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Published: August 15th 2008
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G'day all and welcome to our final blog from wonderful Australia.
In our last update we were half way through our time at Mission Beach and it's fair to say that the last 2 weeks went pretty much the same as the first 2, very relaxing. So relaxing in fact that over a few drinks on our last Friday night in town we decided we needed an adrenaline shot before hitting the road again. Tina opted for another sky-dive whilst I chose white water rafting. So, in a slightly hung-over state the next morning Tina signed up for a 14,000 feet (4,300m) skydive over Mission Beach. Jumping from 2,000 feet higher than our jumps in NZ would give her an extra 15 seconds free-fall and mean that this time she would be jumping from above the cloud base. She describes the experience as such;
"Going up in a tiny plane second time around was much less nerve-wracking. We passed the grey clouds at 5,000 feet and my instructor told me we would free fall 9,000 feet through them before opening the chute. This time I loved the free fall, the sky was a gorgeous deep blue, the sun was
Many rivers to cross
The look on my face is not fear but concern for fellow passengers begining to set and there were rainbows on the surface of the clouds. It was totally adrenaline popping. falling through the clouds was mind blowing and when the chute opened I was allowed to steer for a while over the beauty of Mission Beach & Dunk Island. Two jumps and I think I'm hooked. My instructor warned me not to do a third as there would then be no turning back. I think i've found my extreme sport of choice"
The next day I set out for 5 hours of white water rafting on the mighty Tully River. The rapids were all grade III to IV and inbetween negotiating them the scenery was magnificent. Pristeen virgin rain forest mixed with sheer rock faces and canyon walls punctuated by numerous water falls as well as volcanic lava flows. After 5 exhasting but enjoyable hours my only disapointment was that in each of the official photos I looked terrified, whereas my own recollections were of laughing throughout. And they say the camera never lies.
After these activities we were ready to pack up and head back to Cairns in order to sell the car. After this experience we doubt either
of us would be cut out for a career in used car sales! It was 10 frustrating days of making up posters and staring at the mobile phone, waiting for it to ring. Still, Cairns was a pleasant enough place to while away 10 days and we finally resigned ourselves to driving the car to Brisbane and then selling it for scrap. Just as we were preparing to leave we suddenly had 2 offers and couldn't believe our luck. We sold to a young German couple who obviously didn't understand the term 'Or Near Offer' as they paid us the full asking price without even haggling.
With our pockets (well Tina's) bulging with cash we booked a hire car for the 1,200 mile (2,000KM) drive to Brisbane and set off down the backroads heading south. It was the Cane crushing season so the air was filled with the sweet smell of molasses but even sweeter to us was the fact we were driving a brand new car and had enough cash to stay in some plush hotels and apartments along the way.
One of our first stops was Airlie Beach, access point for the world famous Whitsunday Islands.
We took a day sailing trip out to Whitehaven beach with its impossibly beautiful views, which are apparently the 4th most photographed scene in Australia. White quartz sands give the waters an intense turquoise colour and we spent a couple of hours swimmimg with baby sharks and numerous rays who had an unquenchable curiousity for human toes. After lunch on board ship we visited Manta Ray Bay for some snorkelling over an impressive reef system. Loads of fish, great coral etc and then more sailing around the islands before arriving back in Airlie as the sun set.
One overnight stop with an unusual claim to fame was Yeppoon, home to the annual Coo-ee calling championships (you couldn't make it up). Walking along Coo-ee Beach we did try hailing a few likely looking coves but with limited response.
Further south we stopped at Hervey Bay. With great reports on the radio about whales we booked onto a whale watching cruise. Sailing past Frazer Island we came upon a pod of 3 asolescent Humpback Whales who seemed intent on showing off to us. Loads of head lunges, tail slaps and circling the boat waving thier flippers to an adoring public.
We even witnessed several breaches which are apparently very rare at that time of year. All in all we probably saw about a dozen whales close up but were told that in October it's wall to wall with up to 100 being sighted on any one day as they make thier way south to colder waters.
About 1/2 an hour south of Brisbane we stopped for a couple of nights on the Gold Coast, Australia's version of Florida/Miami. We spent a morning on Surfer's Paradise which naturally enough has great beaches and great surf. Unfortunately we sold our boards with the car so had to content ourselves with a bit of body boarding instead. We spent a couple of nights here and visited 2 of the Theme parks, Wet 'N' Wild (Great fun) and Movie World (Poor version of the Disney parks). These probably won't count as cultural highlights but were great in terms of R&R.
Our final 4 days in Australia were spent in Brisbane at the home of Phillip and Nita, friends we met in The Galapagos a couple of years ago. They gave us a good tour of the Brisbane hinterland and scenic regions around
Hello Sailor!
Sailing around Moreton Bay the cities' North West which was great. We also had the chance to sail around Moreton Bay on Phillip's 42 ft yacht Capriccio, which was a perfect way to spend our last day. We were lucky enough to sail within feet of dolphins and also to catch brief glimpses of 2 Dugongs (Manatee) as they surfaced by the boat.
So, that's the end of our Australian leg of the trip. 9 Months down and 'only' 3 to go. We've got a lot planned for the next 3 so are really excited to be moving on but we've certainly had a wonderful time in Oz; Mind blowing scenery, really friendly people, loads of whacky animals and the sheer scale and variety of the country have all helped to create a wonderful experience. Never say never again.
We're off to Singapore for a few days now and then Malaysia, so until next time, missing you all,
D&T
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Stuart E
non-member comment
Ropes
Mr Smith, I note with interest that your white water rafting was less eventful than the trip we shared at Vic Falls. Must admit that I'm glad to hear that there were no idiots on this trip trying to strangle you with the saftey rope whilst you tried desperately to get back into the raft - oh well maybe next time. Look after yourself and give Mrs Bear a hug from me. Stuart