We had only been in Bali 13hrs when we got caught up with the "Kuta Kon". It might sound all mysterious and possibley dangerous but its nothing that exciting. Basically what happened was: We were trying to walk down the street to get to the Discovery Mall, I say trying because we were getting shouted at all the time (harrassed is too strong a word, because the Balinese people are really nice). They were saying taxi? transport? come look in my shop? you want sarong? etc
Anyway, this guy suddenly comes over and gives us these tickets for a free (nothing is ever free in Bali) prize draw. We could win $5000, a luxury holiday, a camcorder or $1000. Ok we thought, its free, whats the harm? We had to open the tickets straight away, I got 3rd prize which was a t-shirt, Alan strangely enough won first prize which was any of those prizes above. the guy was really excited because as long as we went with him to his hotel immediately, he got $50. We said we wouldn't get into a taxi with him, even thought he said it was free, we aren't stupid and I wasn't getting robbed 13hrs into our holiday. So we walked the 5 mins to the hotel.
At the hotel Alan had won a luxury holiday, Ok we thought thats great. However, before they gave him the prize, would we mind taking a tour of this 5 star hotel so we could recommend it to our friends and family. By the way the ticket man doesn't get his $50 unless we take the tour, so we felt obliged as $50 is alot of money to the Balinese.
As we sat waiting for someone to show us around the hotel, Alan uttered the words "at least its not a time-share presentation".
Well it turned out thats exactly what it was and they were very disappointed when they discovered that we were unemployed and not Australian. Time-share companies are exploiting the 2 Bali bombs to sell these holiday clubs under the pretence of trying to attract the aussies back to Bali.
We left the hotel after an hour with a couple of t-shirts and a "free" holiday.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Catch ya later Australia
I can't believe we've been in Australia for 3 months and now our time is up. We are off to Bali today.
We've had a lot of fun and met lots and lots of English, Irish, Scots and Welsh people, in fact its been like living back in the UK. Australia has felt a lot like home, apart from all the dangerous animals.
I must take a minute to say a fond (pah!) farewell to "dorms". We have met some truely awesome people in dorms but quite honestly I'm so glad I'm not sleeping in bunk beds anymore. Also I'm so glad to finally be away from the snorers, if Alan snores I poke him in the ribs or tell him to turn over, but you can't do this to a complete stranger. Alan got so cross with one bloke, he bought himself a water pistol in Byron Bay and I'm ashamed to say he has actually used it once or twice.
We have ticked off all the animals on our Australia list; dolphins, kangaroos, cockatoos, koalas, crocodiles and snakes. We've seen them in zoos and in the wild. The wild animals have been awesome to see but I still believe snakes should only be in zoos.
We didn't manage to eat any crocodile steaks but we have eaten kangaroo and it was nice.
We've had a lot of fun and met lots and lots of English, Irish, Scots and Welsh people, in fact its been like living back in the UK. Australia has felt a lot like home, apart from all the dangerous animals.
I must take a minute to say a fond (pah!) farewell to "dorms". We have met some truely awesome people in dorms but quite honestly I'm so glad I'm not sleeping in bunk beds anymore. Also I'm so glad to finally be away from the snorers, if Alan snores I poke him in the ribs or tell him to turn over, but you can't do this to a complete stranger. Alan got so cross with one bloke, he bought himself a water pistol in Byron Bay and I'm ashamed to say he has actually used it once or twice.
We have ticked off all the animals on our Australia list; dolphins, kangaroos, cockatoos, koalas, crocodiles and snakes. We've seen them in zoos and in the wild. The wild animals have been awesome to see but I still believe snakes should only be in zoos.
We didn't manage to eat any crocodile steaks but we have eaten kangaroo and it was nice.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Cape Tribulation Day 2
Day 2 of the tour didn't start officially until the minibus picked us up at 1.30pm, so we had the whole morning to lounge around sunning ourselves on the beach. Alan wandered off looking for a coconut and he was successful this time. It kept him amused for 10 minutes trying to get the coconut out of its protective wood-like outer casing, then he smashed it against a rock and we ate the coconut - yummy!
