Highlight of the last week has undoubtedly been the Great Barrier Reef and here is just one of the unusual and exotic species that we encountered. Thanks to Sophie for taking this photo - getting close to these fearsome sea monsters at great personal risk!

Yesterday we visited one of the natural wonders of the world - the Great Barrier Reef. Everything about the reef is larger than life. It is the biggest structure built by living organisms on the planet. It stretches for 2,300 km along the Queensland coast and can be seen from outer space. It is home to approximately: 1,500 species of fish 360 species of hard coral 1/3 of the world's soft corals 4,000 species of molluscs 800 species of echinoderm (starfish...

We have now discovered the real reason why Frankie came to Australia. Not for the travel. Or to broaden her mind. And escaping dreary old England for a new life? Afraid not. No, Frankie came to Australia so she could cuddle a koala bear. And here she is getting her wish. Holding a koala is not allowed in many states so we've had to come all the way up to Queensland, to the Cairns Tropical Zoo so that she can realise her life's ambition. Most people come here to ...