Surfing in Byron Bay

Rainbow Beach Photos

Noosa Photos

Day 77 - Fraser Island to Hervey Bay

Up bright and early for breakfast and leave the resort at 8am.

Our first stop is paddle boarding (standing up on a surf board with an oar). I've seen quite alot of people doing this on my travels and it looks quite easy, however we had inflatable boards it was much harder, even our guide was struggling. Good fun trying though.

From there we went for lunch at another resort, they really are feeding us well.

After lunch we drove down the beach, parked up and headed off for a 2.5km walk to another lake, walking through the rain forest to stay and then through the sand dunes, was a tough walk but well worth the effort, the lake set at the bottom of a massive sand dune with rain forest on the other side. Stayed to train so we headed back, a much more speedy walk going back.

Then headed back to drop some people off who were heading back to Rainbow Beach and we headed back to the resort to catch our ferry to Hervey Bay. The ferry took about an our which was Ok because we got to watch the sunset again and watch the dolphins swimming around the boat.

Of the boat the other side and all headed off to our respective accommodation, mine is very quaint, only a 4 bed dorm and s double room in the place and only 3 people staying there tonight. Suits me to have another quiet night.

Took a walk down to the sea front to find some food before heading back to the hostel.

Day 76 - Fraser Island

Unfortunately due to a slight hangover and needing to get on the Internet to arrange some stuff I had to skip the tour today.

Eventually got out of bed at 11 and walked down suicide hill as they call it to get to the reception and find some Internet to book some stuff for a couple of days time. And then reluctantly walked back up suicide hill (I know why that's what they call it now) back to the lodge and just chilled out reading for the rest of the afternoon until the group got back.

Back to the Dingo Bar for dinner and drinks and playing a bit of pool. Said goodbye to the people on the 2 day tour add they headed back to the mainland, I'm sure I'll bump into them at some point, everyone seems to be doing the same trip.

Day 75 - Fraser Island

Picked up at 7.45 from the hostel in Rainbow Beach, a few more pickups including the two girls (Amy and Lottie) I spent the day at the zoo with, small world. Then about a 15 minute drive to the ferry.

Got to a point still on the mainland and the driver says, "this is the lady tarmac you'll see for 3 days", sure enough two seconds later we're out on to the beach and straight on to the ferry.

Off the other side again on to the beach, and we start speeding down the coast feet away from the ocean, pretty cool, we then turn off to a resort for morning tea.

From there we head up to Lake McKenzie, driving along bumpy sand roads, I now know why nothing other than 4x4's are aloud on the island, nothing else would stand a chance. The driver is hurtling down these roads so fast we are lifting of our seats.

We arrive at Lake Mckenzie which is absolutely spectacular, it's purely rain water, no salt at all, and so clear, going for a swim in there was just amazing.

From there we left the people who were just on a day tour and joined up with the rest of our group doing 2/3 day tours. I watched as the others got off their bus, one bloke among them, and I later found out he doesn't speak a word of English. So that's now 14 girls and 2 guys, I think I'm used to that know after my Asia tours.

From there another bouncy drive to our staying point for our walk, we walked about 20 minutes to another lake which was interesting as this one actually had things living in it. From there we continued or walk for another 30 minutes through the rain forest which was nice, meeting up with our guide at other end with tea and cookies.

Another bouncy drive to our second walk, again through the rain forest for about 30 minutes to a stream at the other end which was clear and still it was actually kind of eerie. At that point we had reached Central Station which was where the loggers were based before the island was declared a heritage site, it was quite interesting seeing all the machinery left behind and learning about the didn't types of timber they took and what for, apparently some was used to rebuild London docks after the war. Another 30 minute walk along the steam which was lovely and serene apart from all the girls jabbering on without even taking a look at where they were.

From the back to the resort, we made our way down to the beach and watched the sunset (one of the most beautiful I've seen), while our guide gave out the room keys. Couldn't believe my luck as he said "James you appear to have a room to yourself". Absolutely amazing as just yesterday I was thinking I could do with a night in my own room, although I did get quite a bit of grief of the girls.

Into our rooms, quick showers and down to the Dingo bar for dinner and drinks, got a bit messy as this was the first time I could afford to drink, drinking games, dancing on tables, not sure I'll be able to listen to Mumford & Sons again without laughing to myself.

Absolutely great day and amazing night.

Day 74 - Noosa to Rainbow Beach

Up bright and early again thanks to others alarms. Checked out so early decided to forgo the free shuttle bus and have a slow walk up to the station.

Arrived into Rainbow Beach at about 12.15pm, checked in and by 1pm I'd had lunch and seen the whole town, this place is tiny, therefore going to see if I can rearrange my Fraser Island tour to drop me back to Hervey Bay instead.

Out for another walk to see if I missed anything and no I didn't, however did see a wedding overlooking the beach. A nice setting apart from the car park about 20ft away and obviously tourists walking about.

One of the worst nights I've had so far, everyone being so noisy and even saying to each other, why do you care what people think, you're not going to see these people again. Really getting sick of hostels, no one has any decency or consideration for others. Pity I can't afford to stay in a room of my own, just once would nice.