The tour guide picked us up and took us to an ice cream farm, where we got to sample 4 flavours of locally produced ice cream. We tried all the flavours of course, there was mango, coconut, juicy fruit flavour (like the chewing gum) and a creamy capachinno flavour (I gave this one to Alan).
Then it was off to the main event; the crocodile cruise along the Daintree river. This was supposed to be an hour cruise but turned out to be 45mins as we were late. We saw 2 female crocs which was great but we felt a bit let down that all the big male crocs were hiding. The guide pointed out a little blue kingfisher and told us a lot of information about the Mangrove forests.
Then it was back to Cairns.
The tour guide picked us up and took us to an ice cream farm, where we got to sample 4 flavours of locally produced ice cream. We tried all the flavours of course, there was mango, coconut, juicy fruit flavour (like the chewing gum) and a creamy capachinno flavour (I gave this one to Alan).
Then it was off to the main event; the crocodile cruise along the Daintree river. This was supposed to be an hour cruise but turned out to be 45mins as we were late. We saw 2 female crocs which was great but we felt a bit let down that all the big male crocs were hiding. The guide pointed out a little blue kingfisher and told us a lot of information about the Mangrove forests.
Then it was back to Cairns.
Townsville
Having decided not to go to Magnetic Island we almost decided to miss out Townsville as well but given the time we had we thought it might be worth a look.
It was blazing hot sunshine when we arrived on the Greyhound but after 20 minutes wait for the local bus we were starting to flag a little. Finally the bus arrived and we soon got to the hostel. We had a double room there and luckily for us it had it own tv, which meant we could watch the F1 British GP without any problem. The result wasn't the best but at least McLaren came second and third.
There was little to do in Townsville so we decided to climb the Castle Hill lookout. From the bottom of the track up to the lookout it appeared as though you almost had to get on your hands and knees to get up it and Samantha was refusing to even attempt it but then we saw a steep set of steps upward and after some coaxing Samantha decided to attempt it with me.
After nearly giving up about five times and chugging nearly all our drink we finally made to the top. The view from the top was rewarding with views over Townsville and Magnetic Island.
We then made it all the way back down in less than half the time it took to climb up
It was blazing hot sunshine when we arrived on the Greyhound but after 20 minutes wait for the local bus we were starting to flag a little. Finally the bus arrived and we soon got to the hostel. We had a double room there and luckily for us it had it own tv, which meant we could watch the F1 British GP without any problem. The result wasn't the best but at least McLaren came second and third.
There was little to do in Townsville so we decided to climb the Castle Hill lookout. From the bottom of the track up to the lookout it appeared as though you almost had to get on your hands and knees to get up it and Samantha was refusing to even attempt it but then we saw a steep set of steps upward and after some coaxing Samantha decided to attempt it with me.
After nearly giving up about five times and chugging nearly all our drink we finally made to the top. The view from the top was rewarding with views over Townsville and Magnetic Island.
We then made it all the way back down in less than half the time it took to climb up
Whitsundays Day 2
Day 2 of our whitsundays sailing trip started with a nice brekkie and then a short dingy ride to Whitehaven beach, which some people also call Betty's beach. Whitehaven beach is stunning, it has the softest pure white sand which looks beautiful against the blue of the ocean. We walked for miles up the beach, everyone walked together for a bit and then we all split up into pairs.
I spotted somewhere to drop our beach bag, so we crossed this small, knee deep inlet to get to it. Alan looked down whilst we were crossing the water and saw about 10 Stingrays swimming around and then burying themselves in the sand, so we were a bit careful as we wadded through the water as we didn't want to step on them.
We dumped our stuff, put on mossie repellent and sun cream and raced back to this inlet to see what else was swimming about in there. We didn't have to wait long before a small reef shark swam up to us and Alan ran up and down the sand trying to get a picture of it. He then went up to the deeper part of the inlet to see if there were any bigger sharks and left me standing knee deep in the water with a shark swimming about half a metre away from me. I'm obviously not as attractive to sharks as I am to mossies.
