Greenmount Beach Resort Coolangatta

... br>This was the furthest point of travel for us on the east coast so we turned back south for the final coastal journey to Sydney.<br>A quick stop to see Mossman gorge broke the journey to Cairns. It was interesting to watch from a viewing platform above the flowing water below as some Japanese tourists entered the water upstream were swept down via some cascading rocks to a swim pool around the corner.<br>Next stop Cairns. We were recommended to take a trip on ...

Our next stop was the town of Coolangatta situated on the Gold Coast, the premier surfing and theme park area of the country. We skipped the more famous Surfers Paradise as everyone told us it was horrible. But when we left Coolangatta we weren't sure if we fared any better. To be fair the town itself was fine, nice standard town with a standard beach with waves. Our major bugbear was unfortunately ...

... can you not love it here? My senses were the most alive since leaving home believe it or not. We found our way from the beach up into the mountains to visit Springbrook National Park. All I will say is wow again. It's a rainforest up there and imagine walking on eucalyptus perfumed trails in 70 degree air under a canopy of trees. All the fresh air knocked that stale airplane air right out of my lungs. There were even birds ...

... the best time, and in open fields. We seemed to pass an inordinate number of cows on the farms too, and some sheep. We were amazed at the height of the trucks on the road. I swear they were double in height of our trucks in the states. There were hardly any overpasses, but when we did come across one, it was about double the height as well--good thing for the truckers, eh? We passed little towns with tin roofs (rusted!). Although the ...

... some more wierd and wonderfull roomates, thankfully none we smelly. Mostly they were chinese girls, who are really funny. They hardily speak to you, wear the wierdest clothes, have suitcases full of food, mostly Tim Tams which are like Penguins biscuits, and seem to hate men (ant) On two occasions they walked in took one look at him said to me is he staying in here then walked out and didn't come back. BLEADY CHARMING.

... then I make more of an effort to go out and more of an effort to be closer to my friends and family at home.' I explain that when you are alone, people have less reservations about coming up to you. It makes sense... imagine you are in a communal kitchen and you need to borrow some cooking oil. Do you ask the two talking, the group chopping up different veggies and arguing about the best way of cooking stirfry, or the person on their own ...

... I'm not into art that much but there were some great paintings, very glad I went to that one. That was pretty much the Thursday all filled up. The next day we took our time getting into the city and didn't leave Wollongong until about 1.30 in the arvo. So we just had time to visit Bondi beach and have a little walk around Kings Cross. So that pretty much gets us up to date on stuff. Tomorrow we have our big day at Movie World! Wicked. Catch you all next time. BT

... the next day and loaded the bike and set off to the dive school. Gib was understandably a bit nervous as this was the first time diving since the head op, but he was also really looking forward to it. Boat out the south solitary really shifted, and Gib's rustiness at setting up his gear was pretty obvious, but as always round here, people are too happy to help with Boat captain calling "Hey Pommie, tighten that strap!". Being called Pommie is ...

... Hut, Sandfly Point Walk 5 to 6 hours, 18 km ( 10.8 m ) Follow the Arthur River as it gently descends to Milford Sound. Walk through beech forest to the historic Boatshed. F rom here cross the river by swingbridge and carry on to MacKay Falls, Bell Rock, Poseidon Creek and Giant Gate Falls - a good stop for lunch with toilets and shelter. T he final stretch of the track follows tranquil Lake Ada to Sandfly Point. From here you ...