The Kimberley Drive The drive from Katherine to the Kimberley region was really picturesque, with its constantly changing scenery it made the journey through the small towns of Australians northern outback a really enjoyable experience. One minute we were driving through a rugged hilly area, the next through a vast endless plain filled with bizarre shaped boab trees and other random plantlife and exotic features. Our first stop after Katherine was the tiny dot on the map of Victoria River, population of about 50 or so. The campsite was basic but nice enough and we met a curious but comedic old Aussie bloke who had converted an old Greyhound bus into a motorhome which was literally four times the size of our van, big enough for its own specific beer fridge. We could only dream. Losing ... read more

Touring the Top End The train journey on the famous Ghan up to Darwin offered incredible views of the Aussie outback and a really unique experience but unfortunately possibly the worst nights sleep ever due to the not-so reclining seats and noise of the train. So it was with a fair bit of exhaustion we entered Darwin and the very next morning (we hadn't planned this very well at all) were back on a 4WD truck for a 2 day trip around Kakadu National Park. With only 9 on a trip meant for 16 people there was a lot of space and a lot more food and opportunity to befriend our guide and learn as much as possible about life in the Northern Territories and the environment. We started with a boat cruise along the Adelaide ... read more

Autumn and Winter in Melbourne We managed to fit a bit more into the final couple of months in Melbourne despite the fact that we were working full-time and triyng to save for the rest of our trip. We paid a visit to Melbourne Zoo which had an excellent collection of bears, lions, tigers and monkeys, all in a huge natural setting with plenty of wandering space for both us and the animals. We also took a boat cruise down the Yarra River on a sunny Autumnal day from Southbank to the quaint seaside town of Williamstown, just the other side of the bay from St Kilda. Somehow we even managed to end back up at the Neigbours Nights again where we got to meet (and abuse) the 'stars' as well as receive another rasping performance ... read more

Settling down We spent all of January fruitlessly looking for jobs. The economy was shaky and nobody wanted to hire Brits so we consoled ourselves by taking up jogging around Albert Park and relaxing on the beach as well as going out with friends around Melbourne. We both had numerous interviews with agencies, and in between stopping businessmen getting mugged (ask Paul...) and seeing Suze's aunty and uncle we were pretty much busy the whole month just seeing some sights and doggedly trying to get jobs to pay the rent. Back to reality, back to work Suze managed to find a telesales job in the city working on commision, not the best job but in a great location in the CBD and it was money coming in which was important. Paul got a telesales role for ... read more

Touching down in Oz Alas! We arrived in Sydney, excited to be back in Australia and in familiar territory. We stayed in Base in the middle of the city and started out by seeing the usual tourist places such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge (can't get tired of those views) and we head to Darling Harbour for some food in the evening and a quiet stroll. We also had the opportunity to a little bit of Christmas shopping, it was starting to feel a little more Christmassy now with all the decorations up around the city but still difficult to get used to the heat. We speant a really nice day in Bondi checking out the shops, not that we could afford anything mind, and some time by the beach and also spent ... read more