After our morning on the beach, it was then time to have a look at the Great Barrier Reef close up. We put on our lovely stinger suits and were given our snorkel, masks and flippers if you wanted them. Alan and a few others jumped straight in, whereas me and a couple of the others had to have a lesson in snorkelling first. Alan taught me how to snorkel in Fiji but a refresher never did any harm.
I was taken in the dingy with another girl who wasn't confident in the water, out onto the reef. Andy (our hostie) tried everything to get us out of the boat and into the water, but I was NOT getting in without a floatation device, so Andy gave us each a noodle (a long thin piece of foam) and demonstrated how it WOULDN'T let us drown.
After 20mins and 2 attempts of trying to get into the water, I finally slipped (or got lowered by Andy) off the side of the boat, screaming into the water. Once I found I was floating, not drowning and my hair was still dry I put my face in the water and had a good look around. The coral and fishes were amazing. The coral wasn't as brightly coloured as I had imagined that it would be but the fishes were.
After lunch we went to another section of the reef, this time I hopped straight in (or I climbed down the ladder of the boat) and took a nice big mouthful of sea water - yuck! Steve (the captain) pulled me out to the reef and Andy showed me a Nemo, which I was chuffed about, unfortunately I then panic'd, swallowed more seawater and Andy took me spluttering back to the boat.
I saw my Nemo though, which was an awesome end to my Whitsundays tour.
When we stopped at the first reef, Steve let us well snorkelled people straight in. Once in the water it was a short swim to the reef where there were loads of brightly coloured parrot fish that you could hear munching on the coral. As I swam around there were hundreds of fish everywhere that seemed complete unconcerned by my presence. The coral was also bright colours.
When I got out of the water having used up most of the photos on the underwater camera, we were then told that we were going to a second spot where there would be clown fish like nemo, I was well miffed!
After lunch it was time for the second site and as soon as I got in I wished I had more camera film. The coral was much brighter than the first spot and there so many more fish. Steve showed us a giant clam which you had to dive down to actually see but which was so much better than the ones in the aquariums. Despite looking hard and everyone seeing one, I didn't manage to see a nemo which was the only bad thing about the whole trip.
However we will be definitely snorkelling in the future.
I spotted somewhere to drop our beach bag, so we crossed this small, knee deep inlet to get to it. Alan looked down whilst we were crossing the water and saw about 10 Stingrays swimming around and then burying themselves in the sand, so we were a bit careful as we wadded through the water as we didn't want to step on them.
We dumped our stuff, put on mossie repellent and sun cream and raced back to this inlet to see what else was swimming about in there. We didn't have to wait long before a small reef shark swam up to us and Alan ran up and down the sand trying to get a picture of it. He then went up to the deeper part of the inlet to see if there were any bigger sharks and left me standing knee deep in the water with a shark swimming about half a metre away from me. I'm obviously not as attractive to sharks as I am to mossies.
After our morning on the beach, it was then time to have a look at the Great Barrier Reef close up. We put on our lovely stinger suits and were given our snorkel, masks and flippers if you wanted them. Alan and a few others jumped straight in, whereas me and a couple of the others had to have a lesson in snorkelling first. Alan taught me how to snorkel in Fiji but a refresher never did any harm.
I was taken in the dingy with another girl who wasn't confident in the water, out onto the reef. Andy (our hostie) tried everything to get us out of the boat and into the water, but I was NOT getting in without a floatation device, so Andy gave us each a noodle (a long thin piece of foam) and demonstrated how it WOULDN'T let us drown.
After 20mins and 2 attempts of trying to get into the water, I finally slipped (or got lowered by Andy) off the side of the boat, screaming into the water. Once I found I was floating, not drowning and my hair was still dry I put my face in the water and had a good look around. The coral and fishes were amazing. The coral wasn't as brightly coloured as I had imagined that it would be but the fishes were.
