Coromandel Peninsular

Sunday 27 January

Checked out of the Crown Plaza to drive across to Hot Water Beach a 3 hour drive through some superb scenery including the Coromandel Forest Park. We passed over several single lane bridges, an accident on one blocking our way, and a lot of very hilly and windy roads until we reached the turn off for Hot Water Beach and found our B+B, what a location right up on a hill overlooking the beach.

This lovely B+B is run by Trevor & Gail a great couple who made us very welcome. The terrace has a hot tub and wonderful views over the beach and ocean whixh is literally a 2 minute walk down some steps.Went to the beach for a few hours but swimming was out as the lifeguards said it was too dangerous due to bad rip currents, in fact we watched them saving an old lady who could not get out of the surf and was being pulled out even with 2 life guards helping her. In the end it took 3 of them to get her out but she was ok.

The hot springs on the beach are normally accessable for 2 hours either side of low tide but at the moment the sea is not retreating because of storms out at sea so you cant dig a pit and create your own hot pool but only dig your feet in and feel the hot water which is actually boiling hot. We will try again.

Met a very nice couple from Grays in Essex and another couple from Jersey who were both staying here.Full size snooker table downstairs and challenged Trevor to a game, daft idea.Another boxer called Taz lives with them, they seem to be very popular in NZ.

Bay of Islands Cruise

Saturday 26 January

Lovely morning.Early breakfast as we had to be on the wharf by 9.00am to get on boat so said goodbyes to other guests who seemed all to be doing a similar tour round NZ.

The cruise lasted about 4 hours and was absolutely fabulous with simply stunning scenery and an encounter with a large pod of dolphins that swam around the boat for quite a while.We made it out to the "Hole in the Rock", second time for Richard, although the sea was a bit rough and half the boat were seasick, but not Julia as she had bought some special pills made by an old fisherman by the jetty who sells them all over the world by internet and they obviously work well as she was acting like an old seadog, Richard was ok as usual.We then anchored up in a bay off Muturoa an island partly owned by the Goodfellow family who allow this company to take people ashore.We had a landing craft that took us to the beach which was actually run by the old man himself who was there on holiday.What a stunning location, just paradise.Brilliant morning.

We had to go back and get our car and drive back to Auckland a 2 1/2 hour drive so that we can meet up with Richard's cousin Sarah and family for dinner at the Viaduct Basin by the harbour.

Checked into the Crown Plaza and quickly changed. Sarah and her partner John picked us up at the hotel and took us up to Mount Eden from where you get a superb view over the whole area and all the volcanic hills.Then onto the Viaduct basin for dinner which was really rocking as it was Aucklands celebration weekend with fireworks, bands etc.A really excellent evening catching up with Sarah and the family.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Friday 25 January

Had a great breakfast with another 2 couples on the terrace who came from just outside Manchester and Suffolk and whose daughters boyfriend had just phoned them to ask for their daughters hand in marriage, ahh. The boxer dog called Cal is a real great dog with attitude, he owns the place.

Took the ferry over to Paihia to visit the place where the Treatyof Waitangi was first signed on the 6 Feb 1840.This was a treaty with the Maori chiefs on behalf of the British government which originally 43 chiefs signed until copies were carried around the country and by Sep over 500 had signed and Captain William Hobson proclaimed British sovereignty over the whole country on 21 May 1840.It is an agreement between two peoples to live and work together as one nation and is still relevant today.

There is a photo of the meeting house (Te Whare Runanga) and the giant canoe built in 1940 for the centenary celebrations.The original treaty house has been substantially extended since it was erected in 1833.

In the afternoon Richard went out on the "Mack Attack", a fast powerboat where you sit outside on seats at the front of an enclosed cockpit dressed in full wet weather gear and hoods.This powers its way out to sea to visit the "Hole in the Rock" and makes for an exhilarating ride , taking off at times.The weather today was a bit overcast and the sea was quite rough so we hope to do the cruise tomorrow.

Back to Arcadia Lodge for drinks on the terrace and then down to charming Russell for a great meal at Sallys overlooking the jetty and watching a good sunset again.We are eating much earlier than at home.

When we arrived back at Arcadia Lodge we met the couple from Manchester coming back at the same time, after a walk up from The Strand at Russell, its funny how people seem all prim and proper when you meet them for the first time and then after an evening drinking they are just like the rest of us.In fact she was standing staring up at the stars wobbling around and quite drunk, we had a few more with them in the lounge, funny really.Ah well.

