Big adventures for a little sheila on a huge island

Melbourne

littlepipes — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:25:00 GMT

We arrived in Melbourne, which I instantly liked, although Jannine was sulking about having to visit "just another city", but was trying to hide it quite well.

I wish we had longer to spend here, but it just means I'll have to come back another day. I really liked the feel to Melbourne and would definitely start another trip from there.

Eerie Indiana aka Mallacoota

littlepipes — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:15:00 GMT

After a certain incident which meant we had to drive out of NSW quicker than the speed of lightning, whilst remaining within the speed limit, we were relieved to arrive in Victoria and stopped practically at the first town we met, which was Mallacoota.

Not sure what it was, but this place just had a certain eerieness about it. A bit like the land that time forgot. We were checked in to the motel by misery guts and lead to our room which I'm sure resembled the Psycho set! Deciding we needed some refreshements after our drive, we set off to find the bottle shop, which just happened to be a back room in the local pub. As were stolled past the yocals erm I mean locals, we were the lucky recipients of various invitations to stay and have a few drinks with the local talent, which we graciously declined, we'd had enough excitement for one day. Oh well, tomorrow was another day,

Start of the road trip with Reenie - 1st stop Jervis Bay

littlepipes — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 19:12:00 GMT

Was great to have Jannine over here. We were both so excited and wondering how the hell we were going to pack everything in until it was time for her to go home.

We picked up a hire car and drove down the coast to Jervis Bay, which was beautiful. We went on a whale watching tour from there and seen a humpback whale and her calf, which was absolutely amazing. Stayed in a really small guest house, where there was just us, was really nice.

Settled in Sydney

littlepipes — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 19:05:00 GMT

I spent a great time in Sydney and met some fantastic people. I got sick of the job as a receptionist and got myself another as a youth worker in a young person's rehab, which was interesting to say the least!

Time flew by, and I haven't updated this for months, so probably forgot loads. Ending up living ten minutes out of Sydney in Chippendale, which cost even more than the Bondi house, but again, met some cool people and some very interesting people.

Leaving Sydney was so sad. It really was beginning to feel like home, which I suppose defeats the object of travelling!!

My Birthday

littlepipes — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:28:00 GMT

Wasn't sure what it was going to be like having my birthday so far away from home. Was beginning to feel a bit homesick by the whole thing.

I shouldn't have bothered. Hannah threw a birthday dinner for me at her house, which was a great laugh. She cooked a special vegetarian meal and we all got very drunk on wine.

I woke up on her sofa at 8.30am and rushed to work. Whislt I was sat in a meeting, stuggling to keep my eyes open, my work friend Katy was sniggering. When the meeting ended, she told me I had some sort of pink dye on the side of my face and my neck. When I looked, I was horrified to see that the dye had come off the streamers that I'd fallen a sleep in and rubbed off onto me. As I was in such a rush, I didn't have time to look in the mirror, let alone shower. Oops.

Boring stuff

littlepipes — Tue, 1 Apr 2008 16:40:00 GMT

I’ve just got a job now as a receptionist in the city, so I don’t know how much stuff I’ll be doing. Need to save up more cash so I can go off on my travels again. Moved into a house in North Bondi too, which is costing a fortune. House mates seem really nice though. Who know’s what’ll happen next?

V-Festival

littlepipes — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:39:00 GMT

I never thought Duran Duran would be a band I would see live, but I’m so glad I did. They played the V festival and were fantastic. Aswell as Smashing Pumpkins and Queens of the Stoneage. Another great day out.

Blue Mountains

littlepipes — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:37:00 GMT

Blue Mountains

I think the Blue Mountains were definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, they’re up there with Fraser Island. It’s true what they say about the blue mist which gathers over the place, hence why it’s called the Blue Mountains. We did a fantastic day tour, learning about the history and got to take some amazing photos. We even seen a brown snake, see, I knew I was going to bump into one sooner or later and then a funnel web spider, all in one day. We took a trip up the world’s steepest, vertical railway which was amazing. Even though my friend whom shall remain anonymous bruised the arm of a total stranger after gripping him so tight because she was scared she was going to fall out of the carriage.

