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