Day 72 - Noosa Heads

Up bright and early as I've planned a day of trekking/limping.

2.2km down to the National Park. Started off with a short 1km walk through the rainforest, very nice and lots of little signs telling you about different things. On the basis of that walk I went for a 7.7km combining rainforest and the coastal walk. Found it very nice albeit hard work, through the rainforest to start and then the paths turned to sand which I found surprising as I was a good 1.5km from the coast and well above sea level. Got to the half way point on the coast, 'Hells Gates', basically a little cove where the sea crashes off the rocks quite violently, one photographer trying to get the best possible shot with his mate holding on to his belt as he hung over the edge. From there continued along the coastal walk, saw lots of surfers in strange places where the only way to go war towards rocks and not the beach, I guess they know what they're doing though. Eventually back to the main entrance whew I had some lunch and the fright of my life, a Guana (I asked), walked underneath my take and I only noticed it when I heard rustling, can't believe how big this thing was just wondering around.

From there I took another 2km walk up (and I mean up) to Laguna Lookout. The route I'd chosen was up once of the steepest roads I'd ever seen, made it to the top, caught my breath and took a look, this view was definitely worth the effort getting there, it was absolutely spectacular, looking out over the whole of Noosa, I took several pictures but they just don't do it justice. After sitting and staring for a good hour, I took the short downhill 1.6km walk back to the hostel. Needless to say I was exhausted and just collapsed for a couple of hours.

Out tonight for a quick pint and to the cinema to see Guardians of the Galaxy, i know it's geeky but couldn't wait any longer, love the Marvel films.

Back to the hostel, struggled to sleep as all the French people seem to have found each other and congregated outside our room.

Another great day, loved the national park, so happy there is something other than beaches here.

Day 71 - Australia Zoo

Up bright and early, 6am to catch the bus to Australia Zoo. Two girls (Amy and Lotti) from my room were also going so I tagged along with them and their friend Russell for the day. At the Greyhound desk I was convinced to buy my ticket to the zoo as I would beat the queues, got to the zoo and there were no queues apart from the desk for people who had paid in advance 😠.

30 minutes later we're in and considering we had 6 hours on our hands we didn't stop. We saw alligators, koalas, tortoises, iguanas, koalas, snakes, crocodiles, koalas, camels, kangaroos, wombats, tasmanian devils (which look nothing like the cartoon), various birds, koalas, red pandas (I think my favourite), tigers, koalas, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, oh and did i mention koalas, sorry but there were alot of them.

I was worried about the prices for extras (photos) as I'd looked on the website before going, but they do things quite well, lots of handlers walking around with various animals for you to get your photo with and ask questions about. The kangaroos in particular you simple walk around in their section and do pretty much what you like. Caught the lunchtime show with various birds of prey flying around, one with a wingspan of 3 metres. Then the crocodile show which was quite good.

All in all a very good day and a great zoo.

Back on the bus at 4pm to head to my next destination Noosa. Arrived about 6pm, had a quick power nap and went for a walk around.  I've now found the pizza hut (of all places) is the cheapest way to eat, $5 (£3) for a large pizza! Carried on walking down to the beach and along the coast a bit. My hostel is quite a bit away from the coast and I figured out why, the coastal part to Noosa is very beautiful and therefore the more expensive hotels have claimed the coast.

Back to the hostel to rest up for more walking tomorrow.

A great day, one of the best in oz so far!

Day 70 - Brisbane

Started off with a walk to the Brisbane Cultural Centre on the South Bank, went to the Museum to start with. Some interesting exhibits and very varied, just wish they had told me the sciencentre was basically a kids spy tour, that was $10 wasted.

Then onto the Art Gallery which made up for it as it was free, again alot of variation in the art and was also very interesting, I really don't get the modern stuff though, some of them look like my nephews could've painted them.

Back to the hostel to try and arrange the rest of my trip, this took hours and hours. And also to get packed ready for a 6.30am start tomorrow.

Day 69 - Brisbane

Woke up at 9am but didn't get out until 11am because of waiting for the bathroom to free up. One of the downfalls of hostels.

Went for a walk down to the pier to catch the city hopper, a free boat service that goes up and down the river all day. Was quite nice seeing the city from the river.

Then walked to the XXXX Brewery (which wasn't the 15 minutes away I was told, more like 45 minutes). Took a tour around the brewery which was interesting especially that they try to mimic what the brewery does in Burton On Trent (England knows best when it comes to beer). Included 4 samples of the different beers they brew, honestly apart from the first one (a lite beer) they all tasted the same.

Back to the hostel for a short rest before heading back out tonight. Took the boat trip again which was nice seeing the city all lit up, much nicer to be fair.

Day 68 - Brisbane

Out bright and early this morning for a walk along the South Bank, very nicely done up including a fake beach. Came across the finish line for the Brisbane marathon so watched a few runners / limpers coming in. Then a walk through the Botanic Gardens back into the city. Got to the main shopping area and there was a band (Buddha in a Chocolate Box) playing, really quite good, might have to download some of their music. Carried on walking around the city, came across several churches and the Anzac war memorial. Back to the hostel for lunch and a rest.

The rest turned into sleeping all night, must have needed it.

Day 67 - Coolangatta to Brisbane

Up quite late add not feeling well, not sure how catch man flu in this heat. Chris very kindly dropped me at the bus stop ready to head up to Brisbane. A massive thank you to both Chris and Lil for letting me stop, it was nice just being to do what I wanted when I wanted.

A short 2 hour journey to Brisbane. Checked in to the messiest room I've ever seen. Straight out for a walk around, considering I'm stopping in the centre is amazingly quiet. Saw quite a few sites and so far the city looks very nice, I find it a bit odd that they've lined the beautiful River with a motorway though. Saw the town hall, the government building, Botanic Gardens, a church converted into a pancake house. Out again on the night to see everything lit up along the river, very nicely done.

Quite tired so an early night hoping I'm feeling better tomorrow.

Day 66 - Coolangatta

Not much done today. Went to play golf at a local course with Chris. Considering I haven't played in about a year i shot a respectable 85, if only it wasn't a par 61 course, did manage one birdie though. Some interesting local rules including footwear and shirts must be worn at all times.

Went for lunch at a local fish and chip shop, which is a little different over here, there was a massive fish counter with loads of fresh fish ready to cook and no batter. Not quite sure how Chris thinks this is a proper chippy.

Back to Chris and Lils and spent the rest of the day planning the rest of the trip and getting ready to head up to Brisbane tomorrow.