First trip to Rainbow Beach and Noosa - 25th to the 19th of May

Hey,

So after my Whitsunday's tour, I decided to head down to Rainbow Beach with Noelle and Sofia to see if I could get on a Fraser Island Tour. We took the 14 hour over night bus the same night we got back from the New Horizon and arrived the next morning. However, all tours were fully booked and so I decided that instead of hunkering down in the particularly quiet Rainbow Beach for a few days until I could get onto a tour, I would book a tour for a few days later and then travel down to Noosa, the next town on the Sunshine Coast for a little RandR, and then come back to Rainbow Beach for my tour later in the week. Very complicated.

So after some well needed sunbathing and sleep, I said goodbye to Noelle and Sofia for the first time, and headed down to Noosa or as I now call it "paradise".

I stayed at the Nomad's hostel there which is only a short downhill walk to the beach - where I spent the majority of my time! It's called the Sunshine Coast for a reason. Whilst there I also took walked in the national park, saw wild Koalas and went surfing. It was a few days of absolute bliss.

A Giant Kangaroo at the Petrol Station…?

Getting my tan on in the Sea

The coldest day while I was in Noosa

Sunset on the Beach

However, I had to return to Rainbow Beach for my Fraser Island tour… so when my few days of Paradise were over, I headed back to the Greyhound Bus stop and bumped into Sofia and Noelle again which was lovely. However, I had to say goodbye to Sofia as she was heading back in England sniff sniff.

Only a short one I'm afraid!

Lots of Love,

Clementine x

My Whitsunday's Tour - 22nd to the 24th of May

Hello!

I am finally getting to write about my boat trip around the Whitsunday's which was by far one of my favourite trips on the East Coast. The people were lovely, the setting was beautiful and the partying was hilarious!

When I first arrived to Airlie Beach it was raining and I didn't have a boat trip (which are a must do) planned at all. I checked into the Nomads hostel for a couple of nights and set about looking around the town which consists of making sure that it has a MacDonalds in suitable walking distance. As I was walking around I thought I would check out what sort of boat trips were available, I knew the average price was over $400 and that the favourite boat was the "Atlantic Clipper". Attempting to window shop without getting pulled into an unwanted conversation I was peeking through all the travel shop windows when a lady popped her head out of a shop further along the street and asked me if I was looking for a boat tour. Reluctantly, without wanted to seem rude, I replied that I was. This caused me to be dragged into her shop and plonked down on a comfy sofa. "Great", she said, "I really need to sell this place." The offer was for the last spot on a boat called "New Horizon" which was run by the same company as the "Atlantic Clipper", and she would do it for $330 if I would take the place. I was a little unsure as I had already booked into my hostel for two nights and I wasn't really ready to leave the next day… but then she threw in a free scuba dive and I was in!

Rushing back to my hostel, I managed to wing moving my second night until after my boat trip, and start to pack what I would need for the trip. If you are wondering what I mean… your bag cannot have a zipper (mine did) and you have to bring your own alcohol - so a 4 litre bag of Goon (boxed wine), as well as snacks etc. Once this was done I returned to my room to meet my roommates, only one of which spoke English and he was an Australian called Andy. He was off to see some waterfalls the next morning and asked if I wanted to join him. In the rainy season people usually cliff jump off the waterfall into the drop pool below but unfortunately of us it seemed a little shallow to we just had a paddle and climbed to the top.

Andy

When we got back it was time to make the journey down the boardwalk to where the arranged meeting point for the New Horizon was. I had been informed that this journey would take 15 minutes… it didn't. Luckily for me I had set off early because it took me the best part of half an hour but when I arrived people were just starting to trickle in - some in taxi's! They had got it right! The New Horizon could take 37 people and the Atlantic Clipper over 50, so the crowd was thick but it seemed that my boat was a mixture of guys and girls where as the Clipper seemed to be mostly guys. As we boarded our boat, put our Goon and Beer in the coolers and set off it began to rain. However, that did not stop us from cracking open the Goon and playing drinking games as we headed out into the open ocean - and that it pretty much how the rest of the day/night went so I have no photos haha.

