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Published: August 8th 2007
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Coff's Harbour lighthouse
The leaning the same way as the lighthouse to fit everything in didn't quite work as planned! Another big update for you! Since the Whitsundays Erin and I have been city hopping on our greyhound tickets. We went straight to Mackay after the sailing trip and got there early evening, stopped one night and put our bags into storage for an explore the next day. Erin tried to kill me by encouraging me to walk to Mackay Harbour - a walk that took us down a dual carriageway, there was a cycle path and a few police cars went past and didn't arrest us so I think it was okay but a bit hairy. We also had cars pulling over all the time offering us lifts from a few unsavoury characters which we declined. The harbour has a nice lighthouse and was clear blue skies so we took a walk to the surf club which was just like Summer Bay out of Home and Away. We had a fishermans basket and then caught the 10 hour overnight bus to Bundaberg - home of Bundaberg rum. It was late when we left so it wasn't too bad as we slept most of the way but you definately end up with stiff legs at the end of it!
Got
Bundaberg Rum Factory
Me with my Bundys (and vouchers for more!!) to Bundaberg before we could check in and saw all the international backpackers being picked up by the farmers to go fruitpicking - just watching that convinced me it definately wasn't my cup of tea!! Once we had checked in we went on a tour of the Bundaberg rum factory which was interesting and for about 5 pounds we got the tour and two free drinks at the end. The barman took a fancy to Erin so we got a few extra cocktails and he gave us the vouchers other people left behind so we had an afternoon of Bundaberg in the sun! After that we went to the free zoo which consisted of a few different kinds of birds and a kangaroo. The next day we were on the move again and got to Hervey Bay and booked our trip for a guided 3 day trip of Fraser Island the next day.
Fraser Island was amazing, it is the largest sand island in the world and visitors either go on a guided tour of the island or a 4 wheel self drive. Erin and I didn't like the thought of getting ourselves out of sand holes that others
Group photo!
Our Fraser Island tour group! told us about and wanted a 2 day tour that made sure we saw all the highlights. We got the ferry over and were met by our ranger guide, who was scarily like Buzz Lightyear (nicknamed Buzz from hereon), he drove a big 4 wheel drive truck which he put his foot to the floor when driving and took us on a top speed rollercoaster ride of the island. Apparently putting your foot down and flying over the bumps is the best way not to get stuck! We actually took off at one point, wearing a seatbelt was definately a must! There is a video from Erin's camera called untitled by my profile pic on this entry - turn the volume up too for typical Australia! We got told of all the dangerous snakes and spiders living on the island and then went for a bush walk (argh) to Basin Lake which was a lake above sea level which was a basin for all the rain water. Then we went to Central Station which is a boardwalk over rainforest and Wanggoolba Creek and we were joined by a lizard for dinner. In the afternoon we went to Mackenzie Lake which
Buzz on film!
Our tour guide on film for a promo video for Fraser Island is crystal clear waters and snow like sand then back to the lodge at ridiculous miles per hour with Land Downunder and We Like to Move It on the radio.
It was an all inclusive trip so we had our tea at the lodge then went to Cool Dingoes, a bar on the island where we stayed drinking cocktails for the evening with camp novelty dancing from Buzz and an american guy to an assortment of songs - very amusing!
By 8am the next morning we were off again driving down 75 mile beach in the truck listening to the Beatles when someone on the bus shouted whale! We all watched and saw the blow hole spray from a massive whale. The humpback whales are currently migrating south from Antarctica to warmer waters to give birth. We got out of the truck to watch and Buzz got us ugari shells which are shells that bury themselves back in the sand when you put them down - we had a couple with lunch later on! We then went to see the Maheno Shipwreck that was used as a hospital boat in WW1 and has been stranded since 1935 on
A classic travelling shot
Walking up a sand blow in Fraser Island the beach at Fraser Island. Erin thought it was very amusing when I went to pose by the boat, still dressed in hoody and jeans, only to sink in the sand to the top of my jeans (see picture!).
The guide suggested we go to see a sandblow which are like huge desert hills and pointed to the best spot for seeing whales. We climbed up to Indian Head which was a horrible climb that I was sure I'd never get back down again but it was well worth it. From the top we saw 4 huge humpback whales slapping fins, belly flopping out of the water and squirting huge blow holes into the air, all about 200 metres away. After watching for a while their dolphin friends came to join them - one of lifes breathtaking moments.
Yet again I let Erin lead the way back to the truck and she took us the wrong way so we ended up at a steep mound of rocks which she assured me I would get down. She suggested going down the first bit on my bottom which I did and then lost footing and went down the whole soily
Guess who just fell down a hill?
Have you ever seen me looking so grubby and so pleased to be that way!?! thing on my backside. Fortunately it was steep and smooth so I shot down, laughing for some reason whilst Erin was in hysterics. The photo below shows the colour of me by the time I reached the bottom! I got called all sorts by the bottom, a 'bum' being the most common. The driver said I wasn't allowed in the coach as I looked like I didn't belong to anyone but luckily he was joking and got a bath in champagne pools. Champagne pools is a group of pools where the waves crash into the rock and shower bubbles over you - a bit cold but fun and got me clean. Whilst getting clean Buzz shouted to us and we all went to look out the sea where the whales were playing about 100 metres away - amazing! The day was nearly over and at this point (long story - ask me!) we decided to stay another night. I got to sit in the front cab of the truck which was like the scariest rollercoaster I've ever been on but a lot of fun (I'm getting braver!). We stopped for a walk down Eli Creek which was another first for
Champagne Pool
One of Australia's natural jacuzzis me! Another night in the bar and a few group photos that night.
On the final day we went to massive sand dunes overlooking Lake Wabby. A cameraman joined the now smaller group to make an international promotional video for the island, I did a testimonial interview which should be online soon. The weather was mid 20s which was great for the long walk we had back over the dunes, any hotter and it would have been unbearable. Very good leg exercise climbing sand. A few of the braver people (including Erin) went sandboarding here. Our sand dune walk ended at Eastern Beach and the day ended at Lake Birrabean where I was interviewed and a few people played volleyball. We sailed back to Hervey Bay to a beautiful sunset and then I had an early night and hugged my main backpack as it contained clean clothes and I had been resembling a hobo with a little day pack for the past few days!
We left for Brisbane yesterday and had a night out last night where we ran into two people we'd met before, small world!! There was a drinking competition which Erin and the people we'd
My turn to sit in the front!
Me in the passenger seat of our rollercoaster tour bus! met before entered and got into the semi finals. Brisbane is very much like Manchester city centre, busy but few sightseeing opportunities so we are going to Surfer's Paradise tomorrow then Byron Bay where Erin will be going on to Sydney and flying to New Zealand :-(
EDIT - I'm in Byron Bay now but haven't had photo facilties so have yet more to update but will do it later in the week.
Well this is a massive blog now so I'm going to go. I must say I am having the time of my life!!
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pam and alec
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what can we say but we wish we could see dolphins at home and not in the zoo . i swam with them in the dominican republic on my 21st birthday . love sharing your trip of a lifetime much love pam and alex