Byron Bay we decided to settle for a week. After stopping two or three days here and there we were ready for relax time on the beach. Boards hired we spent alot of time in the surf honing our skills. Byron Bay is also a popular holiday resort for backpackers and Aussies alike so it was lively. The so-called relax slowly turned into a bender. This we didn’t mind but we began to feel the strain on our wallets. Wilkys daily routine skate ended in tragedy which was expected really. After a surf we found him nursing his wounds with a cold 6 pack of Coopers, better than Savalon anyday..
We met a cool Aussie named Steve who was hoping to move to the area. We all fancied a day trip to Nimbin, a hippie settlement somewhat inland and Steve agreed to drive. This small town is made up of several shops all selling, well hippie stuff. A few hours were spent window shopping at Kard Bar city and returned with all sorts of bits and bobs. Wilky and Lowy most pleased with their purchases..
Because of the Big Day Out festival on the Gold Coast, we couldn’t get any accommodation for our next planned stop. Instead we made a slight adjustment to our plans and stopped in Coolangatta for two nights. More beach time was on the cards and we were tortured both nights as our hostel dorm was hotter than Satans sauna! Coolangatta boasts one of the top surf spots in the country with right handers that can last up to 1km. Just our luck the waves were the worst we had seen in Australia to date. After seeing the thousands of jellyfish which had been washed ashore, we were relieved about the surf conditions.
A little later than planned we arrived at Surfers Paradise. At check in there are not many greater words than free upgrade! From hostel dorm to a self-serve apartment with double beds, air con, kitchen and towels. Luxury we all welcomed with open arms. Poor waves again confined the majority of our time to the beach. A day trip was organised to Australia Zoo, the home of the Crocodile Hunter. Crikey! This zoo was home to the fascinating Australian animals such as snakes, lizards, kangaroos, Koalas, Crocodiles and Bird life. Also Asian animals such as Tigers and Elephants. The zoo was also home to the “Crocoseum” The famous arena where the man himself used to conduct animal displays. Ripper! We sat and watched a saltwater crocodile in the display play to the keepers taunts of a tasty treat.
Brisbane had the pleasure of our company next where we spent one night catching up with our friends which Scott and Jonny had met in Thailand in 2008. After a skin full Jonny fell asleep without the proper mosquito protection. Fifteen was the count and in places no man should ever have to endure being bitten. Even more unfortunate are his allergic reactions to the bites and the swelling that follows..
