Time is up!

That’s right, my time is up. Tomorrow night I’ll be heading home, on a 26 hour journey back to sunny England.

Hervey Bay and Fraser Island was the perfect way to end what has been an epic journey. Our hotel at Hervey overlooked the Marina and sat beside one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. I tried Kangaroo for the first time since I’ve been here, and I was very impressed! Shame I didn’t have more of that, don’t think they sell it back home.

Our tour at Fraser Island was amazing. We had a busy group of around 40 people, young and old. Our tour guide Billy loved Mackenzie because they are both aussies, so we were in with the boss. We stopped at places like Lake Mckenzie (typical), Eli Creek, Central Station, Lake Wobbee and Indian Heads. Jelly fish, sharks and much more roamed the sea so that was a no go. Instead we swam in fresh water lakes, even better. Eurong Resort definitely gave us our moneys worth in terms of food, the scales proved that when we got back to the Gold Coast.  It’s impossible to really describe how beautiful the island is. You won’t know until you see it with your own eyes.

 

One week to go

That's right. I have one week left in the great land of Australia. How? I don't know.

I cannot believe how fast the past 5 months have gone. One minute I am in my uni bedroom, skyping my family and thinking how far I have to go until I see them again. Now my mum is sending me messages saying '9 days to go'.

Siobhan flew back to Brisbane with me from Melbourne after booking a spontaneous flight after a drunken night out. She wanted to surprise Spencer, and I was going to deny a flying buddy. So, me being sober and her being drunk, I gave her a nudge in the right direction. We had our long goodbye at the airport on Thursday night. I'm already missing my partner in crime, but constantly remind myself I'm lucky she only lives round the corner at home!

My last week will plan out like so:

Tonight- Tommy's birthday celebrations. Macca, Zoe, Ben, Tom and myself have a room booked at the casino, and a night out in Broadbeach planned. Macca and I are currently baking Tom an amazing chocolate cake. Macca is a domestic goddess when it comes to making cakes, takes after his mum.

Sunday- Probably hungover. But will still try and make it to the gym.

Monday- Macca and I will set off for Hervey Bay, where we are staying at the Mantra Hotel overlooking the Marine.

Tuesday- Our ferry departs for Fraser Island! Tuesday night will be spent at a motel on the 75 mile beach. Magic.

Wednesday- Another day on Fraser Island, returning to Hervey Bay in the evening and spending another night at the Mantra Hotel.

Thursday- The drive back to Gold Coast will begin, stopping off at Noosa on the way home. Noosa was too hard to try and find a hotel because of 'Schoolies'; a two week bender for the 17 and 18 year olds who have finished our version of sixth form.  Strange, because Noosa is known as a very expensive and posh area, so I have no idea how it will be invaded by squealing teenagers.

Friday- CHRISTMAS TREE TIME! Mackenzie will turn into a wood chopper as he goes to find the family's very own natural tree and cuts it down all by himself. Decorating will then commence, just in time for December 1st.

Saturday- Back to England I go...

The Great Ocean Road

ROAD TRIP!

The Great Ocean Road is a magnificent road trip stretching across Melbourne. Being a group of 10, we hired two five man 'wicked' camper vans, including a tent on top of the roof which folded out. We swopped between the two vans at each stop we took, picking names out of a hat to choose who goes where.

Lucky for us, we stayed over night at camp sites which had hot showers and surprisingly clean toilets. Not quite the dirty camping trip we expected. A few different stops we made were the 12 Apostles, Bells beach, London Bridge, and a road which was overwhelmed by koalas. Zoos are now out of the window for me after seeing the real thing up close, in the wild. We saw a female koala bear climbing a branch which made her look like she was tight rope walking, with her baby on her back. It was truly spectacular. Take a look:

WHAT A SHOW!

It was all a bit of 'shits and giggles' as Anna frequently said. This photo sums it up:

Sydney to Melbourne

TRAVELLING HAS COMMENCED!

In fact, it commenced almost a week ago. Siobhan and I got the flight to Sydney (well done shiv) on Monday morning, heading to New South Whales University to stay with Shiv's friend Anna. The week consisted of sight seeing, drinking, a lot of fro yo and a lot of stealing flat mate's food.

Highlights include:

Mounting the DJ booth
Fro Yo
Ketch up explosion
Chewing gum assault
Chinese shouting
Salad stealing

None of that makes sense to anyone but Siobhan and I, but you can make your own story up.

Sydney reminded me a lot of London. We turned up to pouring rain and freezing winds. The city was constantly busy, and they even had a Zara and Topshop. Luckily the rain cleared up mid week and we returned to our newly found Australian selves; at the beach attempting to surf.

Last night we arrived in Melbourne at Monash University (the one I could have gone to), and headed straight out for our fourth night in a row. Most of our group were from Leeds University, because they are everywhere in Oz. Not a bad thing though, they're all great. I woke up to a chocolate bar wrapper beside me and some remains in my hair. I then saw Shiv on the floor and Amy next to me which was a relief seeing as I wasn't sure who actually made it back. I'm not sure of the plan today, I don't think anyone can see past their pounding head aches at the moment.

Goodbye Griffith!

In the blink of an eye, my semester at Griffith has finished. Tomorrow I move out of my flat and say goodbye to my lovely flat mates.

We've had a king's feast to finish off my time here. It all started at the Beach house bar & Grill, followed by Baskin & Robin's ice cream, topped off with chocolate and popcorn whilst watching 'The Heat'. I am now sitting at my desk feeling 9 months pregnant. Why is it that I just do not know when to stop eating? I might be able to get away with it whilst I have the campus gym next door to me, but what happens during the next couple of weeks when I am travelling? I'll pack the running shoes just in case hey…

I really did get lucky when I moved in to Griffith. The thing with campus accommodation is that you can be thrown in with any bunch of people. My bunch of people happened to be kind, welcoming, hilarious and a lot of fun. I'll always be grateful for that. We even got a new international student called Miki, who moved in around three weeks ago. In just three weeks a friendship has formed, I just wish I had more time to spend with her! Our flat must attract good people.

My bags are packed and I am ready for Sydney on Monday! I just hope me and Siobhan make it there in one piece. Preferably together. I know you're reading this Siobhan. Set your alarm please, we have a flight to catch.