Bay of Islands

Thursday 24 January

Lovely hotel on the wharf (Hilton) but we didnt get much time to enjoy it as we had breakfast which was a superb buffet early and then went onto get the car from Avis in the city centre.Great views from the restaurant over the harbour and a large cruise ship had just docked during the night so we had a load of yanks in for breakfast as well.They spent most of the time introducing themselves to each other and asking where each other had come from, apart from the ship!!.

Two and a half hour drive up to the Bay of Islands where we are staying at Arcadia Lodge in Russell. This place has a fantastic view from the terrace over the bay with yachts bobbing about and is a great place to sit with a glass of wine chatting to the other guests before going out to dinner.The hosts have a lovely Boxer called Cal who makes himself known to everyone. Great breakfast on the terrace. Met a couple from Coverack in Cornwall

Goodbye to Noosa

Wednesday 23 January

Our last day in Noosa so we all agreed to meet for breakfast at Seasons on the beach opposite our hotel for an al fresco meal. Best breakfast we have ever had, Graham gorged himself on a huge plate of pancakes and cream (ugh). Went for a final stroll along the beach walk on a glorious sunny morning and a last bit of shopping before saying goodbye to Lorraine & Graham and Don & Judy, the Lavers are staying with them for a further 10 days.

We drove down to Brisbane for our 4.15pm flight to Auckland, our seventh flight of the trip. Arrived in Auckland at 10.30pm and got a shuttle bus to our hotel on the wharf, didnt arrive till 11.45pm.

The Golf Challenge

Tuesday 22 January

Did some shopping this morning plus had the obligatory icecream at Massimos in the main street, they do the best ice cream in town and are very well known, before getting ready for the big golf match against the Aussies at Noosa Springs.

The match was five 4-balls mixed with Richard out in the first group playing with Jill from Tasmania who had been seconded to play for us and was not too happy about it until she knew that she was playing with such a good golfer. Richard only lost 9 more golf balls today and got the nickname of Crocodile Dundee as he was always in the croc country and had his stupid hat on.

A good game of golf was had by most people with the weather holding up although very windy and more like playing in England, no rain though.

We all retired to Don's house for drinks, food and a presentation of the cup. The Aussies won the match 31/2 to 1 1/2 but we met some very interesting people and a challenge was issued by David (A Kiwi) to come to the UK to play a return in July 2009.

Noosa Day

Monday 21 January

A quiet day today lounging around the pool and the beach before meeting the others at a restaurant called Rickies. This was a superb modern place with stunning views over the water and fantastic food. Retired to the hotel bar for a couple of drinks and met a girl on a tour from England who used to work in Weybridge!

Golf at Noosa Springs

Sunday 20 January



A lovely sunny morning which was spent on the beach swimming before getting ready to play a round of golf at 1.30pm at Noosa Springs Golf Club with Don & Judy + Graham & Lorraine.

Arrived at the club which is set on a spectacular development called Noosa Springs boasting a superb clubhouse and pro-shop.We all had buggies and the men played together against the ladies.We hired clubs and Richard bought 10 golf balls of which 9 were lost after 15 holes, he just made it round.Lovely course but the fairways are narrow and the rough (snake pits) is punishing and you dont look for your ball.I think Richard would not survive long being a member here!!.


We saw several Kangaroos on the course, two were even guarding Richards ball just short of the rough on one hole when they went bouncing into the trees and watched us from there. None of us played that well but it was a fabulous afternoon and it was practice for the real thing on Tuesday, the Possum Cup against the Ausies.

Richard & I had a lovely meal at a very buzzie restaurant right on the beach where we waited for a table right overlooking the water with the waves lapping at the entrance.It was a beautiful warm evening with a nearly full moon shining on the water creating a very romantic setting.Noosa really is a very attractive place.

Noosa Springs Dinner Party

Saturday 19 January



Graham & Lorraine arrive in Noosa this afternoon and we have all been invited to a dinner party at Don & Judy's house at 5.00pm today.
Unfortunately Julia is feeling very unwell with a heavy cold and cough so not much is done today apart from flopping by the pool and a brief spell on the beach.
Had a fantastic evening at their house which is situated on the 16th hole of Noosa Springs Golf Club. Don did a BBQ to start with some superb Tiger Prawns followed by a great Beef fillet. Don loves his wine and the evening turned into a brilliant wine tasting session of all parts of Australia, I think Graham was suffering a bit the next morning. We met their daughter Malinda who is a really nice girl who is in the travel industry and has travelled all over the world.

