Australia Trip!!

Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay!

cassie27 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:55:00 GMT

I'm finally here!!! The only stop and place I planned for the whole trip! Byron Bay... What more can I say! It's amazing and I love every aspect of it.

From the second we drove in I new I loved it here. Such a great and unusual vibe! After been here for a few hours we had looked around in some shops and I was getting a hair wrap put in my dreads and I got talking to a local guy and in general chit chat I said I was traveling and looking for work here. By pure chance he worked at a macadamia farm and said it we would like he could get us work there for 6 weeks. I couldn't believe it! Exactly what I was looking for. Temp farm work and for a short period of time!

Ive been in Byron for almost a week now and i think the more time I spend here the more I grow to love it. so many peowould aid I would get to Byron and not go any further, and I can now see why! I've pretty much spent the week living the life! Days consist of laying down the beach, sun baking or reading. Meeting loads of new people every day, surfing when the waves are good and drinking and going out most nights. Its crazy, every night feels like a Saturday! Can't say I've ever gone out on a Sunday or a Monday night, but I have in Byron!

Most nights I've been spending in the van. Rather than spending money to stay in a hostel. Since the weather has been nice here and never really gets cold it's perfect or a cold shower on the beach in the mornings! Through the week we decided to do a trip to Nimbin! And wow.. What can I say! It's un like any other place I've been. If you have been there you no what I'm talking about. And if you haven't, I suggest you do. After stocking up on some yummy cookies a local gave us we were on our way back. Half way back we stopped at a beautiful waterfall and spent the afternoon there. Swimming and jumping for the top of it.

At this stage I'm still waiting to start work, as the nuts are not ready yet. But to be honest. I don't mind waiting around, as it means I get to spend longer here! :) So until the I shall keep living the life..

Peace!

Sydney to Coffs Habour.

cassie27 — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:35:00 GMT

Hello hello hello...

Well once agin it has been a while since I updated. Seems silly that I can't seem to find time to update this when I'm not working full time or anything but it feels like I'm always busy! Anyway, last time I updated I was in Canberra night the night. After spending a night in Canberra I decided to head to Sydney as I found Canberra abit boring with not much going on, and the backpackers was quite expensive. After a short drive to Sydney I decided to look for a backpackers for the weekend and soon realised it was the weekend of the Mardi gras, and there was no accomadition left in Sydney what's so ever! lucky I've got a van to stay in I guess...

I spent a few days/nights in the van not doing much for the first few days as it was very rainy, which makes it hard to look around or do anything. But decided as the Mardi gras was on, I should go and check it out! So spent Saturday night at that, and loved every minute of it! Such an experience, and I'll deff go back and do it again! I spent most of the rainy days applying for temp jobs in Sydney, just to get abit of cash back as all I'm doing is spending at the moment. Once

Monday come around I was able to book into a backpackers. And what the best decision that was! I spent around a week there, and honestly didn't want to leave. Great facility's, awesome staff, and everyone was like a big family. The week consisted off cooking different foods from different caulters for everyone to try. heading out with about 30 people to a pub on the weekend. heading to the beach together and just having an awesome time with everyone involved! I can honesty say some of the people I met that week ill be friends with for life! Couldn't be happier...

The weekend just been I also picked up a cash in hand job doing some modelling for a photo shoot. Getting paid while having fun and will get the photos back also! Winning! Through out the week I also found a surf shop in bondi which was closing down and had half price boards, so I brought a board! I figured the price I was paying to hire them out, plus the hassle of it, it would soon pay its self off. Not to mention that I can get a lot more practice now!

So after spending almost 2 weeks in Sydney and not finding much work I decided it was time to move on towards the east coast! A couple of nights before heading off I got speaking to a dutch girl named gritta at the backpackers. And we worked out we were both heading the same way and worth looking for work. So I offered if she would like to come travel with me in the van, and hopefully find some work along the way. So we left Sydney together and headed to port Macquarie for the night. Where we met a beautiful count couple who where also traveling in a van. We spent the night parked down on the beach together, having drinks and twirling fire. What a great un planed night! In the morning we all planed to rise early and go for a surf, but it was dead flat. So instead, I took a yoga session on the beach, and cooked everyone some yummy oats with golden syrup and bananas!

After that myself and gritta come up the coast some more to Coffs Habour where we went to a little Dutch place, and the big banana. And of corse got a banana shake and creaps! We decided to head just out of coffs for the night, and found a beautiful look out where we have parked for the night. Fair to say the sunrise in the morning will be amazing! Heading to Byron bay in the moring and couldn't be more excited!! Also loving having someone new to travel with. Gritta is amazing, and we get along so well.. Always smiles and laughs!