The Boardwalk View

Rain!!

My Room :)

The next morning it was a struggle to get up but everyone drew strength from the fact it was a beautiful day and we were snorkelling and/or diving. The divers were split into groups, some for introductory dives and the certified divers. There was only one group of certified divers and we were last to go! So while we waited we had a go at the huge slide on the side of the boat, the diving board and the paddle boards while the non-divers went snorkelling. When it was our turn to go we were taken into to the dive drop point in a little dingy and threw ourselves off the side. Now, the Whitsunday's diving doesn't have anything on the Barrier Reef off Cairns but we did have a bottle full of fish food! This meant the we were swarmed by fish, bashing us in our masks and almost pushing us around in their desperation to get free food. The dive was relaxing and it felt amazing to be under the water again. We went through lots of tunnels and dense areas of reef which were full of life. The over two divers used their air a lot quicker than the dive guide (Ben) and I, so we returned to the surface so they could get back into the dingy and then Ben and I descended once more to go to the deeper waters and look for sharks! We did manage to see one disappearing off into the distance but then something better came along. We were just chilling and doing tricks in the water when Ben spotted movement under one of the rocks, he motioned for me to drop to the sea floor and watch him. He suddenly darted his hands under the rock and started fighting with something I couldn't see. I soon realised that it was a Rainbow Lobster, not unlike the ones I used to catch in Cairns. The poor thing was for dinner. However, I wasn't going to be shown up in the Lobster catching department and settled down on the ocean floor. Thankfully, I did manage to catch a crusty beast of my own but unfortunately it was no where as big as the one Ben had caught :( but I think perhaps mine was prettier!

Ben's Lobster

My Lobster in the dingy

Later that afternoon, we finally got to put our feet in solid ground when we were taken over to the infamous Whitehaven Beach. It was here that two girls who I had grown close to, Noelle and Sofia, and I wasted away the afternoon sunbathing and trolling around in the shallows looking for Lemon Rays and little crabs. At the end of the day we also hiked to the lookout where you get a panoramic view of the beach. On the way back to the boat we saw Dugongs which are in the same family as Manatees which was awesome. Here are some photos:

That is supposed to spell "New Horizon Rox!"

Whitehaven Beach from the Lookout

"The Gang"

Me, Sofia and Noelle

The New Horizon!

Later that night, It was back to the boat to once again party the night away… this was one of the most hilarious nights I have ever had. The drinking was mad, sorry mum! But, I made some great friends that night, sometimes feeling a little giddy means people open ip more or you find out that someone quiet is actually hilarious. In particular two guys named Chris and Tom were running riot, and made it their mission to get me as intoxicated as possible. There was one point where we were all just staring over the edge of the boat at a glowing squid in some sort of alcohol fuelled trance. I don't think I will ever see a squid that beautiful again. This then encouraged us to throw bread over the side of the ship and watch the fish go into a frenzy. I don't know why is was so funny at the time but it was…! The night ended with Noelle having to wear a life jacket in case she fell over the edge and her declaring herself captain… and thus everyone had to sleep up deck. They looked ridiculous. Especially Noelle who had stolen the real captain's hat and wouldn't take it off!

Myself, Sofia, Noelle and Kat

Me and Chris :)

Noelle being "Captain!"

It was fair to say the next morning was not my finest hour… I arose, ate and then headed back to bed while everyone else went snorkelling! However, when the real captain Ben (a different one!) decided it was time to get up, he literally came and got me from bed and threw me over board. Not funny. We then slowly headed back to the mainland. It was sad leaving the New Horizon, you know that you might never see some of the people again when in that moment you see them as some of your closest allies but a lot of us arranged to meet up back at the Lagoon in Airlie Beach for a sunbathe and a swim later in the day.

Sunbathing at the Lagoon

So there we go, my little Whitsunday's adventure. I recommend it to everyone! There are many, many boats you can go on, not just party boats but personally, my trip was perfect.

