Oz - Jules is Down Under!

Didn't really know what to expect when I rocked up to get on the Kiwi Experience big Green Bus! A bit apprehensive about what I thought was gonna be meeting new people one day and then losing them the next when they spend a different amount of time in a place than you do. I must have been lucky! From the first day I got chatting to a couple of people, stuck with them for maybe the first week until they went off to do a different route. Anyway I'm getting ahead of myself! Firstly lets talk about the Bay of Islands trip. My first day! Dolphin swimming was one of the activities offered, but nah, not for me! I thought i'd face my fear of being splattered in the face by huge amounts of sea water and head out on the 2.5 hour Excitor Boat trip. I was told just before heading out that it was 2 - 3 metre waves out there and that it was gonna be a rough one! Apparently the best conditions to be heading out in. It was awesome, 45 knots over these huge waves. Losing your stomach before smashing back down into another oncoming wave. It was such a buzz.Got drenched but it was worth it. Didn't make it out to the Hole in the rock which is the whole idea of the trip. It was just too rough to go out to sea that far. But we had a hell of a thrill ride all the same.

Down the North island it is. Not much to say until maybe Taupo. This is where I met a great group of friends that I would continue travelling with well on down into the South island. Went out that night for St Patricks day. Had a laugh and gave Nick the american an Aftershock! He swilled it in his mouth for 3 mins, fairplay him. But lost all feeling in his gums and tongue for the next day and a half. Serves him right! Nick was a great guy though. Different as you'd generally expect from an American. He was always up for a laugh and he was always the loudest on the bus, asking the driver to stop at every oversized object that he saw. Such as the Giant Carrot he wanted a photo of! From this point on our Driver Lauren named him "Dora the Explorer" Quite fitting we all felt!

Who else? The two Danish guys. The only phrase I managed to learn in Danish from them in the whole 2 weeks that I was travelling with them was Slik Mine Boller, which in English means Lick my balls. Thats gonna be handy! But suprisingly got used quite a few times when the Danish guys (simon and Kristian) got a little too cocky for their own good! Great lads though!

Then there was the 2 english girls and an ex Irish (now english - much better) girl. They took all the abuse I gave them quite happily, except Jennie who I quite often heard the term "Too Far Jules" from! Had a laugh with them.

So that was the group. Together all the way down to Queenstown, where we lost the 3 girls. So just down to the lads then. Lost Nick one stop later in Christchurch and it was just me and the two Danish guys. Finally I was being outnumbered! Stuck with them all the way up to Auckland where I am now.

Things along the way. Well lots of Bungying, none involving me ofcourse! Some Sky diving, once again, not involving me! And some Luging which was great fun and involved me! Lots of spectacular scenery! Lots of silly photos as you can see from my slideshow! A great time all round. Oh and drinking from Teapots!

I'm sure i've missed loads of things out but hey, it was just so action packed into 4 weeks, I'm not sure I knew what the hell was going on even at the time!

Onto USA next! Can't wait!

Well, what can I say, fell in love even more with Melbourne and St Kilda! This is the place in my whole 12 month trip that I stayed the longest! in total about 10 weeks! I feel as though I got a taste of living there this time! Something that I would quite happily do. Its so more chilled out than Sydney but still a great atmosphere. You gotta love that cafe culture!

What did I do in my last stint in Oz? Well, Did Great Ocean Road again, visited Philip Island where the Motorbikes race and ofcourse saw the famous Penguins plodding up the beach to find shelter for the night! Quite an experience. I also went to a couple of places that most backpackers wouldn't get the chance to see. All good times!

Spent a fair bit of time with Velvet. She showed me how to have fun, in Frankston of all places! We got on pretty well and she is meeting me in the States for the 2 weeks that I am there!

Saw a Melbourne Storm rugby game. Bought a cap and had it signed by a few players. Apparently its now worth quite a bit more than the $25 i spent on it!

Won some money at the casino! Looking good for Vegas! I'm gonna win back all the money i've spent on this trip, in other words a hell of a lot! Not gonna happen, but we can all dream!

And off to New Zealand it was! My last night in Oz wasn't all that good. A night in Sydney airport was not quite how I saw it being. But as I cancelled another flight it was cheaper for me to fly straight from Melbourne to Sydney as late as possible and then not bother with a hostel, just sleep it out in the airport. Then catch my 8am flight in the morning! Those seats really aren't comfortable, wouldn't recommend that plan!

Oz, the most incredible country, so diverse. If you haven't been - Go! I can not speak highly enough about this country! Having said that my experiences are a lot down to the loads of great people that I have met a long the way!

And remember, travelling is not about the destination, its the journey that counts!

What's happened since my last blog I hear you asking! Well, as it was about 2 months a go, I'd have to reply - "Quite a frigging lot!" Where do I start. Spent five days in coogee, where I wrote my last blog, it was great to see the place where I started my Australian adventure nearly 11 months a go! Happy memories of the beach and the hostel with one of the greatest views to wake upto! Me and Simon had a ball there, meeting up with Izzy who travelled quite a lot of the east coast with us! We sent her off in style visiting the Palace on her last night with us before she flew back to the UK. She was gutted she couldn't spend xmas and ny in sydney!

Some girls in my dorm thought it would be funny to straighten my hair one night before we went out, so always up for a laugh, I let them. Thought they were going to spike it up in some kind of insane way, but no, they made it look really good. I almost felt like a male model, except for the fact that my face didn't really go with that image! Oh well! Thanks girls (Rachel, Nat & Di).

Next off to the city (Sydney) where we were going to be staying over the whole festive period! We couldn't have found ourselves in a better location, just across the bridge to Darling Harbour, walking distance to Circular Quay where The Opera House is and the Bridge, and near to all the food we could ever want: China town, spanish square etc, and yet Mcdonalds and KFC still seem to win over all! Why, oh why! My Belly thanks me, I do not thank my Belly, just pat it every now and then like Santa!

Parents turned upto Sydney on the 22nd dec. I met them at the airport. They'd just come from Alice Springs where it was 43 degrees c, I haven't even felt that kind of temperature in the whole 11 months I've been here. Can't say I'm disappointed though! Did many things, getting up early for a change, well early for me. Did the Opera house tour, Ferry Tour of the Harbour, visited Taronga Zoo and the Aquarium. Christmas Eve was a great night, went on a Booze Cruise in the Harbour. 2000 people partying on about 5 different boats. Simon, Ash, Sandie, Pete and Johnny were there to create the laughs! Johnny went home shortly after xmas. I'll never forget his dancing - respect to you Johnny Boy!

