7000kms and still going!!!

Oceania » Australia » Victoria » Melbourne
December 21st 2012

Published: December 29th 2012

Hi one and all. Sorry it has been a while since the last blog but we have done so much and travelled a long way. We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to check out all of the photos. Unfortunately some haven't uploaded that well but don't worry they'll only be of beautiful scenery that will just make you jealous, lol. Whilst you may be cold and wet in old Blighty, fear not, as we to... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 65, Displayed: 21

I spy a Platypus

It took us a while but we finally got to see one

A koala

Lazing around in Rockhampton zoo. More on them later

What is this giant bird making their way through the bush?

Why could it be a cassowary?!

Cassowary

OK so this is actually one at Rockhampton's Zoo, but it was great to finally meet one.

My what big feet you have!

These are truely massive birds. They can grow upto 2m tall and attack with their claws. Though mostly they're in danger of getting hit by a car!

They have this big horn on their head too

As we never got a chance to see these in the wild it was great to visit the zoo. It was free as well so we went back again to catch another glimpse.

Having a barbie with our couchsurfing hosts

This is Wayne & Margot who hosted us in Rockhampton. A great couple who have hosted a lot of travellers. It is great to give something back in return. For dessert Fiona made up a rich coconut, chocolate & coffee mouse.

Mon Repos - Turtle Nesting

Queensland offers some great opportunities to view female turtles as they make their epic journey back to where they are born to lay their eggs

Just East of Bundaberg it is one of the best places to see turtles

When they leave shore as hatchlings only the females will ever see land again. They 'disappear' for 30 odd years before starting to mate.

They can grow over two metres in length

They prefer to come ashore at high tide so we had to wait until after midnight! There were a few of us but when they start laying they go into a type of trance. People can then move around and not distract them. Volunteers measure and tag them.

Lending a helping hand

The ladies lay over 150 eggs in each batch and will lay several times in each season (laying over 1000 eggs each season!). Sometimes they lay too low on the shore so to avoid the risk of flooding we moved the eggs further up. Temperature decides whether they will hatch as males or females.

The Brisbane skyline

A big city with plenty of coffee shops for F to enjoy. Sadly she didn't take to the 7eleven 1 dollar coffee. She did enjoy the free river taxi service which offered some great views.

I'm still scratching my head over this sign in Brissy

Surfers Paradise

Hot, busy with schoolies & travellers, traffic jams & bad coffee. We didn't stay! Lol Didn't seem much like paradise to us.

Byron Bay

Hippie Heaven. Beautiful views but very busy and yucky. We got to see some great views of dolphins. It is also the most easterly point on mainland Australia.

Sunset in Ballina

Just down from Byron Bay. Quieter, less touristy & beautiful views. It was one of the first times that I felt like settling somewhere in Australia.

Waterfall Way - heading to Armidale

It is great to come across these waterholes as you drive around Australia. They are fantastic for taking a dip to avoid the heat.

What a strike!

We've seen some great storms and this one in Armidale came right overhead!

Taking in the view

The landscape can change quite quickly as you drive across the country, or stuck in a traffic jam! The roads are pretty poor here, certainly away from Melbourne & Sydney. You have one lane major roads and sooo many roadworks

Hello!!

Long drives can mean you need to do something not to get bored. This is attempt 101....only joking

The mighty Murray River

The boundary between New South Wales & Victoria

29th December 2012

Tracey
non-member comment

Only me...
Great blog as always... Just up at this hour due to the windy conditions in England at mo... Nothing major xxxx

29th December 2012

Brenda Eggleton
non-member comment

Fantastic!
Thanks for the blogs Fiona and Mike, we've really enjoyed reading them. What a fantastic experience - how does it compare with America? Keep the blogs coming it's an educations for us! Take care xx

29th December 2012

Nicola
non-member comment

wow
Another great blog guys, so pleased you are having so much fun!! Have a great time in Sydney and a very Happy New Year to you both x

1st January 2013

Joan & Terry
non-member comment

Happy New Year
Today is New Years Day. Have greatly enjoyed your blog, especially as Vanessa & I have visited some of the places and brought back memories. We have a photo just like the one of Fi at the Blue Mountains overlooking the three sisters. Have a great time in Sydney. Hope to see you this year!!!! Joan & Terry

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