What a great night, taxi home.

Noosa

Friday 18 January

After a hearty buffet breakfast we retired to the hotel pool and 2 sun loungers plus umbrella where we stayed for most of the day including a very nice antipasta plate for lunch. It was so nice to relax and swim and read after so many days sight seeing and rushing from one place to another, the pool even has a swim up bar where you can sup a beer while sitting in the water at the bar chating, obviously I did not take advantage of this.

The weather was very hot and sunny, aparently the first decent sunshine they have had for about 3 weeks being in the middle of one of their wettest summers for 15 years, and Julia burned her feet quite badly.

In the evening we were asked out to dinner by Don & Judy ,whoose flat we stayed in at Sydney, and had a lovely meal at one of the locals favourite restaurants. It was a bring your own so Don arrived with a plentiful supply of excellent wine.

Goodbye to Cairns

Thursday 17 January

We left Jenny and Fred and the heat and humidity of Cairns this morning to catch the 12.45 flight to Brisbane on Qantas which was booked at the last minute to check in to the Sheraton at Noosa a 2 hour drive north of Brisbane.Julia and Jenny made their sad farewells with a promise to keep in touch by e-mail and hopefully to meet up again sometime in the future.

Arrived at Brisbane airport in the pouring rain but it was very warm so not a problem.Heavy traffic up to Noosa and arrived at our hotel about 6.30pm.Easy checkin and a stroll around the local shops/bars before a great seafood buffet at the hotel.Looking forward to a leisurely day tomorrow.

Great Barrier Reef

Wednesday 16 January



At last, phoned the reef centre at 7.00am and the boat I am booked with is definitely going although it will be a bit rough.Julia and Jenny not going (shopping) so on my own.Nearly missed getting to the boat on time which left at 8.30am.A well equipped dive boat with capacity for 80 divers but about 50 on board for this trip.It took about 90 minutes under full power to reach the first dive site on the outer reef during which the sea was quite rough with a very large swell, everyone had to take ginger pills at the start of the day to combat any possible sickness even if you didn't suffer from sea sickness.



Weather superb although a bit choppy. First briefing on the location and sorting out full stinger suits (wet suits) in case of the very dangerous box jelly fish, flippers, masks etc, then into the water.Really beautiful with loads of colourful fish.



We went to another dive site right on the edge of the outer reef that is rarely used because of the normal wind direction but today the wind was in a different direction so we could stop here.Briefing first and then lunch, however there was a large queue for lunch so I put the wetsuit on again and went snorkeling on my own.Dodging the white jelly fish I turned round and swimming up towards me was a giant turtle who serenely swam to within 3 feet of me and allowed me to follow for a short distance, fantastic.The water near the boat was about 40/50 feet but over the coral about 7/12 feet so there were huge amounts of brightly coloured fish everywhere, it was unbelievable.Also went on a guided snorkel with one of the divers which was great fun but tiring.At the end of the diving we headed back to Cairns arriving at about 4.30pm to finish a brilliant day, absolutely knackered.

Farewell dinner with Jenny in a nice Italian restaurant and to bed very happy ( Julia didn't buy much either).No photos as did not take camera on board.

Crocodile Farm

Tuesday 15 January



Still cant go out to the reef, too windy.



We went to a commercial crocodile farm this afternoon which seemed to be in the middle of nowhere and came back on a river boat all the way back to Cairns which was a lovely journey during which we saw crocodiles along the river bank.The farm occupies a large natural area of waterways and swamp like lakes where the crocs build large nests of mounds of dirt to lay their eggs.A team of 3 go into this area searching for the nests and remove the eggs to protect them and breed the crocs.We were told that 98% of all crocs in the wild will die in the first few days as they are eaten by others or the eggs are taken by predators so that in fact all the crocs here that are farmed and killed for the skins would not have survived in the wild.Don't know if we believe this or not.The guy who took us around said that Hermes were their biggest buyer and talked of huge amounts of money people pay for fashion items made from a part of the skin.He didnt like it too much when I said I thought the skins looked much better on the crocs!.It was all a bit weird plus we got bitten alive by all the bugs and the heat was extreme.Great.

Skyrail & the Scenic Railway,Karumba

Monday 14 January

Still hoping to be able to get out to the Great Barrier Reef but because of strong winds coming in from the NW (very unusual) the sea is too rough for the boats to tie up to their moorings so will not go out.Some companies have large pontoons moored out on the reef where the guests can sit and go diving but they cant use them at the moment.Hope this improves before we leave.

