Blogs from Noosa, Queensland, Australia, Oceania

Having caught up with our sleep we woke up with the birds this morning. After packing up our luggage we walked down to the shops to grab breakfast and snacks for our coach journey. Our journey to Noosa was broken up with an Australian movie called The Castle which kept us entertained whilst enjoying muffins and iced mochas. As today was Wills birthday Jo had been in touch with the hostel, so Will was quiet surprised to find a decorated room with champagne and birthday cake when we checked in at Flashpackers just after lunch. Jo had also treated Will to a six pack of his favourite James Squire beer so the majority of the afternoon was spent catching up with bloggs over a couple of cold beers and champagne before we Skyped his parents to ... read more

After Byron Bay we stopped at Surfers Paradise for one day/night. I hadn't booked anything and this was a last minute decision. I was out the night before so was amazed I managed to get on the bus at 7:30 am the next day. Katie said to me whilst we were drinking in our hostel courtard 'You are the most laid back person I know, I love how you're due on a bus at half 7, you have no idea where you're going yet but you're out drinking tonight and loving it.' Ha, well those that know me at home know that that's how I roll! That's also the beauty of travelling, you don't have to have a plan, you can just go with the flow and be spontaneous. It's amazing, such a chilled life and ... read more

December 28th Mullumbimby to Noosa Time to brave the highway again…. Stopped at Tweed Heads for lunch in a tourist type park next to the Information Centre and the fish and chips was so greasy it went in the bin. Bluey wouldn’t even give it to Jessie! Shame. Pressed on to Noosa. Always going to be hard to find somewhere to stay with Jessie. “North Shore is only place for you with a dog” declared the Information Bureau, “but you will have to pay for the ferry from Tewantin”. “No worries, at least we can stay somewhere”….. mmmm… Winnie crossed on the ferry ($8 each way, I think it is $6 for cars). The camping ground was “under renovation”, but very disappointing, a tiny site, Winnie only just fitted and ended up ... read more

Sun 4 Mar ---------- Went to Apollo to get awning fixed first thing - no worries as they say in Aus. All fixed without fuss. Then on to Noosa River Caravan Park. However, before we went to the park we went to find some elderly relations of Geoff & Val, who actually live in a retirement complex in Noosa. They are both in their late 80s. After a few enquiries we managed to find their house (Villa 148) and gave them a bit of a shock as obviously they had no idea who we were. Anyway, we stayed and had a chat, took a few photos and after about an hour we left. Seems like Noosa would be a lovely little place, right on the river and with a little beach, but for the awful weather ... read more

7.2.12 Hungover this morning after last night. We drove to one of the quieter beaches to chill out. As we got out of the car we spotted koala bears in the trees above us, which was part of the national park. Our first sighting of koalas in the wild. Sophie wasn't feeling well having stomach cramps which didn't go away after paracetamol and deflatin. She was in agony for a few hours and pretty much collapsed in the car park and had to lie down in the shade. We then went to chemist who sorted her out with some tablets. It was funny because as soon as lunch time came she was better! Stuffing a sausage roll down and half of my pie! Emmy had to go back to Brisbane as she had work. We then ... read more

4.2.2012 Gagaju canoe trip We had our briefing at 8 O'clock, got our paddles, life jackets, canoes and we were off. No guide with us, just a group of 16 people left to navigate up the river by ourselves, bearing in mind some people had never even been in a canoe! He gave us crap directions as where to go which we managed to follow. We stopped for lunch on some random beach then were off back down the river, visiting a creek on the way, which was beautiful - the water gave off a mirror reflection and was so peaceful. There were three of us in the canoe, me, mike and some girl called Dee from Holland, who was probably the most annoying person we have met the whole time travelling! She was 18 and ... read more

3.2.12 Tony dropped us of in Brisbane city where we went to find a Post Office to send a parcel home. We had a sort out and decided that we were carrying to much stuff so we sent back unwanted clothes. We then headed to the bus station to catch the Greyhound to Noosa. We bumped into Sophie and Sarah from South America which was very random and had a quick catch up. We then had lunch and waited for our pick up to go to Gagaju Canoeing camp. On the way we saw some wild kangaroos for the first time. We drove through some camp grounds which people now lived. Big tents made into homes. It was a bit creepy and reminded of the Hills have eyes and we were thinking all the locals were ... read more

So finally arrived in australia on the 7th jan into cairns. Within the first hour of being here, realised 2 things it is very hot and very expensive. After a few mishaps at the airport of not being able to withdraw money and not being able to get a shuttle to the hostel we arrived at 'the asylum' our first nights stop in aus. A very basic hostel but had aircon and a bed which is what we needed for our first night even though it was full of 40 year old acoholic men who have been staying there for 4 months, so i think you can get the picture of the asylum. Didnt really do much in cairns just a stop over to sort out our bus ticket, the greyhound to get down to brisbane, ... read more

For those who don't know, we went to Noosa on Boxing day and came back on New Years day. It's on the Sunshine Coast about 2 hours north of the Gold Coast and absolutely stunning- beautiful coastlines/beaches and national parks- a good place to do not much!! We borrowed Jemma and Dave's tent and had a lovely little break, pottering about and cooking budget meals on a little stove. We went on a few day trips such as to the 'World's largest Ginger Factory' and 'The Big Pineapple (exciting stuff) and drove a scenic way home via the Glasshouse mountains and a famous wonky pub! xx... read more