After lunch we went to another section of the reef, this time I hopped straight in (or I climbed down the ladder of the boat) and took a nice big mouthful of sea water - yuck! Steve (the captain) pulled me out to the reef and Andy showed me a Nemo, which I was chuffed about, unfortunately I then panic'd, swallowed more seawater and Andy took me spluttering back to the boat.
I saw my Nemo though, which was an awesome end to my Whitsundays tour.
When we stopped at the first reef, Steve let us well snorkelled people straight in. Once in the water it was a short swim to the reef where there were loads of brightly coloured parrot fish that you could hear munching on the coral. As I swam around there were hundreds of fish everywhere that seemed complete unconcerned by my presence. The coral was also bright colours.
When I got out of the water having used up most of the photos on the underwater camera, we were then told that we were going to a second spot where there would be clown fish like nemo, I was well miffed!
After lunch it was time for the second site and as soon as I got in I wished I had more camera film. The coral was much brighter than the first spot and there so many more fish. Steve showed us a giant clam which you had to dive down to actually see but which was so much better than the ones in the aquariums. Despite looking hard and everyone seeing one, I didn't manage to see a nemo which was the only bad thing about the whole trip.
However we will be definitely snorkelling in the future.
Whitsundays Day 1
Our day started with having to pack all our clothes and other items for our trip into our environmetally friendly shopping bags as we weren't allowed to take any bags with zips. Only one bag each so we had to pack light, not so hard for a two day cruise (for me at least). Then it was off on a sunny stroll down to marina (or maybe a half hour drudge with our heavy bags).
At the marine Samantha was quickly told how to pronounce the boat's name, Prima as in beautiful not primer as in paint. It was not long before we met the other nine people that would share our sailing experience with and usual to Australia all but two were from England or Ireland.
Once on board the boat we were allocated a cabin which was almost triangular in shape with the tiniest ensuite facilities I ever seen (I would have hated to be any taller or fatter). However the rest of the boat was really nice. Our crew were captain Steve and Andy the deck hand a right little comedy duo.
The afternoon was spent sailing (or at least motoring with the sails up) to our mooring for the night. Samantha decide that although Steve was doing ok, she should takeover and have a go at driving the boat. Although Steve look slightly nervous he let her go ahead. Luckily in the ocean there aren't too many things you hit. After a little zigzagging she got the hang of it and steered for about 10 minutes until she got bored.
Our mooring for the night was the calmest little bay we'd ever seen. There was bearly a ripple on the water which made for a good nights sleep. Having arrived the first thing we had to do was a get to know each other session where we had to say who we were, where we've been on our travels and bizzarely, what strangest place we've ever had sex (but as everyone know we've never had sex, not being married and all). Then it was time for a swim at least for the boys as all the girls didn't fancy it and just sat around watching us.
After watching an amazing sunset we had our dinner expertly prepared by Andy from the finest (black and gold, tesco value type) ingredients, however it was chicken so I had to opt for veggie alterative.
Then following an evening of cards and few a glasses of our top quality goon it was time for bed in our tringular cabin.
At the marine Samantha was quickly told how to pronounce the boat's name, Prima as in beautiful not primer as in paint. It was not long before we met the other nine people that would share our sailing experience with and usual to Australia all but two were from England or Ireland.
Once on board the boat we were allocated a cabin which was almost triangular in shape with the tiniest ensuite facilities I ever seen (I would have hated to be any taller or fatter). However the rest of the boat was really nice. Our crew were captain Steve and Andy the deck hand a right little comedy duo.
The afternoon was spent sailing (or at least motoring with the sails up) to our mooring for the night. Samantha decide that although Steve was doing ok, she should takeover and have a go at driving the boat. Although Steve look slightly nervous he let her go ahead. Luckily in the ocean there aren't too many things you hit. After a little zigzagging she got the hang of it and steered for about 10 minutes until she got bored.