Julia and I went up to Karumba by the old scenic railway which was built in the old days and now offers a very interesting journey along a winding track through the rainforest with fabulous views of waterfalls and the flatlands behind Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands.Karumba itself used to be a small hippy village but is now a rather ordinary tourist centre.We stopped briefly at the butterfly centre before going down on the Skyrail which is a superb gondala ride over the treetops of the forest.This has been built so that you can hardly see it from anywhere and it quietly glides along offering a wonderful experience looking down and through the rainforest with a couple of stops whre you can get out and walk about.In all it is about a 45 minute ride down.

Called into Cairns Yacht Club, where Jenny does all her sailing, for a couple of drinks and watched the forest opposite change to all sorts of colours with the changing sunlight, a really lovely spot.

Port Douglas and the Koala

Sunday 13 January

Went to the markets in Port Douglas today which are held every Sunday with produce and crafts for sale that are only made locally and on the way stopped at Rex's lookout with a stunning view over Whangati beach.It was a superbly scenic drive along the coast to Port Douglas where we strolled around the market.Even I thought it was interesting and I hate markets but Julia was in her element and was trying to buy something from every stall but ended up with a couple more hats to add to the collection.A pretty little town that was probably more attractive a number of years ago before all the recent development boom as it is a very popular place for Sydney/Melbourne residents to have a winter home.

This afternoon we went to the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary where they look after many different species that live within the rainforest.We had a very interesting tour with a guide and were able to feed baby roo's of some type and an Emu which took a particular fancy to Jenny.However the highlight was the visit to see the Koala's and a real character that Julia was photographed with.They have a very dedicated team of people here who are passionate about the environment and the animals + plants that inhabit the area.

Dinner at the marina, still very hot and humid.

Cairns, Tropical Queensland

Saturday 12 January



Arrived in Cairns after 2 flights up from Tasmania and the heat and humidity hit us like a wall as we stepped off the plane, it is bloody hot.Jenny met us at the gate with her and Julia hugging each other in an emotional reunion, why is it I feel like the porter.It is really good to see her again after such a long time, she sends her love to both Chris and Matt, and James will be in touch with Matt soon.

We spent the evening at home drinking beer and trying to get cool (impossible) and we had a BBQ whilst going over old times.All set for the markets in Port Douglas tomorrow!

The Convict Trail

Friday 11 January

Another glorious day and we headed off on a drive to Port Arthur where all the second offending convicts were sent to do time.Known as Van Deimans Land (spelling?), it developed into a large community and is now a major historic tourist venue.On the way we passed by Pirates Cove a beautiful bay and stopped at a well known blow hole, although not much blowing off today before arriving at Port Arthur.

On the way back we stopped at 7 mile beach and had a stroll along this deserted beach with shallow water and lovely views.Noticed that a forest fire was burning on the hills which is one of many burning in the forests around Hobart but all under control.

Popped in to Royal Hobart Golf Club for a quick look around but could not go in the clubhouse without socks! so we had a chat with the pro in the shop.Looked like a good course which did host the Australian open once.

Back in Hobart we had dinner and got ready to be off to Cairns in the morning via Sydney.Looking forward to seeing Julia's old friend Jenny who we will be staying with for 5 days.

Peppermint Bay Cruise

Thursday 10 January

Awoke to a beautiful sunny morning with clear blue skies and decided to stroll along the harbour and booked a cruise up the Derwent river and out to sea leaving at noon.Strolled around the old part of town,Salamanca and Battery Point, before departing on the boat.

This turned out to be a most scenic and very enjoyable afternoon on board this small cruise boat sitting out on deck almost the whole time.Had a mixed seafood/salad lunch on board while slowly drfiting around the bay and then an underwater camera was lowered to the bottom with displays showing inside the boat.We saw some superb and very strange fish swimming around and the chap doing the commentry was very interesting and knew his stuff.Dropped off at Peppermint Bay for a wonder about, a lovely calm bay great for swimming, before returning to Hobart.All together another fantastic day out topped off by dinner in the old historic part of town.

We since found out that the weather at 35 C was most unusual and the hottest recorded in Jan as Tasmania is a lot cooler than the rest of Australia.

Hobart, Tasmania

Wednesday 9 January

Today we had to leave Sydney in glorious weather to fly down to Hobart in Tasmania where we stay for 3 nights at the Henry Jones Art Hotel right on the wharf.We have had a great time in Sydney seeing a large part of the area, it seems to have been non stop all the time, and we both loved it and would like to return one day.

