Well here we are in Sydney. Arrived just in time for supper on the Circular Quay with this view of the bridge as our backdrop. Wow! Can't wait to get out exploring and to meet a few locals. Whilst here we are seeing Alex, Angela & Peter's son and Val, Tony's sister. Weather clear but definitely need a few more layers on down south.

Today we headed for the hills and the Aboriginal village of Karunda in some of the oldest rainforest on the planet. Our guide for the day was Glen a real Aussie Guy who says things like " fair dinkum" and " stubbies". The sort of chap you would feel safe with if you came across a 9 meter croc (we saw some from a distance thankfully swimming away from us) when you were not expecting to or even a large boa constrictor. We were told in full detail by Glen How he had...

Our day to the rain forest was postponed this morning so we were forced to have a day chilling out in Port Douglas. Not much of a hardship really with all the lovely pools and jacuzzi's in our hotel. We did stir ourselves for a bit of a coastal walk but temperatures touching 30 we were soon forced back to the pool with books and drinks. Really good to have a quiet day but hopefully we will make it to the rainforest tomorrow which is our last day in the tropics ...

Arrived safely in Port Douglas. After a big sleep now heading off for a day snorkelling on the barrier reef. More later. Hx

Our first day ever in Australia and we spent it on The great Barrier Reef. What a way to kick off our Austalian Adventure. We set out this morning with some slight trepidation. Have been reading Bill Brysons excellent book on Down Under (thanks Min) and he is quite obsessed with all the lethal flora and fauna to be found in this beautiful country including 20 of the 23 most deadly snakes. He also describes in some depth what it is like to be stung by a box jell...