Our mooring for the night was the calmest little bay we'd ever seen. There was bearly a ripple on the water which made for a good nights sleep. Having arrived the first thing we had to do was a get to know each other session where we had to say who we were, where we've been on our travels and bizzarely, what strangest place we've ever had sex (but as everyone know we've never had sex, not being married and all). Then it was time for a swim at least for the boys as all the girls didn't fancy it and just sat around watching us.
After watching an amazing sunset we had our dinner expertly prepared by Andy from the finest (black and gold, tesco value type) ingredients, however it was chicken so I had to opt for veggie alterative.
Then following an evening of cards and few a glasses of our top quality goon it was time for bed in our tringular cabin.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Rockhampton and Mackay
We stopped at the smallish towns of Rockhampton and Mackay to break up the long Greyhound bus ride to Airlie Beach.
We got some sad news on the way to Rockhampton, my family dog Sophie had just died, so I had a good cry, 3 large glasses of red wine and some beef and black bean noodles.
Rockhampton claims to be the Aussie beef capital but we didn't see any evidence of that, however we did see a hundred or so American Marines on leave for the weekend. They spent alot of their time drunk and sticking out like a sore thumb.
The best thing about arriving in Mid-Queensland is that we have finally outrun the cold weather and it was starting to get really warm, so we sat in the sun and ate an ice cream or 2.
We arrived in Mackay on a Sunday which in hindsight wasn't such a good idea as everything in the town closed at 2pm on Saturday. We found a Shell garage that sold Pasta sauce and snacks so we wouldn't starve.
We walked down to the beach which was nice, Alan was looking for snakes that could be sun bathing whereas I was walking on the road stomping my feet to keep any that might be lurking away.
We got some sad news on the way to Rockhampton, my family dog Sophie had just died, so I had a good cry, 3 large glasses of red wine and some beef and black bean noodles.
Rockhampton claims to be the Aussie beef capital but we didn't see any evidence of that, however we did see a hundred or so American Marines on leave for the weekend. They spent alot of their time drunk and sticking out like a sore thumb.
The best thing about arriving in Mid-Queensland is that we have finally outrun the cold weather and it was starting to get really warm, so we sat in the sun and ate an ice cream or 2.
We arrived in Mackay on a Sunday which in hindsight wasn't such a good idea as everything in the town closed at 2pm on Saturday. We found a Shell garage that sold Pasta sauce and snacks so we wouldn't starve.
We walked down to the beach which was nice, Alan was looking for snakes that could be sun bathing whereas I was walking on the road stomping my feet to keep any that might be lurking away.
Fraser Island Day 3
It rained and we all got wet.
Despite Craig's optimism our third day started out with really heavy rain. Everyone was a bit subdued but still ready for our last day of the tour.
After a long bumpier than usual ride (probably due to the rain) we arrived at the lookout over lake Wabby and the Hammerstone sandblow. We all suited up in our raincoats and a few people in their bin liner makeshift wet weather gear, as we had a 1km walk to the lake and then a 2.4km walk to the beach.
The sandblow and the sand around the lake was a stark contrast to the other sand we had seen as it was very yellow, a bit like building sand. The water of lake Wabby was emerald green even towards then edges although it did lighten.
The wet walk back to the beach was final straw with most people, we accepted defeat, the final day was just going to be a wash out. It was a bit of a shame but we still managed to have a laugh on the bus with dingo mad Helen and her friend Jo.
Craig then took us for our buffet lunch at another resort where we got to dry out for a while and fill up on great food.
We then had one place left visit before the end of the tour, lake something. We were all good sports and marched down to the lake (yes, it was still raining) and took a few piccies and a quick look around and then marched straight back to the bus.
It was then back to the resort to wait for ferry, so true to form we headed for the bar for a cheeky one.
Despite Craig's optimism our third day started out with really heavy rain. Everyone was a bit subdued but still ready for our last day of the tour.