Well if day one scared her, that was nothing compared to day two. We went abseiling and canyoning, in the Blue Mountains. Even now, I still can’t believe we did it. It was great. We did a few abseils, ranging from 15-30 metres. Then, we had to jump into massive lagoons or canyons to make it to the largest abseil. As I’d been brave, the instructor decided I should jump first into the first lagoon – backwards. I have to admit, I was scared, but then when I’d jumped, I was absolutely buzzing. We had to do quite a few of those to make to the the 30 metre waterfall, which we had to abseil down. I have to say, I think it was one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done. Abseiling down this waterfall, with the water gushing on you, in beautiful surroundings – amazing. Then, you had to unclip your harness and dive into the water below. If I could bottle that feeling, I’d make a fortune. Think I’ve got a new hobby. When it had all ended, we were worn out. My anonymous friend did such a great job at conquering some of her fears and I just want to say, I’m proud of you. You’re a star!!!!!!!!!! I think I’ll add the Blue Mountains to my list of places where I’ve been, not spent anywhere near long enough and am definitely going to go again.

Byron Bay and the Skydive

littlepipes — Sun, 9 Mar 2008 16:38:00 GMT

We were on our way to Byron Bay, quite hungover after a night’s boozing at surfer’s paradise and I was contemplating my sky dive the next day, when my phone rings. It’s the sky dive company asking if I can dive today instead of tomorrow as the weather looks bad for tomorrow. My heart jumps into my mouth. I haven’t had enough time to mentally prepare myself, but agree anyway. We get to our hostel, dump the bags and literally five minutes later, the sky dive company are here to pick me up. Arrgh. When we get there, we’re waiting around for about two hours, then it’s my turn. I was actually feeling quite calm at that point, right up until the plane door opened. At that point, panic hit me. Not that it matters, because at that point you don’t have any choice, your instructor hurls you out of the door, whether you like it or not. Like it? I fucking loved it. It was fantastic. What a rush. I think I need to get a new career as an outdoors instructor or an extreme sports coach or something. I just love doing these things. It really feels like your flying , then they open the parachute. I think that is one of the most peaceful things, I’ll ever experience. Just floating down to earth, absolutely amazing. That gives the abseil a run for it’s money. Another hour or so and we leave, clutching my cd with the photos, which have just cost me a small fortune. I needed proof though.

Still reeling from the skydive, we wander round Byron Bay, which is such a cool place, I instantly fall in love. The relaxed, laid back atmosphere just pulls you in. We go for some food then start t o walk home. On the way home, there’s people playing the bongos and others dancing in this field, while someone serves chai tea. We stop and chat to people for a while and take in this cool place.

The next day we hire some motorised pushbikes to take us up to the lighthouse. They say you never forget to ride a bike, so would someone mind explaining to me why I’ve just nearly ended up in the bushes on my arse? Or why I keep swerving into the path of oncoming traffic? I think it’s the whole motorised thing that confuses me. We eventually arrive at the lighthouse, incident free (although we’ve still got to get back). The view is phenomenal and I find myself feeling slightly glad that it was so much hard work to get there, as I really appreciate it. We look down into the sea and see two dolphins swimming – I love Australia. Again, time runs out and it’s time to move on, that list of mine is just getting longer and longer.

Brisbane

littlepipes — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:35:00 GMT

I have to say, I didn’t think much of Brisbane as a place. The Southbank was really nice, which is where we spent most of out time whilst there. We went to the Andy Warhol exhibition (just wish we had more time to look around, but didn’t get there until 4.30 and it was closing at 5) but it was great. Also went to see Phantom of the Opera which was fantastic, not exactly the stuff backpackers do but my friend was here on holiday and I thought what the hell. I’m sure I’ll pay for it later when I’m struggling to pay my rent!

