I can’t believe it’s been two years since arriving in Auckland. I remember the day like it was yesterday. Still, time flies, and it’s now time for us to fly to Brisbane to start the first leg of our Australia/Asia extravaganza, 7 weeks, 11 flights and 4 different countries. So a glass of bubbles to celebrate a fantastic 2 years and onto the plane for a hot and uncomfortable flight over the ditch.
Brisbane isn’t kind to us on arrival as it is raining. Warm, but wet. Seemed like a nice lively city, but would be much nicer when the sun is out. After 2 nights in Brizvegas, its time to move on up the coast as time is ticking and we have 1600km to do in just under two weeks, in a little Hyundai Getz – why do we always end up getting white rental cars!!!
After catching some waves and rays in the chic seaside resort of Noosa (like something straight out of Miami) we drive on up to Rainbow beach and watch DVD’s about the dangers of driving 4WDs, enough to put you off actually going to Fraser Island. But we persisted and had an amazing two days driving on beaches, 4wd tracks, swimming in lakes and creeks and climbing sand dunes. No dingo’s though.
Once the 4WD is safely back on the mainland after 2 days on Fraser, it was time to get some km’s under our belt. So 400km up to Rockhampton, arriving late and weary, but with a “nice” double room (or prison cell) to check into. Now I don’t know alot about Rockhampton, and an early morning run round the town proved that I don’t need to know alot about it. Apparently though it is the best steaks in AUS so we were certain to try that out. We did decide to stay in Rockhampton for a day, but rather than see the city, we made an early morning decision to drive to the coast, and take a ferry to Great Keppel Island. It turned out to be an absolute jewel of a place. We hiked 30 minutes and spent the day on a gorgeous golden beach and had the place to ourselves. Some great snorkelling too as it is on the edge of the great barrier reef. On the ferry back, a humpback whale and its baby then swam right passed the edge of the boat to say hello, quite an unforgettable moment and a brilliant way to end the day. And the steak was good too. So Rockhampton does have its benefits!
Another early start on day 5 and 6 hours later we arrive in Airlie Beach just before lunch, again to more sunshine and soaring temperatures. We have treated ourselves to a nice hotel room for the night before we jump on board a posh catamaran for 2 days cruising round the islands. Can’t wait.
Love to all and can’t wait for week 2 which sees us continue up to Cairns before flying over to the West Coast.
Gem and Angus
