Surfers Paradise - 08/04/15 - 10/04/15

By this time on my trip up the East Coast there was now just myself and Linda travelling together and after leaving Byron we made our way further along the coast to Surfers Paradise.

It was only a two night stop which was enough because although the beach was pretty amazing it was more of a holiday destination than that of a cultural stop. 

The first day we both chilled by the pool which was something of a luxury for hostel accommodation and then ventured out in the evening for food only because the kitchen was pretty rubbish to say the least and it was easier to eat out. 

Short stop at Burleigh Head National Park for the view overlooking the Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise - Too bad I can't surf:(

The following day we ventured along to the Skypoint Tower which was opposite our hostel. 

The sky was blue and the sea was blue, we couldn't have picked a better day and the views were unreal and it only cost $22 to take the lift up to the observation deck which works out at only £11! In the evening we went along to the evening market along the beach front where I went and got myself a henna tattoo. Small bucket list moment. 

View from Skypoint Tower

Byron Bay - 05/04/15 - 08/04/15

Today was the day we made it to Byron Bay instantly i knew this was my favourite stop of the trip so far. A relatively small beach side town filled with bars, cafes quirky shops and a bustle  of street musicians. 

On the first day we all headed up to the lighthouse which is the most easterly point of mainland Australia and the views were pretty impressive overlooking the town and beaches below. 

For the rest of my time in Byron I mostly chilled on the beach in a desperate attempt to improve on my non-existent tan, fixed up my RSA, Did a barista course which was amazing as i was the only one in the class, met up with friends I had met in Sydney and said goodbye to those moving up before me on their east coast trip. 

For me it was nice to be off a busy schedule and a place where I could chill and sit back before I moved further up the east coast to Surfers Paradise.

East Coast Adventure - 02/04/15 - 05/04/15

On the morning of 2nd April with an early 8am start myself and five others who I had made friends with on from my first week in Oz set off from Sydney for the start of our east coast trip.

After a fairly long 3 hr coach journey through torrential rain we arrived at our first stop Barrington Tops nr Gloucester having wound up a narrow cliff top road which was practically in the middle of nowhere. 

We dropped off our belongings and headed down to the river below for tubing and riding the rapids.

That evening we headed back to our mountain lodge for homemade pizza and beer pong along with the best nights sleep i'd had in a while.

03/04/15 We made our way from Barrington Tops to Spot- X surf camp with a short stop at Port Macquarie Koala hospital. That evening after a surf lesson where I finally managed to stand on the board we slept in tipis.

04/04/15 Was the day of our trip to the remote river camp were we went kayaking. We stopped off along the river boat to spot soldier crabs and then headed up the river to make way for camp. We stayed in tipis and had a camp fire meal as well as toasting marshmallows.