Moreton Island

littlepipes — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:34:00 GMT

My friend Show and I sent off on mini road trip, destined for Moreton Island. On the way, we stop at Noosa which is beautiful, but manage to stay in a rat infested, party hostel. We wake and get out of the hostel as fast as we can and stop at Maroochadore, which is just lovely. We decide that we’re going to camp, after being let down by someone who promised we could stay with them, then subsequently sped off up the road. Til this day, I’ll never know what happened then. Maybe it’s for the best we didn’t stay with him, he did seem like a bit of a psycho, but Show knew his family and was sure he’d look after us. Luck escape perhaps? Afterwards, Wolf Creek was flying round my head. For you guys back home, Wolf Creek is an Australian film about backpackers getting tortured in Australia. The worst part is, it’s actually a true story, don’t worry, they got the guy in the end.

The last time I camped, I was in 13 years old and in Air Cadets. I have to say, I was slightly apprehensive. The campsite was lovely though with good cooking facilities and a nice shower block. Naturally, we couldn’t get the tent to go up and had to be helped by some of the long term residents, how embarrassing! I dread to think what they thought about these two crazy girls who’d come camping but didn’t have a clue what they were doing. When we eventually got set up, we had a great night and woke up totally refreshed and excited about Moreton Island, this camping business wasn’t so bad after all.

We drive to Brisbane to get the ferry to Moreton Island and yes you’ve guessed it, get lost on the way, with 45 minutes before our ferry departs. Again helped out by some friendly locals who practically lead the way all the way to the ferry port for us – even though they weren’t going that way. The Aussies have been absolutely fantastic since I’ve been in Australia, and I just want to say, I think you guys are great!

We arrive at Moreton Island relieved initially, to have caught the ferry and eager to embrace life as Australia’s newest, happiest, bestist ever campers. As I walk on the Island (tent strapped to my back bear in mind) I shout to Show, how far away are we from the campsite? Erm, I think this is it, was her reply. I mistakenly thought that all campsites were going to be like Maroochadore with lovely facilities and a flat, safe place to put your tent up, away from the mosquitos. My dreams of being the queen of camping were slowly fading. We set up camp and I have to admit, I was feeling quite scared. We had to collect wood to make a fire, to boil a pan of water, just so we could have a cup of tea, this was camping in it’s truest form. Just to make things worse, it stared to get dark and we realised that we didn’t have a torch or any form of light and of course, there wasn’t any lights around us. I stared to get very scared. Especially since we had to gather more fire wood to light the stupid fire, just so we could have some food. This was going to be an experience! I’d convinced myself that I was going to stand on a brown snake which was just lurking in the darkness, waiting to bite me, or that the guy from Wolf Creek had escaped from prison and was waiting on Moreton Island to do unspeakable things to Show and I. The worst part was when I wore in the middle of the night, dying to go to the toilet. I tried to hard to ignore it, but I just couldn’t get back to sleep. I took a deep breath, grabbed my phone to use as a torch and stepped outside the tent. I’m ashamed to admit this, but I stood as close to the tent as possible and dropped my drawers, whilst holding my phone to my bum to use as a light, just incase that snake was still lurking around and decided it wanted to take a chunk out of my backside, and of course, it was the longest wee in the world, my legs were starting to give way and I nearly peed on my phone. Try explaining that one to the insurance company, "Yeah I’ve broken my phone." "How did you do that" "Erm, I peed on it." I don’t think so.

It wasn’t all hard work though. We went snorkelling on the old ships wrecks which lay just off the island, which was fantastic, seen some amazing corals and fish. When we’d finished, we sat on the shore, chilling out, only to be greeted by some wild dolphins. I nearly burst into tears. There was about five of them, they came up so close to us, it was like they were showing off, I’ll never forget it as long as I live. I’d happily take my chances with the brown snakes, mozzies, and guy from Wolf Creek if it meant I could see that every day.

