Brisbane and Surroundings

Give us a cuddle!
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We arranged this part of the trip to ensure we were in Brisbane for the weekend, so we could spend a little time with Jason 'Oz' Cameron, a Brisbane born Queenslander who was once blessed enough to spend a couple of years living in Newport.

Our first view of the City was from the water taxi which stops frequently along the Brisbane River. From here we could see very plush pads of the rich and were able to orientate oursleves to the City's skyline (which is very impressive - much bigger than you'd expect). We spent time wandering through the riverside park, on the South Bank, which was a remnant of the Expo and a lovely place to wander, BBQ and people watch. As BrizVegas is not on the coast the riverside park included a sandy beach and swimming lagoon!

Sights Around Brisbane

Jim makes friends with the locals.
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Of course stopped at frequent intervals for alcoholic refreshment. The highilght of said boozing was a beer tower - your own personal supply of lager, on tap, at your table - genius.

The following day Oz Tours took us up to Caloundra where we were lucky enough to see a surf life saving competition. This includes all of the skills that you could image being useful in a sea rescue made into a series of competitive events - a bit like an athletics meet.

We were becoming really grateful to Oz for giving us the opportunity to see glimpses of proper Aussie life. As backpackers with only 6 weeks to see a huge country we have been on a conveyor belt of actvities and attractions. As a result we have barely spoken to an Australian! To compound this hostel life can get annoying (for a host of reasons) so it was excellent to get off the backpacker trail and experience something different.

Me and the boy Oz!
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After a drive north, further into the Sunshine Coast we stopped at Oz's favourite beach - Maloolabah. (PLaces have such daft names here, but nothing has yet topped Burpengary). A lush sweep of golden sand fringed by boutique shops and little cafes. Had a go at body surfing (catching waves on your face rather than a board) which was great fun, although occcaisionally painful.

On the way back to Brisbane we stopped off at Kondalilla Natue Reserve to see a lovely waterfall.

The following day the realisation hit us that we dont have as much time in Australia as we thought, so after a trip planning session Oz drove us out to his Sister's farm in a place called Boonah. It was great to see small town Australia - and some of it is VERY small (a cricket pitch and a pub - thats it). Brooke and Matthew's farm (Oz's sister and bro in law) was stunning.

Just before we caught our bus onwards to Hervey Bay we dropped into Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for a few hours. It included a collection of Aussie animals including crocs, dingoes, snakes, cassowaries, birds of prey, wombats, possums, Emus, kangaroos etc. Natalie held an adorable Koala called 'David' and instantly fell in love with him. (It was all I could do to stop her smuggling him out)! We hand fed the roos (like giant rabbits) and had a stimulating conversation with a some talking parrots.

We had a great weekend in Brizvegas - cheers Oz. After time spent in 'proper' Australia we were ready to jump back on the tourist bandwaggon to Hervey Bay, the stopping off point for Fraser Island.

Afternoon boo