Three days of relaxation and tanning was followed by a visit to the home of the crocodile hunter. We managed to spend a rather impressive 7 hours in Australia Zoo, and it's safe to say we didn't miss a thing! Our highlights included holding an alligator, cuddling a koala, feedings the Roos, stroking koalas and watching three amazing shows! We also took a short visit over to the animal hospital where we met Stuart, a Koala with a broken back (so sad!)
The weekend saw us exploring Brisbane. On the Saturday we strolled around the CBD through the Botanical Gardens and along the Southbank, before having a meal at the healthy burger joint, Grill'd. Before heading back to our camper we decided to take some photos of Brisbane lit up at night.
The Sunday was a very sport filled day. On the train into the CBD we discovered that two of Australia's top netball teams were playing a match at the exhibition centre. Em decided to go and buy a last minute ticket while James chilled on Southbank. The match was awesome and so close with Adelaide Thunderbirds beating Queensland Firebirds 54-53!
Straight out of the netball match we headed to the Gabba to watch our first (and probably last) AFL match. Within the first 5 minutes we were both thoroughly confused, and even more so when the supposedly 20 minute quarters didn't end for another 10+ minutes. After two and a half hours, Melbourne had gotten a thrashing from Brisbane Lions and we were still none the wiser in terms of AFL rules. However, what we did learn is that rugby is a much better and more interesting game to watch.
Over the next few days, we hit up the beaches and topped up our tans some more. First up was Surfers Paradise followed by Coollangatta and Rainbow Bay, before crossing over the border into NSW.
Our first two days back in NSW were spent in Byron Bay. After a gorgeous morning of sunbathing, we were picked up for our first surfing lesson. Out at Lennox Head we were kitted up with rash vests and soft boards. After a warm up and some lessons on safety and how to stand up on the board, we hit the water. After 3 hours we were both exhausted but had successfully managed to stand up on the board for a fair few seconds and "ride the waves". Turns out Em has a 'natural surf stance' when she eventually manages to stand on the board and James managed to overcome his balance issues. The following day saw lots of rain, so while Em chilled in the van, James headed out for another surf lesson. This turned out to be even more exhausting than the day before due to the larger and more constant waves.
Our final morning in Byron was spent exploring Cape Byron where we visited the lighthouse, saw some pods of dolphins and took in the breathtaking views.
Heading South we stopped at a number of lookouts including Ballina and Angourie, where we also visited the blue pool. After sleeping in a rest area off the highway, we started the morning by visiting the picturesque inlet at red rock.
A quick drive through Woolgoolga, to yet another lookout and past a magnificent Sikh temple, took us to Coffs Harbour. Here we spent an hour or so sunbathing on Jetty Beach before heading for yet another Cold Rock ice cream.
Next up was Nambucca heads where we wondered along the V-Wall and read all the lovely messages before heading to Captain Cooks lookout.
Our final stop for the day was the lovely hamlet of South West Rocks. Here we were able to see the sunset from a number of angles, including the lighthouse, which is home to a number of kangaroos.
After another night in a rest area we hit the road again. Our first stop was Port Maquarie, where the ironman was taking place - the second triathlon we have encountered whilst in Australia! We still managed to walk along the breakwater, visit the koala hospital and sunbathe on the beach for an hour or so though!
From here we were planning to drive down the coastal road to North Brother Mountain, however this stretch of road was being used for the cycling part of the ironman. After a slight detour we arrived at North Brother Mountain and ate lunch with an amazing view!
Before setting up camp for the night, we stopped off at Crowdy Bay Lighthouse. From here we ended the day by driving down the Lakes Way through Booti Booti National park, Pacific Palms and Myall Lakes National Park. The following morning we visited Port Stephens; Tomaree peninsula and the summit, Nelson Bay, Anna Bay and Worrimi conservation lands.
Next up was Newcastle which is very similar to Newcastle in the UK. In fact, it even rained!! We still visited Nobbys beach and had our last Cold Rock in Australia!
The final morning of our East coast trip was spent in Palm Beach (home to Home and Away!). Here we walked along the beach, visited the surf club and went for drinks at the Pier Diner. At the diner we were lucky enough to see some of the filming going on and Em managed to get photos with 2 of the cast members!
This ended our East Coast trip and from here James flew to New Zealand while Em spent a few days in Sydney before flying out.
Now it's time to campervan round NZ!!!
Take care!
X x x
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