Then it was time to go home. As natures way of ensuring we don’t forget about out time on Moreton Island, it started to absolutely piss it down, just as we were packing up the tent to the ferry, I mean really piss it down, Queensland style. By the time we got to the ferry, we were soaked and covered head to toe in filthy sand. We weren’t allowed upstairs until hosed ourselves down with the freezing, cold water. What an end to an unforgettable experience.

Bye Bye Rainbow Beach

littlepipes — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:45:00 GMT

Today is my last day at Rainbow Beach. I'm feeling very sad but very excited at the same time. I've met some fantatic people here and really have been made to feel part of the family. I'm so sad to leave, but looking forward to the rest of my adventure.

We spent our last night going to the other hostels and sharing a few drinks which was really nice. I'm really going to miss this place. It's so beautiful with a lovely atmosphere.

Dolphin Kayaking

littlepipes — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:40:00 GMT

I went dolphin kayaking today. I was so excited that for some strange reason, I didn't think I'd actually have to do anything - like paddling. It was really hard work. And after an hour paddling, being miles behind the group (thanks Steve who shared the kayak with me for being so patient)there still wasn't a sight of a dolphin. Then all of a sudden, right in front of our kayak, the dolphin popped up. It was fantastic.

I knew there was a reason we were so far behind. Nothing to do with me being really lazy! We seen a few more dolphins

after that, which was fab. I returned home with sore arms, feeling shattered, but happy.

A happy day on sorry day

littlepipes — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:27:00 GMT

Today the Australian government have apologised to the Aboriginal people for their treatment of them and in particular, the stolen generation. It has caused some controversy in Australia with some people being all for it and others thinking they shouldn't bother.

Whilst working at Pippies in Rainbow beach, I've been very fortunate to get to know and work alongside Yarra, an Aboriginal who was part of the stolen generation. His father was removed from his parents when he was a small child, meaning that he has never gotten to know half of his family. This happened to so many Aboriginals at the time. The people have been treated absolutely appallingly over the years. It's no wonder that there's so many social issues amongst Aboriginals communities today.

Yarra was sastisfied with the apology and believes many others will be too. It's funny how just those small words can make so much difference to people. I think there's a lesson to be learned for us all there. We celebrated with a live didgeredoo session and some story telling.

Yarra helps people to make didgeredoos and boomerangs. Whilst I was painting my boomerang (well more being told what to do by Yarra, who took great pity on my lack of artistic skills) it was great talking to him and finding out about the Aboroginal people and their culture. I will miss our chats. He's painted me a seed to take on my travels with me and has made me promise to come back to Rainbow Beach one day.

Sandblows - Rainbow Beach

littlepipes — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 11:13:00 GMT

I'm feeling absolutely shattered but want to go on this walk that I've heard about that leaves at 3.30pm from one of the hostels. I'm going to be working quite a few afternoons in a row so I know if I don't go today, I'm not going to get a chance for a while.

I wearily drag myself to the hostel where I meet the guy who's leading the walk, Matty Mudcrab. I did mean to ask where that name came from, but forgot. We set off and he begins by showing us some plants and trees which can be used as "bushtucka." I'm absolutely fascinated by this. One of the flowers from the plant tastes like honey. I can't remember the name, which is useless, I know.

We walk up a really steep bank to reach the sandblow. It takes evey bit of energy I have to make it to the top, but when I do, I'm so glad I did. It's absolutely beautiful. Sandblows are sand dunes piled on top of each other, which have got like that from the weather. As well as the sandblow, we can look out to the sea and double island point on one side and Fraser Island and Tin Can Bay inlet on the other side. The longer I stay in Rainbow Beach, the longer I want to stay. The landscape and nature is absolutely fascinating and I'm enjoying working in the hostel. Only thing is, my bus pass expires soon and I've got quite a few stops still left to make.

