Brisbane in a Day. I think Newcastle is such a great airport to fly from. Easily accessible, easy to park car and easy to check in and get to the gate. I think we accomplished all, together with coffee in hand in just 10minutes. We spent the quick 1 1/4 hr reading and snoozing and contemplating the plethora of key developments up the coast. Wouldn't like to own property there with imminent sea level rise. We waited patiently for the lurid green campa from Jucy. Self considered possibility that campa rates are low as they simply don't employ enough staff. All very pleasant though and despite me feeling dangerously wobbly we set out to do Brisbane in a day! Interesting contrasts between the ultra Dubai look-alike towers and the colonial masterpieces dotted around the central ... read more

Preparing for Brisbane Oh, you might say, how boring! Australians seem to have a 'thing' about Brisbane, deriding its parochialness and small town mentality. I think it might be a leftover from the awful Jo or is it Joe who tainted so much of Queensland with his huge brush. Should that be tarred then? The travel blog is a way for me to become used to this before we head off on a wonderful trip to India at the end of the year. It will also force me to keep writing as I do my Masters. We were hoping for warm weather but unfortunately I think Newie and Brisbane will be on a par and of course even colder when you are sleeping in a camper van. We aim to do a circuit around Brisbane visiting ... read more