Lots of Love,

Clementine (or Little One) x

Townsville and Magnetic Island - 19th to the 21st of May

Hi,

I am finally back writing about my East Coast journey! Sorry for the delay!

When I last spoke to you all I had just left Cairns after my Camper Vanning up North and was heading on a bus down to Townsville. I had decided to skip the stop off at the famous "Mission Beach" as its main attraction is Sky Diving, something I have already done on this trip and thus can't afford to do  again, and head down to the next stop. Arriving at the docks of Townsville was, it's fair to say, a little creepy. It was late at night when the bus pulled up and only I got off - meaning I was standing alone at the closed ferry terminal wondering how I was supposed to feet over to Magnetic Island (my destination). It was cold and windy on the open pier but slowly and surely other potential ferry passengers started to appear and sit with me in the dark. However, there was light at the end of the tunnel - literally - as bright lights got closer and closer out on the open water. A ferry had arrived! We clambered on with backpacks, suitcases, briefcases and the like, and settled down for the 20 minute journey over to Magnetic Island. Now, I have never been sea sick before but there's a first for everything and this was it for me. Those 20 minutes must be some of the worst I have had at sea and I was extremely grateful to have my feet back on solid ground when we reached our destination. I was here - Magnetic Island, the sunniest place in Queensland!

I stayed in the Base Backpackers hostel, one of the few hostels on the Island and my far the most infamous for it's parties. Whilst staying at Base I met Kaelyn Kamp, a hilarious Canadian who I spent the majority of my time with whilst there. Unfortunately, none of the photos taken by us are appropriate for this blog and therefore I have stolen her profile picture of her Facebook so you guys can know what she looks like. Not only did we become friends (we're even classed as 'married' online) but we also became team mates in the Bar Wars competition where we kicked some butt. One of the funniest things I have ever seen was Kaelyn full on flooring during one of the races - she still got up and carried on running. Pretty Good effort.

I did do some adventurous things whilst on Magnetic Island including taking a walk in the national park and diving the world famous Yongala shipwreck. The dive which is still classed as in the Barrier Reef must be one of the best dives I have done yet. The SS Yongala which sank in the early 20th Century during a cyclone remained unfound on the sea floor for over 50 years. The coral encrusted wreck is home to a vast array of marine life including sea snakes, turtles and rays. To me it seemed like the Chelsea Flower Show but under water. I failed to take my camera with me for this dive but I have snatched a photo from a friend so that you can have insight.

And that's it! Only a short post this time in afraid. After diving I then took the ferry back to the mainland before catching my next bus to Airlie Beach. But here are some lovely pictures from the less stomach turning ferry on the way back to Townsville.!

Lots of Love,

Clementine x

Campering up North 12th to the 19th of May

Hello,

I left Cairns to drive a Camper Van a little further up North to Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. I wanted to go to Port Douglas because everyone said it was a nicer, quieter version of Cairns. I can tell you one thing for certain, Port Douglas is nothing like Cairns. It is a beautiful, picturesque place but there is so little to do there that after a day I was twiddling my thumbs. However, I judged to quickly and not long after I arrived a Carnival to celebrate 30 years of something or other started and the town quickly filled up.

Whilst in Port Douglas I visited the "must see" Wildlife Habitat and true to form, it is definitely a must see place. It is not a typical Zoo or Wildlife Park, the Habitat tries to create the most natural environment possible for the animals that it holds and most of these animals have been rescued or adopted in cases where it is not possible to either rerelease them or leave them in the wild. For example, a wild Crocodile who was going to be put down as he was seen as too dangerous to be left in the wild or Koalas who have sexually transmitted infections are treated and neutered, and then adopted. You can get up close and personal with the animals without feeling as though they are miserable and trapped. The Kangaroos and Wallabies mooch around freely and come hopping over to say hello if they are interested but have room to drift off into the distance if they do not want human company. The birds fly around your head and dive into the water or snatch insects from trees and it feels as though you could almost be in the wild. There are photo opportunities with Koalas, Snakes and Crocs as well as free WiFi so you can send them to your family. It is at the Wildlife Habitat that I met Elizabeth, a French student, who was also finding Port a little bit quaint!