We sit down while Matty gives us a history of the landscape and the aboriginal people. The people have been put through so much and are still being put through it until this day. The talk finishes but I'm really keen to find out more. I'm going to do some reading up. I can't believe that the whole walk, talk and tour is free. As we sit, a group of black storm clouds begin to gather. The gather so quickly and are so dark, it's astounding. It looks absolutely amazing over the sandunes and the sea. I try to take photos but my camera doesn't really work. We run for shelter in the forest.

When the storm passes, we come out of hiding. A rainbow has formed over the sea and ending on the sandune. It looks absolutely fantastic. Yet again, I feel enchanted by this amazing country.

We then look at the coloured sands, which is why Rainbow Beach is called Rainbow Beach. It's beautiful. What an amazing place! I've put the Aborginal explanation below as to how the sands got to be so many different colours.

Live didgeredoo

littlepipes — Sat, 2 Feb 2008 15:11:00 GMT

We go to Frasers which is one of the other hostels in Rainbow beach. The band that's playing do some really good numbers. Then they start singing snoop doggy dog songs in the style of indie, which I thought was absolutely amazing. It sounded so funny. Jannine if you read this, you'll know what I mean.

I also heard a live didgeredoo for the first time. It was be played alongside the band and sounded absolutely fantastic. I really need to take more opportunities to listen to this, I would love to have a go playing myself. Although, I find out that in Aboriginal culture, women are not allowed to play the digeredoo and would be thrown out of the tribe it they did so, which I found really interesting. Aparently it would bring bad luck and prevent a woman from having children.

Rainbow Beach

littlepipes — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:03:00 GMT

I arrive at Rainbow beach absolutely buzzing from the Fraser Island trip and adamant I am going back there. Rainbow beach is a really small place with beautiful beaches and a really relaxed, chilled out atmosphere.

I'm staying at Pippies Beachhouse, which is a lovely, laid back hostel. I'm starting to freak out about my money situation and decide to ask if there's work available. There is and hey presto, I'm the new receptionist. I have to work every day, but I get accommodation, breakfast and a small wage. I plan to stay for around three weeks.

It's really interesting to meet loads of different people. It can't be hard work at times though. The staff are really friendly and I feel welcome in no time.

Wow Fraser Island

littlepipes — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 22:14:00 GMT

After the much hyped Whitsunday Islands, I was hoping I was going to be slightly more impressed by Fraser Island, but after a 15 hour bus journey from Airlie Beach to Hervey Bay and three hours sleep, I was going to be a difficult customer to impress.

Well to say I was impressed was an understatement. I totally fell in love with the place, and think it's the most amazing place I've been to so far. I was absolutely astounded by the whole eco-diversity of the island. Where else does the rainforest grow out of sand dunes or is there sand with hundreds of different hues of colour? Add to that beautiful freshwater lakes and amazing wildlife and you've got one of what I believe to be the most fascinating places I'll ever visit.

Our first stop was Indian Head which is the main lookout point. You get vast views over the coral sea and the rest of the island. As I sat looking out, I was reminded of how tiny I am on this fascinating planet and could feel myself floating away with my thoughts and the wonderful view.

We got a chance to swim in Eli creek which was just lovely, but not as great as swimming in Lake Mc Kenzie which is one of the beautiful, freshwater lakes. The water was so clear and the sand so fine. To dry off from swimming, my friend and I decided to go for a walk. We were so glad we did when we turned a corner and found that we were the only people on the whole stretch of beach,it felt like paradise. We were so upset when we realised it was time to go back to the camp for our BBQ. We did think about just staying but realised it would be unfair on the rest of the group as they'd probably wait for us.

On the second day, we took a walk through the rainforest at what is known as Central Station. I was totally blown away by the amazing plants and wildlife. In fact, the widllife on the island in general is absolutely phenominal. I think the dingos are my favourite though. I love how cheeky they are and the how they remind me of my dogs at home. It was so hard to resist petting them or feeding them, but I knew I couldn't.