After a long bumpier than usual ride (probably due to the rain) we arrived at the lookout over lake Wabby and the Hammerstone sandblow. We all suited up in our raincoats and a few people in their bin liner makeshift wet weather gear, as we had a 1km walk to the lake and then a 2.4km walk to the beach.
The sandblow and the sand around the lake was a stark contrast to the other sand we had seen as it was very yellow, a bit like building sand. The water of lake Wabby was emerald green even towards then edges although it did lighten.
The wet walk back to the beach was final straw with most people, we accepted defeat, the final day was just going to be a wash out. It was a bit of a shame but we still managed to have a laugh on the bus with dingo mad Helen and her friend Jo.
Craig then took us for our buffet lunch at another resort where we got to dry out for a while and fill up on great food.
We then had one place left visit before the end of the tour, lake something. We were all good sports and marched down to the lake (yes, it was still raining) and took a few piccies and a quick look around and then marched straight back to the bus.
It was then back to the resort to wait for ferry, so true to form we headed for the bar for a cheeky one.
Fraser Island Day 2
Ranger Craig informed us that day 2 would be an 8am start so we had to be down for breakfast at 7.15am. We dragged ourselves out of bed and got ready for our tea and toast, but when we got to breakfast we found they were serving bacon, sausages and scrambled eggs. You should have seen our faces - everyone was chuffed and overdid the brekkie which in hindsight was not the best thing to do as we had to face the "rollercoaster" again.
The first stop of the day was 75mile beach and the Maheno shipwreck. We had to drive down "snake alley" first and Craig told us to look out of the window for snakes basking in the early morning sun. There are 19 species of snake on the island and 6 are deadly, when he told us that little gem I was ready to pack up and leave the island. Craig managed to somehow drive and spot a small carpet python basking in the sun. Everyone then piled out of the bus to take its picture. I stayed in the bus until we left "snake alley" as it was far too dangerous for me to get out of the bus.
75mile beach and the Maheno shipwreck were amazing and it was awesome driving fairly fast along the beach. It was interesting to find out that police sometime speedtrap along this beautiful beach.
The sun came out and warmed us up just as we arrived at the champayne pools. Alan got my shorts soaked as he dragged me kicking and screaming into a high wave. There was quite alot of marine wildlife in the little rock pools which was quite interesting including a small octopus.
After lunch, we walked up to Indian Head and saw stingrays in the crystal clear water below. The heavens then opened and we all got absolutely drenched.
Afternoon tea was served at Eli Creek, a freshwater creek that runs down the beach and into the sea. A couple of eels live in this creek but I didn't see any.
We finished day 2 with a few beers, a game of pool and a mexican buffet.
Fraser Island Day 1
There are many different ways that you can tour Fraser Island the most popular of which is the self drive 4x4 safari, where you get crammed into Toyota Landcruiser with nine other people and get sent off to the Island with a dodgy map and a few tents. Although this might sound fun, we heard some bad things so we opted for the 4x4 bus tour staying in lodges fully catered (sound expensive but once you added in all the stealth costs for the self drive it was about the same and we had hot showers!).
On day one we had to get up ridiculously early at about 6am to get the ferry over to the Island.
Once on the Island we met our ranger guide Craig (a kiwi bloke who used to work on the Franz Josef glacier) on the jetty and it was straight to our first job - making badges with our names on and decorating them to look nice. The best badge would win a jug of beer.
With badges stuck to our jumpers it was off to our first stop the Basin lake. Because that Fraser Island is made entirely of sand even the roads it was a little hard going, with even the road out of the resort being termed the rollacoaster.
We had a short walk from the bus down to Basin lake in which to regain our land legs after a bus journey that felt more like a rough boat ride. Then we saw the lake it looked amazing with dark yet clear water and bright white sand.
From Basin lake we had a 45 minute walk to central station for our lunch. The walk took us through the forest and along a stream so clear you could bearly see the water. Once at central station we found Craig who had set out the most amazing buffet lunch for us (catering for more like 50 than 13).
