Melbourne to Airlie Beach

Arriving to Melbourne was a little disappointing at first. The weather was so cold and windy, but it soon brightened up. The weather in Christchurch, New Zealand was better, and our first thoughts were 'take us back'. We stayed with Gemma's friend James. It was so nice to be out of the dorms for a while. It was great to be able to chill out. We were both able to have a long, hot bath, both of us had really wanted to have a bath in new Zealand, but there were none available so it was a real treat.

I really liked Melbourne. It is a huge city. The buildings are so wonderful, a real mix of modern and Victorian. Very detailed both inside and out. I went in to a Victorian building, that I think was for lawyers and it was amazing. Everywhere I looked there was detailed tiles, plush chandeliers, beautiful mouldings of cherubs, and a glass central dome with stained glass. It was great to be in a city, I really liked the hustle and bustle. The city is full of art work. I really liked the trams too. I felt a little exposed waiting for them as you wait in the middle of the road.

There is a river that runs at the bottom of Melbourne which really reminded me of the South Bank in London. I had a look around the casino in all its glitz and glamour. There was someone that had been on the pokies all day and had to have first aid attention. The sun was out shining this day, so walking by the river was wonderful. There are lots of bridges that cross this river with lots of decoration on. It's a vibrant city with a lot going on.

The food here is great too. Real mix of Turkish, Asian and Australian styles. I have really enjoyed being able to eat falafal and hummus again.

I have had a lot of fun in Adelaide too with Pete, Rachael and the kids. The first day I arrived I went to kindy with the kids then in the afternoon we went down to Brighton and Glenelg Beaches. Had fun with the kids there chasing the waves and to my delight we saw two dolphins in the marina jumping around and playing. Apparently its not normal to see dolphins here, so this was a real treat for me.


The next day went to see kangaroos and koalas at the animal sanctuary, which was fun. Managed to stroke a koala. he was really cute. Then the kids and I managed to scare him whilst rustling a packet of crisps. We were told to leave.

The kangaroos were very friendly and many of them were carrying joeys. They were all really cute. Later on we went to Mount Lofty, where the views were not at their best as the weather was not great, but it was still great to see the vastness of Adelaide and really to get an idea of how big Australia is. Adelaide also has a wonderful aroma of eucalyptus and the earth is very red.


We went on a boat cruise down the river and have just had fun chilling out in the city of Adelaide the next day. We nearly got attacked by two black swans. They came up to us, I had one either side of me and they made me jump. I ran off then frightened the children too. It was really quite funny. I do not think they were really going to attack us, but they really frightened me. They were just after our food.

I spent a day with Lisa too, Aussie friend from London. It was great catching up with her, going out for Thai food and experiencing a Cold Rock Ice Cream, which I have had a few of since. You choose what ice creams you would like and any extras and they mix it all together. Yummy. We also had a bit of a girly shop looking at clothes, jewellery and make up.

My last day in Adelaide was very chilled. We had a look around the Botanical Gardens and played hide and seek. Then I had to catch my flight up to Cairns later on that day, which ended up being quite an emotional goodbye. Definitely had a great time hanging out with the Knights and am missing them all!

When I arrived in Cairns it took me a while to get used to the head and humidity and the noise. The heat struck me as soon as I stepped of the plane. It only took me a few hours to get used to it. Went out and brought a little summer dress and ditched most of my cold weather clothes. The birds and the toads make so much noise.

I spent a couple of days in Cairns before arranging to do anything. Went swimming in the pool and the lagoon most of the time I was there and booked a trip to Daintree Forest. Everywhere there are warnings about crocodiles and this really troubled me. Always being reminded about the crocs. They are in the entire water systems there- the ocean, the rivers, the creeks, anywhere there is water they are there. Fortunately in Cairns you can not swim on the beach as its mud flats really. Full of funny little creatures like mud crabs, and lots of birds there waiting to eat them- pelicans and I think oyster catchers- birds with very long, thin beaks, fairly elegant birds.

Left Cairns and headed up to Daintree. We past sugar cane farms, wonderful forests and beaches. The rain forests are truly amazing. The leaves are gigantic, most of them bigger and wider than me. Beautiful flowers, interesting root systems, plants growing out of the trunks of the trees. We had a look at the beaches, the rain forest meets the ocean and some of the trees can grow in the salt water.

I made a stop on the way back from the trip at Port Douglas. I arrived quite late so did not do much that evening, plus I had to get up early the next morning. I was heading out to the Great Barrier Reef, just to snorkel. It was a really great trip. I was really scared about swimming in the ocean and it took me a while to throw myself in, although I kept my life jacket on. Looking down into the ocean was amazing. It took me a while to really understand what I was seeing. I have never seen coral like this before. The shapes and creatures are weird and wonderful. The colours, shapes, movements are spectacular. We had three stops and got to see many different formations. At the end of this trip I was so chilled. I think I was exhausted really. Had a glass of wine, then ended up playing poker and came 5th out of 14 people. I do not really know how to play poker, so felt quite pleased with myself. Would have liked to win the big money of $50, but it was fun watching everyone play.

I left Port Douglas and headed down to Airlie Beach, which is where I am now. Will be leaving for Rainbow Beach later on tonight.

Did a small trip around the Whitsundays, though the weather was pretty poor, but still the sands and beaches were still amazing. Went out to the Great Barrier Reef again. The coral here was very different from that at Port Douglas and some of the fish were a lot bigger. I treated myself to a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef, which I am so pleased I did. It is so vast. I also got to see Whitehaven Beach in its true glory.

Yesterday I was out kayaking, which was fun. Got to see a few turtles popping their heads up for air. I was paired with this French guy Samuel. All he wanted to do was get in the water. He kept rocking the boat and crashing it, then splashing me with water. So I obviously did the same back. It was a fun day.

Today I am going to write some postcards and hop on the Greyhound. Nothing too exciting. The sun is out and its really beautiful. Maybe I will go for a walk somewhere. Who knows, but I will let you all know what I get up to......