Hello there!

Firstly, we're very sorry but we have been unable to upload our most recent photos due to computer rubbishness but we promise they will be up asap, and that you will love them!! We do!

Well we have really enjoyed our stay in Brisbane; it's a fun city and it was a nice change from all the smaller places we have visited recently. Both of us were in fairly good health at last and we enjoyed lots of smoothies and fresh juices to pump us full of vitamins to fight off disease for the rest of the trip too! On Saturday we explored the city, particularly liking the south bank area which has a man made lagoon and beach (which was unfortunately being renovated), parkland, cafes and a market. Watching the sunset over the city and river was pretty special, before having a couple of drinks each, playing in an arcade and winning ace prizes (2 pencils, a Giraffe rubber and some bubbles) and then going to watch the new Harry Potter film which was great (for Jo especially).

We got paid a day earlier than expected so we hit the shops on Sunday, stocking up on warmer clothes ready for the cold snap they are currently experiencing in Sydney and Melbourne (saw snow in Melbourne on the news...eek!). A couple more drinks each followed this, not quite sure why but we became drinkers in Brisbane, ah well! It's a good job we have both become lightweights so we didnt spend too much!

On Monday we got a boat upto the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where we fed Kangaroos, Jo cuddled a Koala, and Dave held a snake! It was so much fun! We also saw a Dingo, and a Cassowary at last....these are supposed to be quite common at Mission Beach but didnt see any until now! That evening we treated ourselves to a posh meal out to celebrate payday....any excuse. We got free drinks this night too as the hostel had messed up our booking which meant we got one night free, 3 free breakfasts each, and 3 free drinks each! And we still got a double room, just a shared bathroom instead of ensuite but this didnt bother us at all! Bonus!

Our next stop was Surfers Paradise. We only stayed here for one night but we really enjoyed it, it is such a cool place. You'd think by the name that it is just a little place with massive waves: well it has big waves but it also has huge highrise buildings and loads of shops, restaurants etc. We enjoyed a day just wandering round and sitting on the beach and concluded we were in Australia's version of an Americanized Blackpool, although actually it was probably more like Las Vegas on the sea! We liked it anyway.

Today we are spending the day at Byron Bay before heading down to Sydney on the overnight bus. We cant wait for Sydney, although we are a bit concerned about the cold. We'll live though! It is a tough life ;-)

We hope that the summer weather back home improves soon, especially for all you who have finished school and/or are off on holiday.

Lots of love to all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx