Condensed speed update

Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore: I'd hug a tree, but there might be nasty ants, spiders or snakes on it.

As requested, a more detailed map than the one I posted earlier. Use the zoom and centre functions to see the east coast in detail. (click to centre)

From Airlie Beach, we went to Mackay. Not much to do there except use it as a base to get to Eungella NP. With rainforest above 600m elevation, it's definately worth the drive out. We spent the day on the relatively cool (due to elevation) rainforest tracks, and then went to Broken River for platypus spotting. The platypus is one of the funniest creatures ever made, and is normally too shy to be spotted in nature. But at the Broken River viewing deck, the wild platypus are more used to people and are more easily seen. And thanks to my Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife guide, we also went down to the pool nearer the ranger station and had own private viewing of a platypus that lives there.

From Mackay, we took the overnight bus to Bundaberg. And we got stuck on a bus with the uncomfortable style of seats. We didn't sleep very well. The main (pretty much only) attractions in Bundaberg are the Bundaberg Rum Distillery tours and the nesting turtles at Mon Repos. The distillery tour was quite well done and very interesting. The two free drinks at the end didn't hurt either.

Triona and Antonia have been travelling north, and our paths crossed in Bundy. They were staying with a friend of Triona's mother. Jane was kind enough to take me and Ching with them to see the turtles, something that would have cost us a fortune in transportation otherwise. And we got to spend the evening with Triona and Antonia. It was good to see them again. I am still too busy marvelling at the miracle that is nesting sea turtles to properly describe it while paying for internet, but when I pull out the photos you won't be able to shut me up.

We're now in Hervey Bay, with a trip to Fraser Island booked for tomorrow. After that, it's off to Noosa for surf lessons and Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo (F,St), then Brisbane (including a tour to Lamington NP) (Sn,M,T), skip the tacky Gold Coast, on to Byron Bay to climb a mountain and kayak or something (W), Myall Lakes NP if transport allows (Th), otherwise straight to Newcastle for a tour of the Hunter Valley wineries (F), and then back to Sydney (St) to pack for the flight home. There you go Mom, that's my itinerary so you know where I'll be!