I think now, after being on the road for 7 weeks I'm staring to really feel like a backpacker and fit in and love the life style. I've never felt so alive, but at the same time, relaxed and content with everything. Excited to see where the next few months take me!

Missing everyone xoxox

Vic coast to Canberra!

cassie27 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:19:00 GMT

Hello hello hello :)

So it has been awhile since I updated, I've been slack! So I apologise now for how long this may be. Although if your reading this then I guess your either interested or stalking me so either way you will keep reading :)

last time I updated myself and Emma where in Lorne and about to head back to torquay for the night. I think out of all the places pave been to so far, torquay would be my favourite! And it's so close to swan hill, bonus! We spent the day having drinks with some of the best company ever! Emma got drunk, this is a first! Well not for her as I assume she has been drunk before, but the first time we have ever drunk together and first time I've seen her drunk, was quite funny.

After an early morning start we headed back towards melbourne. Stopping off to see a friend nick on the way. We arrived to a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs! Very spoiled... And after a quick haircut we where on our way. We spent the night at Emma's sisters place, where i did another haircut. The next morning we woke and got ready for a beach party. Usually ild be all pumped up for a party but it was Emmas last day with me!! The past month had gone so freaking fast, and we have had so much fun together, seeing amazing things... I didn't want her to go! But at the same time, she had things she had to do.. And I new it was my time to grow as a person and move on into my adventure on my own.

After having an amazing time at the beach party catching up with friends and meeting new ones, I stayed the night at sal lees place, a friend of mine. The next morning being a Sunday we had a pretty relaxing day. i did a cut and colour in exchange for some needling, mainly for my ankle in which was still very sore and swollen for rolling it in Lorne. Then we headed down the road abit and got some late lunch. After we got back I decided to head back to Torquay for the night. Why you might wonder? Seems like I'm backs tracking... Well maybe I am. But who knows.. Well actually I no why I went back there. But I shall let you keep wondering. :)

The next day I come back to melbourne where I spent the day parked by the beach in port Melbourne. Applying for some temp jobs in Sydney and reading fifty shades of grey, which has now taken over my life. That night I stayed with another beautiful friend, frenchie! We spent the night chatting and had the most wonderful home cooked meal. After a great nights sleep I left frenchies around mid day. Then I went to catch up with my mum, Justin and little sister! Just by pure chance they flew back into melboune the dame day. And although it has only been a month since I left it was great to see them all again. It will break up the time between leaving and when they will fly to see me for my birthday in June. I took them to dumpling house in china town, again! I just love it there, and so did they!

After saying goodbye to everyone again I drove to kourumba for the night, staing with a good friend Jodie. So good to see her and her beautiful little girl again! Then next day Jodie did some waxing and tinting for me and then I was on my way to canberra! A massive 7-8 drive for where I was. I no what your probably thinking... I've got all the time in the world at the moment, why would I drive for such a big distance. Well.. been in Victoria and around melbourne I still felt like I was around places i new and I just had the erge to get away, and be out of my comphet zone abit. After the massive drive, I got to Canberra around 8. So I parked the van for the night and crashed out!

Ive spent the day in Canberra having a look around the best I could in the rain, and booked into a nice backpackers for the night. Got a 4 bed dorm with two older lady's and a young girl Round my age. I'm waiting for the day I'm sleeping next a real wack job, I no it's coming. There's always interesting people at backpackers I find, everyone's got a storey! :)

well that's me up to date. I hope everyone's well...

Shall update again soon.

Missing everyone but loving my adventure! Xox

Victorian coast

cassie27 — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:46:00 GMT

On my last post we were spending our last night in Tasmania. Our trip of the spirt of Tasmania way the way back was just as good a on the way there, not rough or any sea sickness at all. After arriving early morning in melbourne we had some breakfast on the beach, then killed some time in st Kilda doing some shopping for the morning. We then headed to china town, where we went to a little hidden gem called dumpling house! The absolute best food, and redicilously cheap!

We then come down the coast a little to Geelong where we spent that day looking around and went out to a nice pub for dinner. We thought we would so something nice since it was valentines and all. We spent the night in the van parked up on a hill looking out over the ocean, with a beautiful sunset and sunrise. The next morning we found a gym in Geelong and smashed out a work out. We then showerd and headed down to ocean grove. Once there we spent the day sun baking on the beach and swimming. That night, since it was a Friday we decided to head out and see what was happening. We went to the barwon heads pub and had a few drinks, a pretty quiet night but met some good people.

