From Cairns to Brisbane

Right we have managed to hire a camper (we thought it was a little high top but no, its a 2 birth winnebago which looks very scary to drive). Its huge and the guy keeps telling us to be wary about the height as it is 3.4 meters! He also went thought the various things we had to do like emptying the toilet, which we decided not to use so we didnt have to try and remember it all, and how to fill and empty the water tanks.

So anyway off we go on our mammoth trek, we have 4 days to cover 1700km (don't ask me what that is in miles I have no idea!). Rich drove for the first 4 hours then I took over for the next 4 hours. After the 8 hours driving we arrived at our first destination of Arlie Beach, which is a strip of bars, clubs and places to eat and felt a bit like Benidorm or something.  After a few wrong turns due to the sat navs we made it to magnums hostel were we had booked a powered site for a couple of nights. The following day we headed out on a tour to the Whitsunday islands on a large boat, with about 100 people but is was a smoother trip on the sea and no one got seasick. First we went snorkeling just off Hook island and then on to Whitehaven beach which was beautiful.On the beach we walked to Tongue point to get the best views before swimming in the crystal clear ocean. While on the beach we saw a huge lizard which is a relation to the komodo dragon and we were warned to keep an eye on your toes as he is poisonsous.

The following day we set off again in the camper on our way to Brisbane but we planned to stop half way, otherwise it would be 11 hours of driving. We decided to stop at a place called Capricorn Caves for the evening. The campsite didnt have much in the way of facilities but it was in a lovely location and we managed to spot some Kangaroos in the wild. The next morning we set off early for the remaining 7 hour drive to Brisbane. We had to be at the drop off by 3pm so it was a little stressful, especially when we got lost and ended up going on a toll bridge twice!

Anyway we managed to return the van on time and then had to get to our accommodation for the night. This involved a walk, two buses and another walk. However the people of Brisbane are lovely and really helped and one of the bus drivers even let us get on for free. So we are here for one night before moving to a cheaper place for the next two nights. After that we are heading back up north to go to Hervey bay and Fraser island for 2 nights of camping (yes you read that right, camping) before returning to Brisbane... then who knows what!