After lunch we embarked on another was through the forest of pile valley to see the oldest, widest tree on the Island ufortunately we managed to walk straight past it with knowing which one it was.
Our final stop of the day was at lake McKenzie. This lake was simple breathtaking with it dark blue water and it contrasting white sand it looked like a true piece of paradise, only spoilt by the large number of people on the beach. Although I was ready with swimmers in my bag I chickened out on going for a dip as the water and the air were just a little too cold for me.
After we finished taking in the sites of the lake we when back to the picnic around for afternoon tea where much to our delight we had our first dingo sight which excited two English girls on our tour no end.
On the way back to the resort Craig announced the best badge and amongst some confusion Samantha told me it was me but much to my later disapointment it turn out to be one of the English girls Helen.
Strangly after a large buffet dinner and a few beers everyone went to bed around 9pm.
On day one we had to get up ridiculously early at about 6am to get the ferry over to the Island.
Once on the Island we met our ranger guide Craig (a kiwi bloke who used to work on the Franz Josef glacier) on the jetty and it was straight to our first job - making badges with our names on and decorating them to look nice. The best badge would win a jug of beer.
With badges stuck to our jumpers it was off to our first stop the Basin lake. Because that Fraser Island is made entirely of sand even the roads it was a little hard going, with even the road out of the resort being termed the rollacoaster.
We had a short walk from the bus down to Basin lake in which to regain our land legs after a bus journey that felt more like a rough boat ride. Then we saw the lake it looked amazing with dark yet clear water and bright white sand.
From Basin lake we had a 45 minute walk to central station for our lunch. The walk took us through the forest and along a stream so clear you could bearly see the water. Once at central station we found Craig who had set out the most amazing buffet lunch for us (catering for more like 50 than 13).
After lunch we embarked on another was through the forest of pile valley to see the oldest, widest tree on the Island ufortunately we managed to walk straight past it with knowing which one it was.
Our final stop of the day was at lake McKenzie. This lake was simple breathtaking with it dark blue water and it contrasting white sand it looked like a true piece of paradise, only spoilt by the large number of people on the beach. Although I was ready with swimmers in my bag I chickened out on going for a dip as the water and the air were just a little too cold for me.
After we finished taking in the sites of the lake we when back to the picnic around for afternoon tea where much to our delight we had our first dingo sight which excited two English girls on our tour no end.
On the way back to the resort Craig announced the best badge and amongst some confusion Samantha told me it was me but much to my later disapointment it turn out to be one of the English girls Helen.
Strangly after a large buffet dinner and a few beers everyone went to bed around 9pm.
Rainbow Beach
We didn't see any rainbows in Rainbow Beach but we did see some multicoloured sand and an enormous sand dune (the Carlos Sandblow) on the top of a cliff.
Rainbow Beach is a small town on the Fraser Coast, it only has 1000 people living in the town. We planned to have 2 nights here, which in hindsight was probably too long at this time of year (winter). It was a bit too chilly to sunbathe on the beach so we headed to the tourist information office to ask about any walks/sights in the area.
Something we have noticed about the Queensland Aussies - they seem to have lost the use of there legs. They drive everywhere and also like maniacs. So when we asked how far away the sandblow was, the first thing they asked was did we have a car. After the look of horror had passed from the info blokes face, he told us it would take about 40mins to walk as it was uphill all the way. That was fine with me as it would be downhill all the way back.
Rainbow Beach is a small town on the Fraser Coast, it only has 1000 people living in the town. We planned to have 2 nights here, which in hindsight was probably too long at this time of year (winter). It was a bit too chilly to sunbathe on the beach so we headed to the tourist information office to ask about any walks/sights in the area.
Something we have noticed about the Queensland Aussies - they seem to have lost the use of there legs. They drive everywhere and also like maniacs. So when we asked how far away the sandblow was, the first thing they asked was did we have a car. After the look of horror had passed from the info blokes face, he told us it would take about 40mins to walk as it was uphill all the way. That was fine with me as it would be downhill all the way back.
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