The next morning we woke on ocean grove and it was nice and hot, so we showerd on the beach then come down the coast a tiny bit more to Torquay. After having a look around we new we would love it here, such a relaxed and beautiful place, and lots going on. That night being a saturdheaded got ready and headed out to the local pub. And what an awesome, eventful, random night it was!! Met some locals and ended up back at a house party until the early hours of Sunday morning. After a big weekend we spent the next few days in Torquay chilling out and relaxing. On Monday we had our first surfing lesson. Couldn't have picked a better day for it to. 35 and sunny.. And perfect waves for us to learn on. We where very lucky the there was only myself, Emma and one other guy. We all picked it up very easy and spent the day catching some waves and also getting smashed by the ones we didn't get!

After spending another night in Torquay we decided to move on down other coast to Lorne. Another nice coastal town but with the weatthings king abit of a turn its abit chilly to be relaxing on the beach. We had plans to hire a board and wet suit for today and get back into the surf. But after waking up this morning and doing yoga we went for walk. Following a track that took us through some pretty rough bush, steep ups and downs, over rocks and branches. It was a good work out, until I lost my footing and did my ankle. Worst part of it, we had to walk all the way back to the van. Fair to day I haven't been in this much pain for a very long time. So that was our day of surfing out the window as I can handly walk.

We have booked into a caravan park not far out of Lorne for the night. It's absultly stunning! Surounded by mountains and a river, the beach across the road. We plan to head back to Torquay tomorrow, then back to Melbourne Friday.

Missing my family and friends and funny enough work! Feels like I've been gone months now, not weeks. I feel like I've seen so much and met so many people already. But thats all for now. shall update again soon. Xox

Much love... Xox

Last part of Tasmania :)

cassie27 — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:32:00 GMT

After spending the next to the beach we woke up did some yoga, a walk and even better there was a gym in the park that was free. Which in hine site was a bad move. Working mussels I never had before made me stiff for the next few days. After the morning work out we drove down to port authur. A really nice drive but we had to pass through dunally which was recently abit by the bush fires. It was absultly devastating! Driving in all the trees where dead and burnt out, and once in town whole houses gone, nothing but fire places left standing. But on the more positive side, some houses and shops where speared witch allowed the town to keep functioning. We stopped and got fuel as well food some food, doing a little bit to put money back into the town. Once in port arthur we booked into a caravan site and then headethrown to the historic site.

Once there we went on a general tour, which went for 40mins and included a boat ride around also. The site was amazing, beautiful to look at and of corse alot of history. But at the same time, it was very sad, and had an uneasy feeling to it because of all the tradety and horrible things that happen there. The tour as great and gave us a good insite to what use to happen there. Later that night we went back for the ghost tour. We had heard great things sand lots of storeys. But, on our tour all we got was storeys. No freaking stuff..

After quite a late night on the tour we had an early morning because we had to get pack to Hobart for the Salamanca markets. About an hour and half drive back. We spent the morning/afternoon at the markets and picked up a few nice things, and had great food! That night, being a Saturday night we decided to head out in Hobart. We started out at a smaller club then headed to a more popular one called the o bar. Abit different to good old barrells, but a great night. Was good to meet some new people and have a dance. In the end, it turned out to be quite an eventful and random night. I shall let the mind wonder to what happen... Bit I dare say the mind will never wonder far enough!!

Sunday was a pretty relaxing day after hour night out. Headed up the east coast a little and stopped the night in swansea. Spoiled ourselfs with a massive pub meal as we where to tired and bugged to cook. An early night to catch up on some sleep.

The next day we come up the east coast a little more stopping on Coles bay then coming to stop the night in bicheno. A beautiful little surf town with quite a lot to see and do. That night we parked down by the beach and as it went on dark, the penguins came up out of the water and right past the van! Had a nice nights sleep with the sound of penguins in the back ground.

Today, we came up the coast a little more to a town called st helens. We have spent the day relaxing and looking around. Booked into a powerd site at a caravan park. Everyone here is really nice and have spent the afternoon and night talking and meeting people doing the same thing. After tonight, we have one day left in Tasmania. Will be abit sad to say goodbye, it's so beautiful.. But so much more of Australia to see!

Thats all for now... Peeeeaaaccceeee ooouuuttttt :)

Tasmania part 3

cassie27 — Thu, 7 Feb 2013 21:07:00 GMT

After waking up in the small town of Dover we did some morning yoga on the beach followed by a walk along the waters edge! Feeling fresh and ready to go we headed not far down the road to the Hastings caves where we did a cave tour. It went for about 40mins and was an experience! Even though there had been tracks made to walk, there was still a few tight squeezes and still had a weird feeling of been unsafe with big drops down and been underground. Not to mention it was freezing in there. We then went to the thermal pool witch was included in the cave tour. The pool sounded fantastic in the booklet and said its always at least 28' hot. Well... Not much more to say than what I let down!!! It was fucking cold.... And on a cold day, not cool!

