Hi Guys

Wow what can i say first impressions of Australia is fantastic, it seems to be a warm,clean England with loads of space and not many people about. We booked our first night here from Singapore and we are staying in the Valley (it's the Soho of Brisbane) about 15 minutes walk from the CBD (City). Nice hostel with helpfull staff.

Our first day here consisted of sleeping, sleeping and a bottle of wine (which we hadnt had since England as it was the only thing in Thailand that was expensive)  The food here comes in massive portions and so far tastes really nice, although not nearly as healthy as the Thai chicken and rice we've been used too. 

Day 2 we ventured out to the City today its full of shopping malls, trendy wine bars and high rise offices, all in all like London but clean, sunny and friendly people.  Took a walk to the South Bank and there was a fake beach and sea!! (bit random considering were in the middle of a city)  Lots of people cycling and jogging seems the Ozzies are a healthy bunch!

Today is the Melborne cup and everyone is dressed up like they are going to Ascott, and i mean everyone.  Apparently it's one of there biggest sporting events even the shops and offices are closed during the races.

We have decided to rent a campervan for the next 3 weeks to travel the East Coast seems to be slightly cheaper than staying in Hostels and paying for the Grayhound buses.  We've hired it from a company called Wicked Campers, unfortunately its there most basic option (cheapest) and doesn't come with A/C, Bathroom, Power steering or Fridge but it does however come with a funky design!  Lucky us!  Should be exciting though as we can drive wherever the wind takes us.  Shame Lou doesn't actually drive and she's a terrible mapreader so wish me luck!!!  We're planning on driving North up to the Whitsundays should only take about a day then slowly working our way down the coast to Sydney, where we're going to spend a week with Lou's friend Sarah.

Will update you when we start our roadtrip.....

Dave & Lou