For my last few days in Brisbane myself and Jacqui decided to rent a car and set off on a little road trip up and down the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales. Collected the little Hyundai Getz on monday morning and travelled down to Byron Bay, an amazing little town which is famous for its music and laid back approach of it residents. Felt like i was in the Carribean again. Stayed there for the night and next morning travelled up the Coast to our next destination of Noosa. On the way we stopped off at Surfers Paradise and took a few pics on the beach but wasn't all that impressed with it. Lots of big ugly buildings making it look like one of those resorts in Costa del Sol or Ibiza. From here we made our way up to Noosa. A picturesque little town favoured by Australia's more affluent people. In fact steve informs me that Richard Branson stayed in the town a few weeks back. This time we didn't spot anyone famous but enjoyed our time on the beach and walking through the park and jungle.
Today we woke up and went further on up the coast towards Rainbow Beach (so called because of the colour of the sand) and Frazer Island. Quite an amazing place up around there and some of the most amazing scenery i've seen. On the way back we stopped at an old mining town called Gympie, where i was alarmed at the amount of discount 50p type shops in the town!
I forgot to add that while we were away Steve Irwin died up the coast in Port Douglas. We had been to his zoo last week and have to say that we had an amazing time there and everyone i've spoken to hasn't had a bad experience there so OZ is in a bit of a shock at the mo; not quite 'Diana' Standard but getting there. I think there is a pic of me below which Jacqui took the minute i heard!
Every Conversation i've had this week regarding him, even with strangers in the street or shops has gone something like this
-Bit crazy about what happened to Steve Irwin wasn't it
- Yeah wasn't expecting that at all
- No, was definately expecting a croc to get him
-Yeah definately a croc or shark
So head back to Sydney tomorrow for what is the beginning of the end of my trip away. Can't believe its gone so fast, going to be very sad to leave Oz but looking forward to travelling around asia and then seeing everyone again.
Enjoy the Pics
Take care
Marty
A whale just off Cape Byron
The moment i heard dear old steve had gone to the great Crocoseum in the sky 
The car we rented out
We went to 'Riverfire' last Saturday night, a giant fireworks display on the banks of the river and on the main buildings in the city
The highlight of the evening though had to be two F111 fighter jets doing their dump and burn routine in which they dumped their fuel into the afterburner bit and lit up the sky Truely amazing and one of most spectacular sights i've witnessed.