We then moved on to the road a little more to the thune air walk. A walk the Forrest tree tops witch was really good, a tad scary if you looked down though, so my eyes stayed looking forward. In the same place there was a few walking tracks you could do, so we chose to do the hour one, witch crossed two rickidy bridges over the river, again a tad scary. We smashed it in 30mins and along the way come acrosthat snake. So was a very interesting day!!

We then come down the coast to Kingston and parked the van along side the beach. We cooked up some steak and veggies and then watched the sun set. After waking up in the morning we did some yoga on the beach, then a small walk. Cooked some oats with banana Sydney golden syrp for breakfast. Fair to say for backpackers, we eat well! But are budgeting at the same time! :)

We then drove up the coast abit to catch the ferry to Bruny island. A short ride over, but we seen some dolphins and seals. Once there we had a few beaches to choose from and decided to go to the closet one. Once again it was hard driving, hills, tight corners and on dirt roads. Once we found the beach, it was beath taking!! The whitest sand, clear blue water, and not one person in site. After laying down our towels, another camper van pulled up. A middle age man got out and come over... And didn't leave. He decided he would get a beer and sit with us. Omg.... We couldn't belive it. The whole beach.. And he sits with us. So we made and excuse and got back in the van and left. We then drove to the next beach, about 40mins away. Witch was just as nice!!! We spent the day sun baking and doing absolutely nothing, was perfect!

We then come back to the main land and booked in the caravan park we had stayed in a few nights before. The next morning we got up and went to a beach in Hobart for the morning and lunch. We then went to the cinemas and watched a movie. A relaxing day doing not much. We're now parked for the night, witch the beach on one side and a park on the other.

Thats all for now. Peaceeeeeee :)

Tasmania part 2

cassie27 — Mon, 4 Feb 2013 20:45:00 GMT

After an early morning rise in the backpackers in laurnceston we went to the park across the road and did some yoga, such a beautiful setting and awsom. Way to start the day. After that we headed to cataract gorge where we did a short walk through the rainforest then went on the chair lift witch went right over the gorge and wow.. the view was breath taking! We then did a short drive to lilydale where went on a short talk through the forest to find two waterfalls.

After having lunch at the waterfalls we drove towards mountain witch was about a 3 hour drive. After 2 hours we arrived at the last town before cradle mountain, witch we decided to stay there for the night at a powerd site. We had an amazing view of the mountains, sunset and sunrise was beautiful.

The next morning we drove to cradle mountain and the drive there was so hard!! Steep hills, up and down, with tight corners.. Was very challenging to say the least. Once there we booked into the caravan park, as theres no public camping once in the national park. Only non powerd sites left.. So we new we were in for a cold night! We then caught the shuttle bus up to the walking paths and decided on doing a 2 hour hike around dove lake.

The hike was amazing! Despite the cold weather and rain it was well worth it. Part of the track had a track to walk on, but other parts was just rocks and forest witch made for a challenge. the hike was 6k in total.. And by the end of it I was bugged, a great work out, with amazing views! Would defintly recommend it for everyone! That night we cooked tea early to beat the rush in the kitchen and after a hot shower got into bed before dark because it was freezing! When I say freezing I mean I had a long sleeved tshirt on, a hoodie, and flany, two pair of leggings, gloves and socks to sleep in!

The next morning we did a few more short walks on the mountain before heading back down and doing a big drive to hobart. A once again, amazing views everywhere! In Hobart we booked into a nice caravan park on the out skirts for the night. After sleeping the night we treated ourselfs with some pancakes, with blueberrys on top, witch we were given by a nice lady the day before.

On that topic... The fresh fruit and veg here is so yummy and everywhere on the sides of the road, and for cheap!! Don't think I've ever ate so much fruit in my life! We then spent the day in Hobart checking out the city, and did some shopping. In the arvo we went to the cadbury chocolate factory. The chocolate was so cheap... So hard to resit buying a redicolous amount!

We then come down the coast a little, where we have stopped for the night in a small coastal town. Parked the van along side the water with the mountains the front of us. Went for a walk around the town as the sun was setting, not much here but a relaxed feel and beautiful view to wake to in the morning.