Took the parents down to Coogee Beach on Christmas Day, where we shared a Breakfast for Lunch (if that makes sense) at a cafe on the sea front. They then explored Coogee while I met up with the guys to have a couple cold beers on the Sea Front.

Think I've covered most of Christmas there! So onto New Year. We started queuing to get into the Botanical Gardens at about 1.30, an hour and a half later and we were in! We didn't get a great spot for the fireworks, but a good picnicing spot for some dips and chips (Crisps to english people)! Biggest laugh of the day had to be when I put on the cheap disposable Poncho that nicola had brought with her, Ash decided to get in there with me, with the challenge to see how many people we could fit in it! So naturally Simon tried to slip up and under to get in there too. Unfortunately Simon was the downfall to the plan. If you've seen pics of Simon then you will know that he probably would have broken the Poncho on his own! We had the crowds around us applauding and cheering us on, happy days! The fireworks at 9pm were great, we picked up all our stuff and legged it to a better spot, then we camped out again when all the younger kids and families had left. There we waited for another 3 hours to see the main event, the midnight Firework Display. It was incredible, we had great views of the Fireworks going off over the Opera House, from the Harbour Bridge and many other places across the cityscape and Harbour. Best fireworks I have ever seen.

Parents headed off on the 2nd Jan back to Sunny England! Haha! and left me in the Blistering heat of the Sydney Beaches! At points it was getting a little too hot! By this point Simon had decided that he was going to head off to Thailand on his way to India. So I stuck it out in Sydney just til he left.

Then off to Tasmania on my own. I had booked two weeks there, just in case I needed longer than everyone expected. Gotta stay somewhere, so it might as well be Tas I thought to myself! How wrong was I?! Don't get me wong Tasmania is beautiful countryside, but the hostels are not great for meeting new people. I had Japanese people in my room a lot and they didn't say a word to me! Ignorant Bastards! I hired a car the first week and got around pretty much all of Tasmania that I had planned to see! I drove to see Lake St Claire which was beautiful, Wineglass Bay - not the best weather that day! And visited the Convict Prisons down at Port Arthur. One day I drove 4.5 hours just to get out of the car, take about 8 photos of Cradle Mountain (which may I add was covered in cloud - couldn't even see the summit!) just to get back in the car and drive 4.5 hours back to Hobart! Oh well, got me out and about! The second week I went to the cinema a lot and read 3 books! Always listen to people who have been to places you are planning to visit! It was a good experience overall though, just wish I'd done a 6 day tour like most other backpackers!

Off to Melbourne, where I am now. Back to stay in St Kilda at my trusty hostel Base Backpackers. I love it here. This is also the place in Oz that I know the most people. Met up with James (the guy in the photo with the Police Hat) for another funny night out with him! He will never stop cracking me up! Went to St Kilda Festival, which was good. Saw some good Jazz Musicians.

Oh, and I better add that I went on the Neighbours tour! Yes thats right, I visited Erinsbrough High, and Ramsay Street, much to the disgust of my Aussie friends! It was a good laugh though. Got to meet Harold which was interesting! He is nothing like his character, in fact I'll be honest, he's a perv! But hey, wouldn't you be if you were his age and were able to grope loads of English Backpackers everyday! No, you're right, me neither!

Think thát's about it for now.

Enjoy the photo's which I have just uploaded, finally got round to it!

With only the East Coast left to do of Oz (still got Tasmania left to go), thought we'd cram it in before christmas. Simon has done it before but loved it so much he wanted to do it again!

First stop from Cairns was Mission Beach where Simon had a sky dive booked (got cancelled due to bad weather). This was only a quick two night stop as its only a small place with not much to see or do - except the great beach, which reminded me a lot of Cape Tribulation. Met Idha and Tony there who we keep bumping into all down the coast. The East Coast seems to merge together like it is all one town, not because its all the same because its not. Purely because everyone seems to be on the same itineary (especially at this time of year). Most people are heading south to get to sydney for Christmas so every couple of days you seem to bump into people you met or did a tour with.

Magnetic Island next. A three night break. Got absolutely soaked on the ferry across, no-one told us that the back deck gets splattered as it crashes through the waves. But we couldn't move because it was so rough we kept falling over (even trying to move two steps). Magnetic was great. Beautiful island. Base backpackers was right on the beach. And I really mean right on the beach. Step off the deck and you are on sand! Izzy and Johnny met us there. Izzy from Darwin! Was good to catch up with her. Infact we keep catching up with her. Everywhere we go they have been about a day infront, so we keep bumping into them.

Next off to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday islands. This is one of my highlights of the East Coast and probably one of my greatest experiences in Australia so far. 30 of you (inlcuding 3 crew members) are crammed into an ex world racing boat called a "Maxi" for two nights. Everyone gets to Crank the Sails and join in with the whole sailing experience. Unbelievable. During full sail the boats tips upto 30 degrees to one side. The Whitsunday's were amazing. Unbelievable white sand (high in silicon apparently - good for polsihing jewellery). And spectacular bluey green water. Snorkelling was great also. Much better than the snorkelling we had done on the Great Barrier Reef off of Cairns. The Coral was great and the fish were much more varied than further north. This is something everyone should see in their life time - trust me!