I loved the place so much, I have decided to try to find work there for a few months. Fingers crossed.

Whitsunday Islands

littlepipes — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:58:00 GMT

I was really looking forward to sailing around the Whitsundays. I was slightly apprehensive aswell as I've never been on a boat for longer than a few hours. I was worried I'd get sea sick and I couldn't really get my head round where 11 people could sleep. But all that doesn't matter. Modern boats are equipped for these types of things, right?

Erm wrong. As the skipper came to pick us up to begin our nautical adventure (one hour and fifteen minutes late I hasten to add)and led us jollyly down the harbour, I begun to pray. Please don't make it that rickety old boat at the end of the harbour, please, please, oh no, it isn't, oh please, oh god damn it. It is. It didn't look like that on the brochure. Mental not to self; rememeber to see Alex from Peter Pan to throttle him for false advertising. I wasn't aware classical meant clapped out! "It's a nice a boat a no?" Beamed the skipper. "Erm we're going to have to get off, my girlfriend's claustrophobic." A couple took one look at the cabins where were supposed to be sleeping and walked off. "You'll lose a alla you muney," the Italian skipper screeched. "It doesn't matter." And off they went. I did think about following them, but this trip cost me a fortune and the idea of travelling was to experience new things and get out of my comfort zone, well, I was certainly doing that!

After I'd put my stuff in the cupboard where I was supposed to sleep, I asked where the shower was, which was one of the selling points for me (hot shower on board the brochure enthused), the decky Dave, picked up a hose with a massive grin on his face. "Ha ha. Yeah, very funny. Now really, where's the shower?" No seriously, this is the shower. Did I say I wanted to throttle Alex earlier? Nevermind that, I'll hang, draw and bleeding quarter him. This was going to be a long trip.

When I'd got over the shock of the whole sleeping in a cupboard and hose for a shower thing, I begun to relax a little and take in the beautiful scenery of the Whitsundays. They were absolutely beautiful and we seen some amazing wildlife. I loved the turtles and seen loads of jelly fish which I'd never seen before. We went snorkeling a few times which was fantastic. The reef was absolutely beautiful and teaming with the most interesting fish I'd ever seen. Sailing amongst some beautiful islands with fantastic wildlife was starting to feel really theraputic.

The other people who were on the trip were a really good bunch. There was only six of us (the boat was supposed to sleep 11 but I really don't know where 11 people would've slept) I was told they would've asked people to double up. I hoped he was joking but something inside me told me that he wasn't. When it was time to go to bed, I wearily tucked myself into the cupboard and looked forward to driftting off to sleep. Then, it hit me. Was it thunder? What the hell was it? It was the skipper in the next cabin, snoring. I swear it must've registered about 7 on the richter scale. In the end, I had to sleep out on the deck which was fabulous. Laying on the deck looking up at the stars was such a lovely experience. That was until it started storming at 4 am. Bang goes my tranquility, back into the cabin.

The trip wasn't what I or the others expected, but it was certainly a good experience. I don't think it would've been as good if it wasn't for the people. Thanks Lindsey, Lorraine, Graham, Hunter, Taylor and Tom.

I did think the Whitsundays were beautiful, but to be honest, a bit too hyped up and the ship, well, that wasn't hyped up, it was friging made up.

Airlie Beach

littlepipes — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:38:00 GMT

Well the weather's calmed down a bit and I've eventually made it to Airlie Beach. I'm staying in Bushvilliage Backpackers which is a really friendly place. Chilling outside on a hammock when a really light tropical shower starts, just reminds me of how amazing this country is, I feel so relaxed and chilled.

The relaxed and chilled atmosphere soon gives way to party central as I go out round Airlie Beach with Fumiko whom I'm sharing a dorm with This is the first time I've been out properly since getting to Australia and it was really good. Glad I no longer have the urge to do it all the time anymore.

It'll be a while before I'm drinking rasberry vodka and dancing until 4 am again (well, we'll see).