Thats it for now. Goodnight... Xox

Tasmania.

cassie27 — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:07:00 GMT

After spending a night in ballarat after rainbow myself and Emma made our way to Melbourne for the night where we slept in the van outside her sisters house. We then had a day to kill in Melbourne before we docked on the spirt of Tasmania at 730 that night. We spent the day in st Kilda catching up with a friend for a drink and also getting some pircings done.

That night we docked and got the van on the boat. The travel sickness tablets we took half and hour before leaving made us both quiet drowsy so after a quick bite to eat for dinner on the boat we headed to our cabin for showers and bed. The trip over was great, had a little bit of movement but still had a great sleep. After an early rise we got of the boat in Tasmania at 630am.

We headed to a local place in devonport for a buffet a breakfast. After that we headed up the coast to burnie, stopping in at penguin on the way. What a beautiful little coastal town. Here we got s photo with the penguin.. And on a little further down the road a photo with the big cherie. After spending some time in burnie we come back down to laurnceston for the night. Where we have booked into the backpackers for the night. So far a 5 bed dorm all to ourselfs! Did some budget grocery shopping and will be cooking dinner and lunch for tomorrow very soon!

So far loving every bit of Tasmania. Beautiful and green everywhere, with a country feel everywhere you go. Unsure about the people though. I had been told they where a little backwards... I think I'm starting to undear stand what that means now.

Thats all for now. Peace love and music! :)

I'm on the road.. It's official.

cassie27 — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:52:00 GMT

It's official... Im on the road! And boy oh boy.. What an epic start to the trip! Rainbow serpent festival 2013.

The last 5 days feel like it has been an emontal roller coster. Thursday night dinner and drinks to say goodbye to everyone I was sad but excited at the same time. Friday morning saying goodbye to mum and driving out of swan hill for the last time was a daunting feeling that lid never felt before. Friday afternoon myself and Emma arrived at rainbow... What a vibe!!! Amazing people and good vibes everywhere. 4 days of no shoes, dancing, sun, wind, good people and just chilling out we have made it not far down the road to Ballarat where we are going to spend the night.

After a quick clean out of the van, washing our cloths at a laundry mat we are looking for somewhere to shower. Fair to say after 4 days out in the bush, with no showers, with the sun belting down on us, epic sunburn, cut up and dirty feet its fair to say we need showers ASAP!!

Heading to Melbourne tomorrow. Until then.. Peace out xox

Less than a month to go!!

cassie27 — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 19:08:00 GMT

The count down is at 28 days! Fair to say my excitement levels are high, but nerves have defiantly kicked in. At this stage there's not much more i can do to be any more organised than what i am, witch is a good feeling. Its pretty much just counting down the days and saving every cent i can from here. The boat to Tasmania has been booked and paid for. Myself & Emma will be leaving on Friday 25th Jan. Where we will head to Rainbow Serpent festival for a few days... cant not freaking wait! What an epic way to start the trip. Then we will dock in Melbourne on the Wednesday 30th Jan at 7:30pm and arrive in Devonport 6:30am Thursday 31st Jan. Then from there...where ever the wind may take us! The plan is 2 weeks in Tas, followed by a week on the Vic coast. Then Emma will be heading home & i shall venture of on my own towards the NSW coast! 28 days and counting :)

Still counting down!!

cassie27 — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:26:00 GMT

The count down is at 66 days!! I'm not sure if counting is making time pass slower or quicker, but ill continue it anyway! Excitement levels are still high. Everything's falling into place nicely. The van is all finished, so i can stop spending money on it, and start saving it! First stop is going to be Tasmania. Witch i'm super excited for! At first i wasn't going to include Tas, but after speaking to people who have spent time there, and some research of my own its a definite! After Tas the plan is to travel the Vic coast, then continue up towards NSW, QLD, NT, WA, SA & then back towards VIC... at some stage! :) Having no real plan of places or a time limit is such a wonderful feeling!! Cant wait to be on the open road with not a care in the world... :)

The count downs on!

cassie27 — Sat, 3 Nov 2012 16:44:00 GMT

Officially today... 82 days until i set off on the adventure of a life time! Thought I would get a bit pre organised and set this blog up so its all ready to go once i'm travelling! So far the planning and saving is going to plan. At this stage i'm wishing it would just be time to leave already!! I'm not one to usually wish time away but it cant come quick enough...! The thought of how many amazing places i'm going to see, people i'm going to meet and memories are going to be made makes me very excited & keen to get on the open road! Although, at the same time, nerves are starting to set in. The thought of leaving my family and friends behind, not having a full time job and just the pure unknown of the whole trip is very daunting!
Well that's blog #1 down from me!!

xxx Peace.