On leaving Fraser we made our way to Airlie Beach, stopping off at Hervey Bay for a night and then the town of Mackay, with its lovely wide streets lined with cafes and bars.

From Airlie Beach we took a two day cruise around the Whitsunday islands on the boat New Horizon.

The weather was wonderful, so it was nice to be out on the sea sailing to various parts of the Whitsundays. One of the most beautiful spots was Whitehaven Beach. We went for a swim (in our stinger suits- suits that stop you being stung by dangerous jellyfish!) and then up to the view point where we were treated to amazing views of the surrounding islands.

We also stopped off at Blue Pearl harbour where I did some scuba-diving. Though I was really nervous beforehand, I loved it. It was amazing being under the water for 20 minutes (!) getting close to the fishies and coral! My instructor Sam was a legend!

The day we returned to Airlie Beach, it was Paddy’s Day and the place was hopping with Irish music and practically everyone was wearing green! I threw on a pair of my brothers GAA shorts just to get in the spirit of things!!

We left the trad music behind us to make our way to Mission Beach where I went skydiving!

I was not as nervous as I had expected given that I was about to jump out of a plane at 14,000 feet. I had the giggles that was about it!

It was such a class experience, freefalling for about a minute and then floating for another couple of minutes looking down on the beach and the islands out from it! It was legend! I still can't believe I did it!

Last stop on our trip east was Cairns. We visited Cape Tribulation where Captain Cook’s ship ran aground off the Great Barrier Reef as he explored the continent! He gave the Cape its name because it caused him so much stress!

Cape Tribulation is beautiful. A rainforest stretches to the beach. It is full of lovely forest walks and there are also great walks long the cape.  

Of course we paid a trip to the Great Barrier Reef where we went snorkling. It was amazing. I saw a giant clam which was class. We took a snorkel tour where I saw a clown fish aka Nemo. Our guide showed us how sea creatures protect themselves from attack!

The next day we flew back to Sydney. My one bit of advice to those planning a trip on the east coast is to give yourself more than three weeks. Our trip felt really rushed. Four weeks would give more time to relax.

I enjoyed chilling out in Sydney for a few days before leaving Oz! I went back to Bondi to reminisce on the good old days when I lived there earlier this year. My best friend Alison had just flown in from Ireland so it was nice to spend some time with her. On my last day in Sydney I decided it would be fitting to climb the Harbour Bridge.

I was all set for a huge challenge but the climb it was actually a piece of cake. The views of Sydney from the top of the bridge are legend and it was a lovely way to end my time in the city.

I was quite sad flying out of Austrlia. It really is a great country. The people are amazing, so friendly, so kind and such good craic!

I will miss the phrases “too easy” and “ sweet as“.  I'm going to bring them home to Ireland with me to see if they take off!! I’m really disappointed that I never heard the words “Rack Off!” again! Ah well I’ll just have to continue watching ‘Home and Away’.

I've just arrived in New Zealand now so I'm looking forward to exploring a new country! I'll let ye know how it goes.

Rois xxxx