Blogs from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Oceania - page 18

Geo: -27.4676, 153.028We were locked into destination "home". But we did need a little top up for fuel in Cairns. And this was a full "Welcome to Australia you need to go through customs" stop over. It was a relief to be let back into the country and nobody thought Mac was Chinese AND he had to curb the whole photo bombing thing! It was truly a quick turn around. Just time for a western toilet stop and a cup of coffee.....a coffee taste we recognised.Back on board: a flight path that followed the coastline, a smooth landing and into the welcoming arms of Anthony. Well almost! First a little bit of duty free top up in the alcohol department followed by being ignored by the sniffer dogs and a quick usher through Customs without incident. ... read more

Geo: -27.4676, 153.028All packed and the taxi picks us up tomorrow at 6:30am.Lucy is staying with the kind Aunty Jan and Uncle Leo.... read more

North Stradbroke Island is a short ferry crossing from the outer suburbs of Brisbane. It is a wonderful island with great sea views, beaches, walks and there are many birds, animals and marine life to watch out for. We travelled and stayed mid week so it was very peaceful. The sea crossing was flat calm and from the ferry terminal it was a short drive to our lodgings at Lookout Point. We enjoyed the superb gorge walk at Loookout Point with magnificent ocean and beach views. I played golf the next day and was watched by a large kangaroo family, no doubt unimpressed by my poor golfing skills. Afterwards we visited the beautiful nearby Brown Lake and then drove to Amity. We watched a friendly Koala bear and then saw some dolphins swimming alongside the pier. ... read more

Everyone should have a bucket list. A list of things you swear to do before you die. #2 on my bucket list is hugging a Koala. To do this I would have to head to Queensland state in Australia. Most other states in Australia allow you to see Koalas and get close but not touch them. So I did some research and located Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Brisbane. They allow you to hug them but keep strict limits on how long the Koalas do this in a day. So the key is to get there early so you don't miss your opportunity. The hostel has free breakfast so I helped myself to some toast and jam. I was planning on taking a bus to the sanctuary and the train to the Gold Coast. After some ... read more

Geo: -27.4676, 153.028A hectic week but the hour had finally arrived ... Friday evening at last and we were at Terminal 1, Gate 79 waiting for our flight.A great day at work to finish the week and celebrate 60 with a little touch of The Great Wall with my very own birthday cake extravaganza created by Julie-Anne. A pizza lunch with the staff, a few last minute jobs and at 4.10 pm with lights flashing - I was "outa there"..... and it may be hard to believe, but I was "outa there....with narry a backwards glance".Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Mac was slaving away doing all things domestic. I roared up the driveway to the echoing sound of the lawn mower roaring in the backyard....cutting it a bit fine I'd say. But in reality we had ... read more