Hobart airport is tiny and the luggage is checked by beagle dogs who walk along the baggage reclaim belt sniffing all the bags which cant be taken away until the dog says so!.

The hotel is a converted warehouse and old jam factory on the old wharf overlooking all the fishing boats with a really trendy interior display art for sale all around.Our room was very unusual with a lot of old bricks and roof timbers, a bit like sleeping in an old warehouse!!, with a fabulous spa bathroom.

Walked around the harbour and had an early seafood dinner looking forward to tommorrow.

Come on you Arsenal.

Whale Beach by Seaplane

Tuesday 8 January

Today we all went along to Rose Bay, a charming suburb of Sydney on the shore, to take a seaplane flight up the northern beaches to Whale Beach where we were having lunch at a restaurant called Jonah's. Their boat came to meet us and take us ashore and then up the hill to this fabulous restaurant with the most amazing views out to the sea.Had one of the best meals so far.They do a lot of weddings here, not surprised.The seaplane was great fun and only seated 6 people and included a scenic flight over Sydney harbour which was brilliant.

Back in town we decided to go to the top of the Sky Tower, the tallest building in Sydney, with stunning views all around and then for drinks and back to Mosman.What a great day.

Hello Travellers

Looks like you are having lots of fun and very interesting tours.

Julia sorry I have not been in touch whilst in the US - excellent job but very intense. Hopefully you got my text when I got back on Friday. Will update you on current exciting events by text.

Have fun you two and enjoy that lovely weather and scenery you are not missing much here.
Love x x

Sydney Bridge Climb

Monday 7 Jan

Arrived at the bridge to meet up with Cyril & Rosemary to climb the bridge!.Not sure what to expect, saw all the signed photos of various celebs that have done it - must be easy.Started with a lot of prep about safety and the various devices that we take up to connect to the safety wire that runs all along the climb.Stop on the way up for different views etc and photos by the tour guide.Fantastic feeling as you ascend the arch and reach the top, great views, breeze, superb.Takes about 3 hours from start to finish, could be a bit shorter.It was quite easy and a good money earner for the bloke who runs it, doing 1500 climbers a day at the moment.
Dinner tonight with 8 of us at a lovely restaurant terrace overlooking Chowder Bay.

Brian & Carol's House

Today (sunday) we had a wonderful day with some friends, Brian & Carol, who invited us to their waterfront house for a BBQ and boat trip.What a spot right on the water with views to die for and a beautiful house over 4 levels.Brian took us all out on his boat for a cruise and we anchored just off Clontarf beach for a swim.Back on board for drinks & bites (is this real) and then back to their house for a late lunch BBQ.Food,Wine,Food,Wine..........whats going on?

This is the view from their terrace, not bad.

Doyles at Watsons Bay

This evening we met up with Graham's sister and her husband who have lived out here for many years and took a private water taxi out to Watsons Bay and had a great dinner on the beach at the famous Doyles Restaurant.Watching the lights come on in the city in the far distance was magical as was the food.Great atmosphere here and an interesting trip back on the water taxi to Mosman Wharf.We were really lucky with the weather.

Bondi to Coogee Walk

The afternoon was spent doing a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee beach which follows the rugged coast all the way offering absoloutly stunning views of the coastline which included a squatter home set up in the cliff rocks (how this person lives here is beyond belief) and passing by several lovely beaches and headlands (about 3 miles).

Bondi Beach

Went to see this famous beach today (saturday) where there were loads of surfers.The weather today was a bit changeable with a heavy sea and huge waves crashing onto the rocks and our first spot of very fine rain.Had lunch at the Icebergs Bar which is a very trendy place at the end of the beach with a pool and a stunning outlook over the sea.Watched a surfer who was in trouble in the large waves getting pulled way out to sea before getting rescued by the lifeguards on a wet bike.

Sydney Cricket Ground

Had a stroke of luck today (friday) discovering that the test match was on between Australia & India at the SCG.Took a chance and got a bus to the ground and bought tickets for the day in a great spot and watched Tendulkar get a glorious century before leaving to meet Julia for a cruise around the harbour.What a lovely ground the SCG is with some of the old stands still as they were.

We spent the evening at the Bathers Pavillion on Balmoral Beach, a superb cafe/restaurant right on this stunning beach only yards from the water and the shark nets!!.