Next off to Rainbow Beach to stay at Dingo's Backpackers where we were leaving from on our Fraser Island Trip. This is another one of my Highlights of both East Coast and Oz. We had a great group consisting of 3 Germans, One Californian, One Canadian (Toronto), 2 Irish (they get everywhere!) and 2 English - us! Oh and a Swedish guy, nearly forgot him - Sorry. Let me explain Fraser Island for a minute. Its a self drive 4x4 trip on the worlds largest sand Island. Taking it in turns to drive. Its a great driving experience. On the first day I drove to Lake McKensie (one of the fresh water lakes on the island), that was fun in its self. This track is one of the bumpiest on the island and it really gets the people in the back bumping around. The water was untrue, just gorgeous in colour. Went for a swim to cool off there. Then drove back to the beach to find the campsite in the dunes. The first night I cooked with Heather, Tony and Rag. Made a great Red wine stir fry with Garlic and cheesy mash. Bumped into Izzy again that night. The next day was trip to Indian Point on the north end of the island where we climb onto the top of the cliff's. You get some great views of Sharks and Sting Rays and some Dolphins although I could never actually see the ones that were being pointed out to me (hoax I think). So off we went for quite a long walk in search of the Champagne Pools that we knew were about 45 minute walk away, but in which direction we were not sure! Had to walk across some of the hottest sand I have ever experienced, infact I actually used energy (a new experience for me in recent months) to run across it to stop my feet from being burnt. Found out that the pools were a long the beach - a very long beach but walking was easy as we stayed next to the sea where the sand was cool and wet! It was great when we finally got there as we jumped in (ok, I walked in) and got the chance to cool down. The reason they are called champagne pools is because the water bubbles over the rocks into the pools - similar to champagne! The rest of that day was taken up by driving back to near our next campsite to the fresh water creek which you are supposed to be able float down - um, no! It would have taken all day to float that distance in that slow moving water. But it was a nice walk down the creek and another chance to cool down after the walk back from the champagne pools. End of the second day, set up camp again and cooked another great meal with a couple of the gals. Haven't mentioned her yet, but still getting on well with the Canadian Heather by this point. Just kinda clicked, well at least thats what I thought! Most of the group walked to the Ship Wreck that night while it was still light to get some photos. We had a bit of photographic fun taking silly photos of us jumping in stupid positions and of our shadows in the sand in James Bond kinda posed. Went to bed quite early that night, knowing that we were going to be getting up at 4.30 to watch and take photos of the sunrise behind the shipwreck. Got some great shots, well haven't looked at them properly yet, but I think I'm pleased. Set off early that morning - after a couple more hours sleep after sunrise to head to Lake Wabby. This involved a 20 minute (supposedly - in reality 40 minute) walk over some sand dunes. At some points there were 4 obvious different shades of sand right next to eachother, one patch up to our right looked just like snow on a mountain - it was that white! The sand was soft and made hard work of the walk but it was great when we got there as we could run down the hill and dive into the fresh water of the lake. Simon rolled in, which was funny as his belly made him do a curve before smashing into the water. I on the other hand legged it down the hill fast towards the water before stopping a foot short and proceeding to walk in. Wouldn't wanna rush hitting the ball line too quickly in that cold water (blokes will know what I mean). After that we headed back a long the beach to catch the barge back to rainbow beach. We won't mention the fact that I was told to slow down and the fact that I was called the worst driver (bloody Irish) and we also won't mention the fact that I told her where to go. The others said I was driving perfectly sensibly and had done nothing wrong - Back seat driver!!!!

A couple more nights in Rainbow Beach at Dingo's with a few more drinks with Heather and Tim (the Californian guy) and then off to Noosa for our Canoing trip. Don't really wanna talk about it. One of the worst experiences of my time in Oz, actually definitely the worst experience of my time in Oz. The paddling across the lake was a nightmare. All the other tour companies start at the end of the river, but ours... oh no. We have to paddle for an extra one and a half hours across a lake before we even see the river! The wind was up and the waves were crashing against the side of the canoe nicely. There were three of us in the canoe (most companies send out 2 in each) and the supplies for 5 people (all companies send out just your own supplies with you). So half way across the lake we start to take on water. Baring in mind that I'm not brilliant at the best of times in water! So over we go, all three of us falling in. Losing the stove and my thongs too. Which I luckily found a moment or two later. Thank god the water was only just over a metre deep, but this made it very difficlut for us to empty out the water and for us to get back in! So instead we had to walk for the next hour to the closest beach so that we could get back in the canoe and ditch some of our heaviest supplies (namely dirnking water) onto the other two people that were in our group that were lucky enough to be having an easy time on a sea kayak which holds sod all! The second day was good though. An hours canoing in the morning up the river which was perfectly calm at that time of the day and showed the most spectacular reflections in a river I will ever see! We then had an hour and a halfs walk up to a sand patch which is on the side of a mountain. It is one of the strangest things I have seen in Oz. Its like a beach and sand dunes but completely randomly placed on a mountain. 3 hours later and some major blisters on my feet and we are back at camp. For another uncomfortbale nights sleep in the tent on a very hard forrest floor. The third day was worse than the first. By this point Simon and Jess found it very amusing how scared I was getting everytime the canoe nearly tipped over on the lake! I was getting very pissed off by this point! Eventually the inevitable happened and we capsized. Another hours walk back to shore to get picked up. One step forward - two steps back - very soft wet underwater sand! Never been so glad to touch solid ground in my life! The middle day was great though, whether it was worth the other two days I don't think I will ever be able to decide!

Next, off to Brisbane. And to actually see a bit of the city... not just the airport, which was nice! Only had one night there. Met up with Ash (from Simon's Oz Intro group) and his girlfriend. They have been travelling down the coast at very similar times to us and we keep staying in the same places. Went to see Borat at the cinema, which although funny kinda made me cringe a lot. Don't really think it lived up to the trailers that I had seen! And definitely controversial! Maybe would have liked to have spent a bit more time in Brisbane. A lot of people say they don't like it, but I have heard just as many people say that they loved it. One place I'm pretty sure that I'm not gonna have any time to revisit!

Off to Surfers Paradise again. Not much to say here. Been there done that before. Still like the place. But didn't really do anything new or exciting there.

Byron Bay. One of the places that I have been looking forward to visiting since I got over here. Met up with Heather again. And got on really well. Unfortunately had to leave her behind (again) as she has found work there and will be there for xmas and new year. We only stayed two nights, which just didn't seem long enough at all. I'll see how I feel in January as to whether or not I want to go back and spend some more time there. Plus I really feel as though me and Heather have unfinsihed business. More on that another time.

13 hours later on a Greyhound bus and here I am back in Coogee Beach in Sydney! Where I started what.... 8 months a go or so. We just had to come back here to stay just 5 nights before we fulfill our booking in the city. It brings back some great memories. Unfortunately its raining which is a bit unlike Sydney for this time of the year. It should be about 28 degrees but its actually 21.

Might visit CBH tonight.

Last entry before the festive season I expect.... so.... Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Flew from Perth to Melbourne, not my best flight ever. A bit of Turbulence made me and Simon feel slightly sick! James picked us up from the Airport and on the way to his house we went for a couple of welcome drinks in St Kilda. Was great to catch up with him. He is still as nutty as ever!

Stayed at his in a Caravan parked on his front Lawn. The whole family were really welcoming. Big family as well. Every day I met someone new in his family. Think he's got 2 sisters and 4 or 5 bro's, plus god knows how many cousin's.

Preparations for Melbourne Cup Day. One of the biggest sport events in the calendar for Australians. They even have the day off as a Holiday! Unbelievable how many Bank Holidays they have over here. Went in search for a suit for myself and Simon. James had a friend who was willing to lend me his. He's a big fellow so probably would fit - Didn't! But his shoes did! So off to the Factory outlet we went, day before the cup! Picked the cheapest suit I could, job done! Simon on the other hand, being the slightly funny shape that he is wasn't quite so easy. Picked a nice grey suit and had to have it altered, meaning we'd have to return the next morning to pick it up.

Cup day arrives. Rushing round like a bunch of idiots finally got everything organised. Met everyone at a great little cafe in St Kilda for Breakfast at around 11 o'clock. Best BLT I have ever had. One I will be recommending to my parents when they get to Melbourne in a few weeks. Grabbed a taxi to Flemington Race Course. By this point there was about 12 of us.

What can I say about race day? Well, it was all about James. He's the funniest guy I have ever met. Everyone loves the act he puts on once he's had only two smirnoff Ice's. He's actually Bi-sexual and his camp side really comes out when he's had a couple. Within the first half an hour of being at the course he was stripping in the middle of the crowd as a show for a girl who's birthday it was. The girl who called him over only wanted him to wish her happy birthday in his weird way, but no, she had "Happy Birthday" sung to her and a striptease instead. James waving his shirt round his head in the middle of 100,000 people was quite a sight! James really made the day, we had such a great laugh. I really can't describe how he is. You would only get the idea if you met him.

Didn't do much gambling, but had to put a couple of quid on a horse called "Short Pause" in the cup race. It was 50/1 but still I thought with the name I had to do it, just thought luck might bring it in. Umm, no. But hey it was fun to experience a race day on such a big event day.

Had a pizza at Banff in St Kilda after the races. James got thrown out of the cafe/resaurant coz he stood on a chair and told a joke. He received a standing ovation, but management weren't too impressed! Booooo! Headed to The Vineyard after, got chatting to James' cousin Velvet. Really nice girl. Still stick with Jennifer Aniston over Angelina Jolie, she's understand!

With the fun over it was time for work! Thats right...work! James told it would be easy work, just sweeping and clearing up rubbish. Easy money we thought. Drove all the way over into the Grampiens in West Victoria for the job he was working on in Arrarat. Simon swept all day, really slowly - purposely! And I worked my arse off! I was really tired after the first day and my feet had some nice blisters from the steel toe caps. I had been spreadin glue all day with a roller and laying carpet out for him. The bonus in this was that we got to stay in Halls Gap YHA. Its an eco hostel. One of the nicest hostels I've stayed in I would say. Second day wasn't so bad. I was allowed to wear my trainers, thank god!

Moved into Base Backpackers in St Kilda for a few nights. James was working again the next week so we didn't wanna be hanging around his house when he wasn't around. Also Simon was yet to see much of Melbourne. Gav came and met us for my birthday. Was great to catch up and had a laugh with him. Had a really ncie Indian. Then tried to get into a couple of places, but coz it was sunday everywhere had guest lists, even though they were empty. So ended up in The Elephant and Wheelbarrow for the night. Had a great time and a memorable Birthday.

Left the rain and hail of Melbourne for Cairns. Flight was delayed by over and hour due to bad weather in both Melbourne and on the East Coast. Had to change flights at Brisbane which was a hassle but we got there eventually!

Writing this and the last entry from Magnetic Island. I will tell you all about it next time.

My last entry would have been from Broome. That was , well quite honestly so long a go I can't remember most of what happened back then. So this might be a slightly dodgy entry. Not sure I'm even gonna get my stories in the correct, but hell, who cares....

Left Broome knowing that our next stop would most likely be a little place called Dampier, near Karratha. The reason for the stop was gonna be to meet up with Simon's ex colleague from years a go which he had been in contact with due to a complete fluke of finding out she was other here. Had a laugh with her and a couple of the people she was working with, there's nothing in Dampier at all really. Its an industrial town full of men in Orange reflective jackets. Thats about it! One of the people we had met had a tattoo saying "Big Toe" on his Big Toe, so ever since Simon has been saying that he's gonna get it done. Spent three nights in Dampier, was glad to leave, not my kind of place at all. Simon and Lauren had a good time, I was the boring one in bed early every night.

Now to the highlights of our West Coast Trip. Exmouth! Firstly I wanna get it straight that the name really is the only similarity between the Australian Exmouth and the English Exmouth. Except maybe for the fact that they both have sand and sea! There certainly isn't any boy racers crusing down the strip. The first day we were there Lauren and Simon booked a scooter snorkel tour, which involved following a tour guide on your own scooter around Exmouth and stopping off to see sights and Snorkel on the reef areas. It came to the next day and Simon couldn't be arsed to go on the trip. Lauren went off in a huff and went and changed the trip to a longer scooter trip for the next day. Don't think Simon on the back of Lauren's scooter would have worked too well anyway (Simon hasn't got a driving licence so couldn't ride one). The next day came and being the Bastards that we are me and Simon decided to do the exact Itinary that Lauren was doing on her Scooter trip but in the campervan. So picked up some second hand masks and snorkels from the local snorkel shop for $10 (4 quid - why isn't there a pound sign on an Oz keyboard?). Had a great day, did loads of snorkelling in 2 or 3 different sites. Unbelievable. I enjoyed it a lot more than expected, and when the sea was calm I got on with it quite well considering my normal water problems (being sick as soon as any water even touches anywhere inside my mouth!). We saw: a reef shark, octopus loads of Nemo type fish and best of all a sea snake. THis guy called us over to show us it and when we got there he said "It's there" and pointed directly below us. "SHIT!!!" me and Simon quiclkly paddled backwards as quickly as we could as we panic'd. Just wanna point out before we sound like wuss's that Sea snakes are the deadliest snakes in the world. Twenty times more deadly than the most venomous snake on land (The Taipan). Couldn't the guy have pointed at it from a distance? Guess not, that would have been way too sensible! Just getting back in the camper to drive off and who do we meet.... Lauren and Scooter Boy, her guide for the day. We told her that we had been snorkelling all day at the same reefs as her. We like to Piss Lauren off at every moment. Its fun! She didn't return to the camper that night until 1am. She went to the pub with Scooter Boy, we think he did that with all the Backpackers he takes on his tours!!!

