i come from a land down under...

okay, well i don't come from a land down under, but i am headed there today! my flight leaves late this evening. woohoo!

this trip really snuck up on me, but now that it is here, i am so excited i can't stand it! i'll be spending a few days with a friend in sydney and then heading out on my tour. here is a little of what i'll be doing with contiki:

Sydney to Coffs Harbour – Over the coathanger: Before heading across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, we’ll make a photostop taking in the harbour and Opera House. Then north along the "holiday coast" to our accommodation at Coffs Harbour. Then it’s playtime – a drink, a dip or maybe a stroll along the beach.

Coffs Harbour to Surfers Paradise – 2 states in 1 day: Heading northwards, we’ll stop at Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point. Then onto trendy Byron Bay where you can shop or swim. By evening, we’ll have crossed the Queensland border arriving at Surfers Paradise. After dinner, try your luck at Jupiter’s Casino!

Surfers Paradise at Leisure – The choice is yours: So much to do in the name of leisure. Here goes! Relax on 42km of white sand beaches, or if you’re feeling adventurous – why not try a tandem skydive or a Harley Davidson ride. All are available in Australia’s biggest playground.

Surfers Paradise to Farmstay - Get down on the farm: First up we’ll take in the sights and sounds of Brisbane, before heading into the fertile farming lands of the Darling Downs. Enjoy a good ol’ Aussie ‘knees-up’ tonight at our farmstay near Toowoomba.

Farmstay to Fraser Island – The Sunshine Coast: Heading down the mountain we’ll visit the koalas and kangaroos at the Forest Glen Wildlife Sanctuary. Onwards to Noosa Heads with its stunning beaches and great shopping. We’ll continue north along the coast meeting our launch to Fraser Island.

Fraser Island at Leisure – Idyllic island life: Now you’re on the largest sand island in the world! What to do? Here are a few clues. Why not take a 4-wheel drive bus tour through the rainforests, a guided bushwalk or a swim in the fresh water lakes? With this many options no chance of going troppo!

Fraser Island to Capricorn Coast – Smile at the crocodile: Returning to the mainland, we’ll travel north to Rockhampton – gateway to the tropics. This evening why not come face-to-fang with huge estuarine crocodiles at the Koorana Crocodile Farm?

Capricorn Coast to the Whitsundays – Shute across to paradise: On our way to Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays, we’ll visit Mackay – Australia’s sugar capital. Boarding our launch at Shute Harbour, we make the short journey to Long Island one of the jewels of the Whitsundays.

Whitsundays at Leisure – Your own ‘fantasy island’: Time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great amenities of Long Island. Feeling energetic, why not go bushwalking, play tennis or beach volleyball, take to the water with a snorkel or a jet ski? Want to relax? Then unwind on the palm-lined beach, have a massage, or sip cocktails on the verandah as you watch another perfect sunset.

Whitsundays at Leisure. Continued:Or… Sail the Whitsundays. As an alternative to 2 days Island Resort stay, you can spend 2 days sailing the Whitsundays. Swim, snorkel, or laze your way around this tropical paradise, on board a Prosail flotilla yacht.

Whitsundays to Cairns – All ashore: It’s north to Townsville to explore the scenic lookout of Castle Hill, overlooking Magnetic Island. This evening we’ll check into our Cairns hotel, situated in a lush tropical setting.

Cairns at Leisure – Are you game? For the adventurous a chance to do some white-water rafting on the rapids of the Tully River. On our way we’ll pass the Hinchinbrook Channel, dotted with islands. If rafting’s not your thing time to relax and check out the delights of Cairns.

Cairns at Leisure – Reef residents: Again your choice ... either relax in Cairns, or jump onboard as we head this morning to Port Douglas. Either spend the day at leisure or take the opportunity to visit the famous Outer Barrier Reef aboard a high-speed catamaran. Why not scuba dive amidst amazingly colourful tropical fish? Tonight we’ll check out more tropical wildlife at one of Cairns’ nightclubs!

Cairns – Care to Dance? Our final morning is spent with a visit to Rainforestation to watch traditional aboriginal dancers and learn how to throw a boomerang. What a way to finish!

i return to the states on april 9th, so look for a recap then.

byeeeeeeeeeeee!