The map of Port Douglas I was given!

Another hidden gem in Port Douglas is the non-denominational church St. Mary's by the Sea originally opened in the year 1881. It is one of the oldest buildings in Port Douglas and was recently transported to a new site after a long restoration program. It now only holds weddings and christenings and is extremely sort after, this is because on a lovely, sunny day (unlike in my photos), through the magnificent glass alter window you can see views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the coral sea. The stained glass windows are also filled with depictions of ornate tropical flowers making it one of the most picturesque churches left in Australia.

St. Mary's by The Sea



You cannot swim off most Australian beaches due to the poisonous Jellyfish that roam the waters!

Port Douglas is also renown for it's Sunday Markets. The stalls are all run by local tradesmen and women and all the products have to be sourced in Australia. My friend Elizabeth and I trawled the rows looking for goodies and probably spending money that we didn't have!

I had some feathers put in my hair

At the Carnival there were many tradition sports being portrayed - such as jousting! 

Whilst up in Port I took a day trip up the SkyRail into the mountains to Kuranda Village. You sit in a cable car above the dense rainforest and take in the view. There are two stop of points to take Rainforest walks but anyone that knows me will know that there is no way that I would do any unnecessary exercise - let's not joke. So I headed straight to the top to where Kuranda village is, this is supposedly a traditional mountainous market - however, I found it a bit of a tourist trap and wouldn't recommend that you go. Although on the plus side, they did have good mint choc chip ice cream. 





Up next in my little (actually quite big) campervan, was heading up to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest roughly 100km north of Cairns. This area is a Wet Tropics area - the clue is in the name. It's wet and tropical. The mosquitoes are the size of hamsters, the humidity is high and it rains all the time. Hence the area only having a population of 330. It is pretty much impossible to farm there so the only source of income is fishing. Essentially there is nothing to do there except eat pizza and get eaten in return by mosquitoes or crocodiles. What was my reason for travelling all that way? The Daintree Rainforest. It's ecosystem is one of the most complex on earth, it's plant diversity and structural complexity is unrivalled. There are animal species living in the rainforest that have remained unchanged for the last 110 million years and are not found anywhere else on earth. For an area which takes up 0.1% of Australia's landmass it holds the largest plant and animal diversity on the continent. Safe to say... it's pretty impressive. I decided to go on a horse back tour of the forest rather than the traditional 4x4 tour and it really paid off for me. Not only did I have a great time in and amongst the nature and get to see crazy animals like wild Cassowary's, my guide even after years of travelling the same paths was still as enthusiastic about the land as she was when she first started. She was full of facts and stories about the ancient aboriginal land and yet east to chat a good old chat to. I guess that most of the people who live in the area are eager for a good update on the world seeing as there is no mobile or internet connection! This resulted in me being able to get some work as a guide at the company for the remainder of my time in the cape as they were one man down. This was a great and fulfilling opportunity, and my understanding of the Australian Ecosystem deepened, it was also really fun to work with the girls and get closer to horses again.

Cape Tribulation headland



Finally, only my way back to Cairns to drop off the Camper I snuck in enough time to visit the Cairns Northern Beaches. My favourite was a little beach village called Palm Cove. Full to the brim with local fishermen and quaint shops, it has also been named Australia's capital for Spa's. It's a shame that I didn't have the time or the money to stop in for an afternoon - I would have loved a massage! The beach itself was beautiful and I was lucky enough to get fresh fish from the beach BBQ for dinner before sitting down with the townsfolk to watch the full moon. A great way to end my extra week travelling north of Cairns.

I headed back to Cairns on the afternoon of the 19th and that night took the night bus down to Townsville! The next step in my journey! Hopefully it wont be too long until I can fill you in about that too!

Lots of Love,

Clementine x