We have now arrived in Cairns - still v warm and raining quite a bit. had a couple of days in a lovely B and B thanks Lance and Sue and Tilly.... Now staying on the Esplande - today went up and did the tree walk just north of Cairns. Tonight went out for a v good meal - fish and chips and pasta on at Bernards on the sea front, lots of bats flying around..... Tomorrow will be moving on to Port Douglas for Christmas - will take about an hour -hope the weather hol...

Have now arrived back from our trip to the Outback. Strewth! it has been a bit warm 38 c in the shade most of the time. First day (Sat 10th Dec) was an early start with a 555 am pick up outside Alice Todd Appartments. Our first stop was the camel farm where we also saw some kangaroos and a dingo up close. We went on to Kata Tjunta, eventually a lot of km s later arriving at Ayers Rock in time to toast a fantastic sunset over the Uluru. Still getting used to the ...

Have now arrived in Alice Springs and checked in to our apartment - it is v hot 37 c and we are a bit tired. Just made an improvised tea of pasta with tomato soup - yum yum will hopefully get a chance to get some provisions tomorrow. Have managed to pick up Champion league coverage and watched Chelsea's magnificent win. Tomorrow we are going to check out the arrangements for the trip to Ayers Rock and go and watch the local Christmas Carnival, bye for now.

Seems a long time since our last entry! Finally arrived in Australia on 29th November! Very hot and sunny at least to start with..... Have been spending a few days in Jolimont, just outside Perth with Richard's brother Andy and family Ann, Issy and Tom. City beach is fantastic although v windy and all of Australia seem to be doing some kind of outdoor exercise programmes - definitely a start early and finish early culture not much open late. Had a lovely meal ...

Have finally made it to Australia! Arrived into Perth on our flight from Singapore. Take a taxi down to Jollimont (where Ann, Andy, Issy and Tom live) and chill out in the lovely park just a few yards away. later in the evening go out to Scarborough for a meal whilst hearing stories of recent shark attacks - bit worrying! Following day we take a train out to Freemantle down by the sea - quite a bustling place - visit the shipwreck and maritime museum and just ti...