31 August - Brisbane, Australia

We have spent a week in hippie Byron Bay which is 900 kms north of Sydney. Rainbow colours, tie dye and dreadlocks are the norm in Byron Bay. While we were walking around town we even saw an advert for a tie dying course, suitable for children and beginners, everybody here seems to enjoy an alternative lifestyle.

Tallego beach

The east coast of Australia is beautiful with its vast, empty beaches. We have enjoyed long walks along Tallego beach and to Cape Byron lighthouse which is Australia's most easterly point. Unfortunately our very laid back lifestyle meant that we missed the 6am sunrises.

Walking along Tallego beach

We also made a visit to Nimbin, a small town west of Byron Bay. It is so alternative one of its roads is called Alternative Way. A major part of Nimbin's economy seems to be trading marijuana in both its legal (hemp) and illegal (hash) forms. Everything was very chilled out and we felt very much the odd ones out.

Hippie chicks (can you spot Rick?)

Before leaving Byron Bay we were treated to an amazing show of whales breaching less than 1/2 a mile from the shore. A pod of 5 whales had us spellbound for 2 hours as they leapt high into the air before falling back into the water creating what looked like fountains with whale tails.

Today we arrived in Brisbane. We are staying here for a couple of nights before we head north.