Exmouth was awesome, definately one of my favourite places on the west coast. We left early the next morning to do some more snorkelling just down the coast at Coral Bay on the way to our next place. Just before pulling into Coral Bay got pulled over by the cops. They Breathalised me and took my licence details. They were pulling everyone over doing random checks. Luckily I'm a good boy and don't drink and drive. If they had checked Simon on the other hand I'm sure he would have been over the limit, by 11 in the morning he's normally had a couple of Beers, who needs a champagne Breakfast when you've got Beer? Drinking at 9 in the morning is perfectly acceptable in most of Australia! In fact its encouraged. Coral Bay wasn't great for snorkelling, but still had a good time and all good for topping up my tan.

Can't remember much between Coral Bay and our next main stop Monkey Mia. Monkey Mia is made famous and has everyone flocking there everyday for its Dolphins which come right up to the Beach to be fed. They are perfectly wild dolphins which are monitored by scientists. The Guide told us how they only feed them a small amount everyday so that they do not become dependant on the food, they still hunt for themselves out at sea. One of the dolphins was a real character, posing for the camera. Dolphins naturally entertain and have fun. Makes me realise that the ones that do shows probably isn't so cruel after all. I made Lauren cry that night. We really don't get on well and had a bit of an argument. Simon had to calm her down for an hour after. A couple of days later though during a conversation she actually said to Simon, "what do I have to do to get some Sympathy, cry again? It worked the other day!" So from then on we didn't have any time for her, crying wolf and all that!

Arrived in Perth at the flat that Lauren had arranged for us all for free. It was in a bit of a state due to the owner not having lived there for 9 months and that he had been renovating it when he left. So after a bit of a clean up it was livable. We each had our own room with a TV which was bliss, hadn't watched TV for months, since Surfers Paradise! Simon had a mattress to sleep on, I had to make my own mattress by layering up items including 2 sleeping bags, 3 camping roll matts and a squidy hammock. Still my back ached every morning when I got up. Lauren on the other hand had a Double bed. It was nice to have a decent kitchen to cook in. I'm a genius when you give me some chicken, onion and multiple spices, Lea & Perrings and Tabasco Sauce! Gourmet Food ala Jules! Eventually Lauren got pissed off with us though, apparently we were just using her for free accomodation. She wouldn't have been completely wrong in saying that I guess. So chucked out we were. We had already been planning to leave and move into a hostel in Perth by that pont anyway. We didn't feel as though we were seeing much of Perth being so far out of the centre. So we moved into Underground Backpackers for 3 nights. Then flew out to Melbourne to meet our Buddy James (the guy we met in Darwin, you know, the nutter!) He had said about some work we could do for him and he wanted us to join him for Melbourne Cup race day. But thats a story for another time.

I really have summed up the whole of the West Coast in way too short amount of writing. There were plenty more highlights, but hey an hour of typing is enough for me!

Having had a great last night out in Darwin with our newly found buddy sinners (Bouncer from The Ducks Nuts) it was time to say bye to the stupidly hot weather of Darwin before embarking on our insane journey through the red centre of oz, then heading for the West Coast.

The camper was way better than expected considering the amount we were paying, infact it was as good as we could ever have imagined. Microwave, Two hob cooker with grill, toaster and all the necessary impliments to cook noodles and baked beans!

Got away later than I had wanted on the first day due to shopping for food and other goodies that were necessary for the trip - lots of music! Finally got on the Stuart highway heading out of Darwin at about 2.30. Managed to get a fair old distance before nightfall and all the kangaroos coming out. Got down to Katherine, a good 320 k's covered! Not much to say about the time we were travelling between there and Alice, except for Lauren chucking her drink all over me while I was driving, it was only us hitting a bird which made her jump like hell! Naturally she received a few harsh words from me and carried on our way. My road kill count is now upto: Birds - 4, Lizards - 3, Snakes - 1, Kangaroo's - 1, Flies - 3,489,289.

Didn't stay at Alice for too long, quick stop and off again we went heading towards our first destination of Kings Canyon. Stopped the night at a free campsite which was behind a road house. Dodgiest place I have ever stayed, the other two were so scared I ended up in tent on my own as they both jumped into the LOCKABLE camper! Arrived at the canyon about midday the next day. Thinking it was gonna be a quick stop for a photo and then on our way to Uluru. I was hugely mistaken. Started walking and saw people up very high, "Surely we don't have to go up there!", then we saw a sign saying about the round trip for the canyon walk taking 3.5 hours. I was determined to do it, so off we trekked. The first bit was incredibly steep, simon started to struggle a bit (due to his beer belly most likely), me and Lauren battled on. Just as we got to the top, and the worst bit was over, simon headed back down the hard way (way he had come) not thinking he would be able to complete the walk. Me and Lauren however, absolutely stormed it round, stopping only for quick drinks and photo opportunities. We made it round in an hour and a half, a full 2 hours short of the recommended time needed! It was a great experience, saw loads of little lizards and Lauren claims to have seen a Python too (she's a bit dippy, so could have been just a long bit of grass). The short time it took us to do the walk enabled us to get to Uluru before sunset.

Got up at 5 am to see the sunrise over Uluru. It was nice but I imagined the position of the viewing area would be so that you saw the sunrise behind Uluru, giving some great silhouette shots, but no. The sun rose behind us, giving some nice colour changes on the rock. Started climbing the Mala Walk up the Rock at 7am, when the sun was not yet hot. Unbelievably steep. Hardest climb I have ever done, way harder than all my hiking in Cumbria in my youth. Most of the way to the top there was a chin provided to pull yourself up the steeper parts. Simon made it about half way up the chain and said he'd wait for us. So, once again just me and Lauren headed for the top. Once the chain bit had gone it got easier with only little up and down bits. When I say little, I mean little, but they were still tricky, no walking was involved. It took run ups to get up some of the really steep bits, even though they were only 4 or 5 foot high they were so steep that you had to run up them to keep your momentum going. Ayers Rock is definately one of those cases where I would call it the "Never ending Summit walk", you know the kind, when you look up and see what you think is the top, but no, there's always a bit higher. In Ayers' case, about 20 bits were higher. But I guess that is what made the walk so rewarding! The views were not that great from the top but some funny photos were taken and we had a laugh with taking some shadow photo's (i'll show you one day). Headed back down the same steep way. It was so steep at points that the chain had to be used to almost abseil down backwards. Great fun though, not for lauren though, who was constantly scared of the heights! Went back to the campsite for the rest of the afternoon, just to chill out. Went back to Uluru to watch the sunset over the rock, once again a slight disappointment!

Next day we headed for the Olga's, wanting to do the walk. Went to the viewig platform for a photo, and feeling pretty tired from the day before we decided against the walk and just got on with the days driving. Stayed the night in Alice Springs before heading all the way back up to Katherine and then west to a Victoria River Roadhouse where we stayed the night. The next stop was Fall's Creek, where we used the pool to cool down and stay for the night. Broome! Where I am now. Staying here for 4 nights. Went to Cable Beach yesterday, got really burnt, whole of my back, legs, arms, boobs all nicely pink, well red, whatever colour burnt is! Hopefully some brown will come of my stupidity! The other two are worse though as they stayed a whole two hours longer in the sun than I did! Sleeping last night was hell. The matress we use in the tent feels like sandpaper when you are this burnt!

Anyways, that's all the news for now, my next extremely amusing and informational Blog entry will be posted here when I'm in Perth. Til then......

Ahhh, Darwin!!! How I loved it here, so, very very much! It has become my temporary home for 2 months. I have probably as many friends here as I have back in the UK. Unfortunately everyone is leaving now, due to it getting stupidly humid going into the wet season! In a couple of months it will be 36c day and night! I'm sweating as it is!

Feel as though I should mention all the people at the Fox N' Fiddle british pub. Without them we wouldn't have been able to afford the odd drink! Crab Racing has always been fun - "crab racing?" I hear you ask! Yes they race Hermit crabs! You get given a ticket and if it is picked out of the bucket then you get to pick a crab and race it against other
people with crabs - sounds cheesy I know. But without this we wouldn't have had the drinks and food in the pub that we have. Jimmy the person who runs the crab racing always made sure that we were picked, and as we did it so often we knew the fast crabs. I can't even remember the number of times me and simon have come 1st and 2nd place! Winning $30 for 1st and $15 for 2nd place. These $ vouchers bought us those drinks we wouldn't otherwise have had. Just wanna jot down some of the cheesy lines that Jimmy would use everynight at Crab Racing (just for memory sake!) - "Pick a crab from the Crabitarium as it is so hilariously known". And "As usual the enthusiasm is overwhelming!". Good old Jimmy. And just last week we won the pub quiz! Another $50 voucher - bonus!!

Just wanna note down some names of the people I have met here: Dave, Peachy, little dave, Sinners, Craig, Izzy, Sian, Jo, Alex, John, Hannah, Lauren (who we are going down the west coast with), Phil, Anna, Karl, Moff (the two RAF boys from back in England) and well there's probably more but can't think right now! These are the people who have made my time in Darwin such a great experience! Gonna miss all these guys loads!

And now I move on to the subject of work! Which is always a good topic when you are a backpacker! Yes I did get myself a job, did it last long? No! In this heat with the protective clothing I was wearing! Lets just say I lost half my body weight in sweat! But that wasn't the worst of it! Bending over using a file to get rid of all the dodgy bits of galvanize! It killed my back. I had difficulty walking from the hostel into town that night!

Wade, our friendly local tour company owner! He's been great to us, providing us with a cheap deal on a camper, he actually cut our other quotes in half! And for the work he has provided me with. Its not been lots but every little helps! Polishing his Coach wheels for 4 hours, oh what fun! I even helped him wash his smaller bus with him one night, for which he paid me with a jug of beer. It did only take 15 minutes!

Did Litchfield National park the other day. Which included a cruise on the Adelaide river know as the "Original Jumping Croc Cruise". It was great, got some pretty damn good photos of the salt water crocs jumping a good 6 feet vertically out of the water to grab the pork chops that were being dangled above them! Then we did a couple of stop offs at some waterfalls and a chance to swim in some nice fresh water where there are no crocs! We were given the option to either do a walk or swim. We both agreed to do the walk thinking we'd get some good sights out of it! Simon has since been telling people "I had a near death experience in Litchfield - others call it exercise!!" The walk was pretty tough. Nice steep walk up and to be honest I'm not sure the views were worth the effort. But still it was good for me to get active! Thanks Wade for the deal you did for us on this trip!

Lynzi came back to Darwin for a couple of days. Haven't seen her since Coogee! Yeap that now 4 and a half months a go! And shes still as fun as she was back then! We are meeting back up in cairns in about 5 weeks to do the east coast together. So there should be 5 of us travelling down the whole of the coast, where I will be meeting my parents for christmas and new year! Me and Simon are staying with Lynzi and Nicola in Sydney at Base Hostel. Should be a blast!

And so, we are leaving for Alice springs and uluru (ayers rock) and kings canyon. Then diagonally across to broome and then down the west coast to Perth. The views along the coast are supposed to be absolutely amazng.

Can't wait!

Finally left sunny old cairns in search of work and all things Darwin! "Lets fly" I seem to recall someone saying whilst discussing our next move, "Fly? that's just way too easy". So the search for a camper began and the rest is history. When there are three lads travelling together in a camper there is really only one option when it comes to a campervan company. You've just gotta go and see Wicked Campers. You see them all over Australia. You can't miss them. They have Wicked written on the front and are spray painted allover in a chosen design. We pulled up in the Taxi and the first one we saw was a YMCA one, with the village people painted on the side. "Brilliant, that'll do nicely!", a little camp but would be a hell of a laugh. We joked about buying hats to match, an indian feather hat, a sailors cap and a policeman helmet! Would have been hilarious with the three of us in the front drivingh round with them on! Unfortunately it just wasn't to be as that camper had been booked out, probably a good thing really! So in the end it had to be the Pink Floyd Camper, called The Wall. One of the newest ones there with air con and power steering, gonna need that on our really long journey. Off we head. The shortest period the company would let us rent it for was 2 weeks. So knowing it was only gonna take one week we decided to head upto Cape Tribulation, something that everyone should do when visiting Cairns. Don't worry people, I will be back in Cairns later in the year to see The Great Barrier Reef, can't miss that! Got to Cape Tribulation just after dark on the first day of our trip. Went across on the ferry and found the closest campsite. We looked like complete first time campers, setting up the tent and trying to cook! And it all turned even worse when it came to us trying to get a nice camp fire going! We were there for two hours at least trying to get it blazing like all the people around us! The funniest thing was heading out trying to find fire wood under torch light. Jumpiest time of my life, you'd hear a rustle to the side of you and spin round as quickly as possible to see what had caused the noise! Obviously we were expecting snakes and such dangerous creatures, but no, FROGS! Not poisonous Tree Frogs just normal ordinary frogs, the kind you get in your Pond - and loads of them. Danni was the funniest though. He would scream like a girl everytime something moved near him. Later on in the night we thought we would head down to the beach for a walk, off we set. It was completely pitch black and Danni kept on getting scared, calling us crazy wanting to walk around in this environment. Simon and I just kept on walking, we knew he wouldn't head back on his own. Got to the Croc warning sign near the beach, Danni was virtually histerical by now, "You can't go down there, you crazy f#&kers!" It was a thin dark lane with bushes and trees either side leading to the beach, in the end I think we all chickened out on that one! Didn't fancy a bite from a King Brown Snake out in the middle of nowhere! We waited til the next morning to return to the beach and see the beautiful sands and tropical trees overhanging. Headed off shortly after to find the path to our final destination of Darwin. Unfortunately our chosen path took us over some hills (well maybe mountains) and caused our shitty camper to over heat, meaning we had to stop for half an hour waiting for the water to cool. Cutting a long story short (maybe a bit too late for that!) we stayed a couple of different places, just random campsites a long the way. Hit a kangaroo one of the days at about 4 o'clock. There was a sticker on the dashboard of the van which said "Train your mind to follow the following: Don't swerve to avoid animals, if you do, you are a DICKHEAD! You will roll the vehicle 4 times! Which will survive? The Roo, The Emu, or You?" Those are exact words! So naturally I see a kangaroo at the side of the road and Swerve. Being the dickhead that I am, what else could I do. Infact it was lucky I did. The Roo jumped straight across the road heading for a front on collision. With a slight swerve of the van (at 120kph! - 70mph ish!) it jumped straight into the side denting the sliding door. More unfortunate incidents were Road Trains, Articulated Lorries that are 55 Metres long, in other words three times the length of ours. One passed us heading the opposite direction, we pulled as far across as we could and up pops a stone chipping the windscreen, more Bills from the Hire company! Luckily they didn't spot any of the damage and we got away with it! 4200k's later and we get to Darwin after a solid week of driving, sometimes doing upto 800k's (500 Miles)a day. Danni, bless his little cotton socks (18 years old) did 200k's of driving, me doing the remaining 4000k's all while Spiderman sat and watched the scenery go by (He doesn't have a license). Got to Darwin a week early so we went to Kakadu National Park and camped there for a couple of nights. Went on a River cruise from Yellow Waters and saw a load of Salt Water Croc's. Took Spider into Hospital one night due to his Mossy Bites, serves him right for scratching them so much. His left foot was swollen to double its nomral size! So he booked into a hotel for three nights so he could keep his feet up and watch some much needed TV. He's back with us now and we are booked into a Hostel right in the centre of the city. The search for work begins. Fruit picking is heading our way. Something that every proper backpacker should at least try once. Watch this space. So sorry for long entry, I'm even boring myself now - and believe me that really was the short version!

Touched the runway tarmac at midnight friday. Arrived at the hostel at 1am to find that we were staying in Party central! Literally the top place to party in Cairns. The hostel is called Gilligans Hotel & Resort. In other words it is a cheap hotel for backpackers and just for good measure they have chucked in a Night Club, a bottle shop, a gym and a pool! Wicked place, but not where I should be when I am extremely short on the old cash!

Met up with Spiderman (see pic in Water Balloon challenge section) for a couple of drinks. Went back to cook some food for me and Gav at the hostel - all hell lets loose in the kitchen between me and the Canadian guys! Cutting a long story short, Argument leads to me wanting out and travelling on my own! An hour later and I have changed dorms, couldn't stand to be with them a single moment longer. And Spiderman agrees to travel to Darwin/Perth with me in search of work. Cairns just doesn't seem to have much work unless you wanna do Bar work - unfortunately I'm not blonde with big boobs (seems to be a requirement in this Tourist town) so Bar work not looking good for me either! Whether we stick to the Perth plan or not is anyones guess. I've found its generally best not to work out a plan, it always seems to go pear shape in the end!

One last thing, I've gotta mention P.J. O'Briens! What has become mine and Spider's one stop pub! We've spent some good times in there, know all the Bar staff and had an absolute blast with this married couple (60 years of age)from Melbourne. They couldn't remember the name of the drink we were having so they came over and asked. Half an hour passed and we had been doing Jaeger Bombs with them, the two of them buying rounds for us! On the plus side Spider was given their phone number and told that if we are ever down in Melbourne that we should give them a call and they will put us up, feed us, take us out.... Not gonna complain to that. I will explain what a Jaeger Bomb is later - I'm sure it'll be hitting the shores of the UK anytime soon.

So Adelaide is behind me now. And Surfers Paradise is our next calling! Flew in to meet the two Canadian guys. They've got an apartment that they are renting off their boss for a couple of weeks. So we booked into Cheers Backpackers. Quite a cool little Hostel but not with the best vibe. Everyone seems to keep to their own little groups and not wanna mix with anyone! Shame really. Its right next to the great beach though and close to a little town centre that has got the Vibe of a big city. Good clubs there and the best Doner Kebab I have found since I've been out here. As you can tell, I have still got my priorities 100% correct!

