After Airlie I had to take a 13 hour over-night bus to Hervey Bay which is very small, but the people are SO FRIENDLY everywhere I've been in Australia and they actually say G-day mate, and call you love and darling all the time. They also say, "Fair Dinkum" meaning, I'm not kidding you. I just love these people, so witty and nice. I wonder if it's the amazing weather and scenery that has them in such a good mood all the time.

Booked a day trip to Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island. Took a ferry over and then boarded a bus with wheels the size of me, which was needed because there are no roads, just sand tracks. I saw a dingo, looks like a really skinny dog-like creature. Apparently they are known for stealing things - underwear, swimmers, sandals, whatever. We went past the most amazing shipwreck on the beach (yes they just drive on the beach like it's a highway, Aussies are a bit crazy). Had lunch at a resort, visited the coloured sand dunes. It was a good day.

Brisbane

Rolled into Brisbane had a bit of drama with the hostel that I booked, as in they didn't pick me up from the bus terminal, so booked somewhere else, but not before phoning the first hostel and telling them what I thought of their customer service.

Did a little shopping here, it reminds me of Toronto and Van smushed into one. Had a nice room at the Brisbane Backpackers with a TV and fridge and en suite bathroom (oh what luxury.)

Byron Bay

Took ANOTHER bus to Byron Bay, which only took 5 hours. Yes, only. This country is huge and the distances are great. Thankfully there are discount air carriers but you can't fly everywhere (not that I'd want to, yeech, but my impatience wins out over my dislike of flying every time.)

Byron Bay is also gorgeous, and you can go in the ocean here. Known for its hippies and it's surfing, Byron Bay is super laid back, AND REALLY EXPENSIVE. I met a Canadian and Swiss girl in my hostel and we went out for dinner and a few drinks, but this old gal likes to be in bed by 12, especially since I was catching another 13 hour bus to Sydney next morning. And I was really disinterested in hearing about every hostel a 22 year old boy from the UK insisted on telling me about. ;)