.

My overall impression of Australia is that theres loads to do... but only if theres good weather. I've loved it here because i've been so busy although its pretty knackering as i don't think ive slept past half 8 in the 2 and a half weeks i've been here! It is pretty much england.. but with a different accent, more sun, nice beaches and more things to do. which makes it feel like a long holiday rather than travelling. although i can't complain about the fun i've had as it's been amazing.

I'm nearly at Airlie beach. I'm currently sitting at a transit station in the middle of nowhere waiting for my connecting overnight bus up there. When i get there i'll be going on the Whitsundays sailing trip for two nights which i've heard is amazing! (weather permitting of course). So fingers crossed. I'll keep you updated.

Sorry for the ramble! I had loads of catch up on.

Much love xxxx