So off we'd go everyday, down the road to Main Beach (where the guys were staying). For a little chuck about of the American Footy or for a spot of watching of the World Cup. Gav is now best buddies with the Canadians. But they have pissed me right off with their digs and what I'd call an American attitude towards me - no one is as good as they are! In fact every american I have met out here I could not fault at all.

Anyways, week and a half later and we are heading off to Cairns to find some work....

Loosely translated: Great Ocean Road. One of the things that I have been planning to do ever since we got to Melbourne. In the end we decided to include it into our trip heading to Adelaide. We didn't really get to appreciate it as much as we could have. Our aim was to get to The Twelve Apostles by Sunset for some great photos. This didn't exactly go to plan. We first had to drop off the car we were borrowing back upto Violet town, stayed there two nights just for some free accomodation. So, we drop off the car, pick up a hire car, lovely Hyundai Getz (when I say lovely I mean a Skip on wheels - but with a CD player and air conditioning). We had to drive two hours just to get back to Melbourne before getting anywhere Great Ocean Road. May I add we were late picking up the car due to having difficulties finding the hire place - how were we supposed to know the shop would be labelled as a Party Hire shop with "Car Hire" in small writing!! 3 hours later we hit Great Ocean Road. By this time we knew we were getting a little short on time and it was Gavs time to drive. What made the road for me was not just the coastal views but the road its self. How I would have loved to have taken my TT along it for a bit of a blast. It is one of the windiest roads I've ever come across (well until two days later). That little car got an absolute caning along that road. Our sole goal to get there by sunset. Mission failed. Guess we shouldn't have chosen to accept it! Stayed at Port Campbell for the night in a strangely homely hostel. Open log fire etc etc. It was empty, only 4 other people, 2 of them we didn't see and 2 girls. We taught them how to play Poker and had a great laugh with them. Next day Twelve Apostles - by daylight and then on our way along the rest of the road heading up through The Grampiens. We were told (Thanks for the advice Ryan & Kelly from Base) this was the best route to go as the rest of the road that goes a long the coast isn't so great and is just called The Ocean Road. Grampiens were pretty spectacular. A mountain range that had been hit by bush fires in the summer. A lot of the growth was starting to shoot again but still you could tell the devistation. Again it was a great windy road that led right up into the mountains at one stage, which gave some pretty awesome views of the mountain range. Stayed at a place called Horsham for the night. Not the best place we've stayed, titchy little porta cabin with two single beds and about a foot inbetween, but most importantly it was dirt cheap! Not the nicest of towns but it was close to the highway for our remaining journey onto Adelaide. Left pretty early knowing that we had to get the car back by 4. Not much scenery on the Highway, just wide open space. And to be honest, not much to report about Adelaide. Met some nice people though: Chris from Sweden, Colette from London, Sarah from Scotland and ofcourse Hayley who has moved over here - Lucky her!. Happy days, til next time.....

Ok, so I know I have posted about seeing the stars of neighbours before but this is a bit different. Every backpacker that stays in our hostel "base" goes to the neighbours night on a monday and see the stars - $35 so we gave it a miss in the end. But not everyone bumps into the actors! We've been going to this little bar which is right next to our hostel called "The Vineyard". I was at the bar having a drink when I suddenly saw Michelle (Stephs youngest sister) walk past. Hmmm, I thought to myself! She's going out with the actor that plays Connor in real life, he's probably here too. Next moment, there he is greeting her with a kiss! Now Michelle, I always thought was the worst out of the three Scully sisters, she had tough competition against Holly Valance and Steph! But hell, she's an absolute stunner now! So there I am drinking about 2 feet away from them when Stuart turns up. Three Neighbours stars right next to me! I got up to speak to James, next thing Connor came over and asked me - "You still using that mate?" pointing at the chair. "No, you carry on mate", I replied. I warmed Connors seat for him. Not much of a claim to fame, i know, but still best I can offer at this point! Just to confirm, yes Connor is Irish in real life, not just on the show. I was able to resist being one of the many people who went up to them just to have a chat. you could tell they were getting annoyed with some of the attention. Thats hopefully my last post about Neighbours, don't wanna bore you too much.

Finally made it to an Aussie Rules game at the Telstra Dome - Forgot to take my camera so no photos I'm afraid. Gav and James had both planned to go, but due to a late night neither could be bothered to get out of bed (I am talking after midday!!) We've just moved into a different dorm due to leaving it a bit late booking extra nights. Met these two cool Canadian guys called John and Keaten (spelling?). So headed to the game with them. They knew the rules a bit so explained as the game went on. Got into the game more than I expected. The one thing I would say is that it is a bit too long. Four quarters of half an hour each on a cacky plastic seat was not too comfortable for me, two words - numb arse! We were supporting the Kangaroos (melbourne), who lost, sorry, majorly lost to the Adelaide Crows 116-60. An exciting game though. I'll finally be able to watch it on TV now and understand what the hells going on! Managed to resist buying a Kangaroos Baseball Cap - finally cutting down on the expenditure a bit!

Crown Casino in the centre of melbourne - A little bit of Las Vegas ready to snap up whatever money you are willing to throw at it! Its a Casino that takes up a whole block of the city, actually two I think when you add the massive hotel and car parks! Its got two awesome clubs (open til 7am), loads of bars and a multiplex cinema. You could be entertained for hours on end! Especially as the gambling portion is open 24 hours. I'm not big on my gambling, but having played a bit of Roulette as a kid I thought i'd have a go. I kinda figure I'm out here to have a good time, so a few bucks isn't going to hurt me too much on the wallet front! I wasn't let down, it was great fun and I managed to win some major bucks (well on my scale of things), which naturally I put straight back into the table! On the plus side though I walked away having won what I had put down in the first place - so no money lost in the whole scheme of things! I have managed to keep away from the slots, as back in Coogee I saw a guy (called Spiderman - nickname) put $1500 into one in about 15 minutes! and lost it all. And another guy leave after only a month as he had gambled his way home - leaving no money for him to continue his travels! Slots aren't quite the same over here - completely luck, not like ours in the UK where you get different features, quite boring really! Anyways, Aussie Rules Football tomorrow at the Telstra Dome. Watch this space for an update of my latest goings on!