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Martin DavisMartin Davis
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traveled in 14 countries Read more Bristol, United Kingdom
  • Australia
    Day 9

    Fraser Island

    October 8, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Early start today as we set off from Noosa to Fraser Island. We had pre-booked to go with a tour company called ‘Drop Bear’ for 3 days and 2 nights around the Island.

    We met the tour group (30 of us) and drove in 4x4’s to Fraser Island (a.k.a K’Gari) which is about 1.5 hours up the coast and then across on a barge ferry.

    The tour guide asked for someone sensible to drive one of the 4x4’s across to the island so I picked Martin! Everyone else in our car were European so weren’t used to driving on the left. There were 4 vehicles driving in convoy and we all communicated via radios.

    Once we arrived at Fraser we headed to our camp, after having a lovely welcome from some dolphins swimming really close to the shore. There was one big communal tent where we had our meals and then all the individual tents around the outside. It felt as if I was on brownie camp!

    We weren’t allowed to keep any of our personal belongings in the tents as the native Dingos would smell it and rip the tent open to investigate.

    We headed out in the 4x4’s all day which meant lots of off-road driving on the sand.

    We headed to an old ship wreck which was an abandoned ship from the 1940’s.We then went to a fresh water creek and had a little swim. It was like a lazy river, you could just float all the way down it. Apparently we don’t need to wash/shower whilst here on Fraser Island as all the creeks we go in have water that is so pure...

    We had a BBQ for dinner (steak and sausages) with some goon (red wine).

    H x    Read more

  • Australia
    1
    Day 8

    Next stop, Noosa

    October 7, 2018 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Early Greyhound coach from Brisbane this morning to head north towards Noosa. Arrived late morning and thankfully we were able to check in to our B&B early again to get ourselves sorted before we headed out to roam. Beautiful place we’re staying in, and we have it to look forward to after our tour of Fraser Island too.

    We called by a local farmers market first for a little look, had ourselves a sweet crepe and then caught a taxi to the beach.

    The coastal walk was recommended by everyone, so we went to see it for ourselves. It was far better than we ever expected. It was about 5km of boardwalk with ocean one side and the Noosa National Park on the other. One minute you were at sea level, the next you were up a cliff. Plenty of surfers out but we also saw a couple of whales and a group of dolphins, and Harriet nearly trod on a snake too!

    3 days and 2 nights on Fraser Island from tomorrow - had to head to buy our alcohol (a box of red wine - otherwise known as a goon bag by Aussies) from a liquor store today.

    We finished by having a little bit of dinner by the river, although H ended up with about 6 ravioli parcels for her meal as it was a tiny bit posh!

    Speak soon
    Mart x    Read more

  • Australia
    1
    Day 7

    A Koality day

    October 6, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Woke up thinking we were set for a day of rain so we were happy to see it was fairly clear out. We decided to catch the bus from the city out to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. We weren’t sure if we were going to end up seeing Koalas in the wild while in Aus and decided we couldn’t leave without seeing one!

    We didn’t expect to be able to hold the Koalas (marsupials, not bears apparently) so jumped at the chance. Also fed and patted some Kangaroos who were roaming free, and checked out a native Wombat. It was great and really hit home that we were in Australia.

    After that we headed up to a great view point overlooking the whole city. Had a bit of a wait to catch the bus back down so sat looking out at Brisbane for a bit.

    Lastly we took a little stroll through the botanical gardens in the city which backed on to the riverside, before heading back to our room for a relaxing session in the sauna.

    Early Greyhound coach to Noosa tomorrow!

    Mart x    Read more

  • Australia
    Day 6

    BRISbane

    October 5, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Early start today as we left Sydney to fly to Brisbane. No Hot Cakes for breakfast today.

    At Sydney airport Mart got stopped by the security and they asked where he was from.

    Mart: “England”
    Security guard: “Which part”
    Mart: “Bristol”
    Security guard: “Ahhh! Bristol Rovers!”
    Mart: “Glad you didn’t say Bristol City”
    Security guard: “Who?”
    Mart: 😁

    We arrived in Brisbane nice and early and again managed to bag an early check in at the hotel.

    We headed out to “South Bank” which is a little promenade by the river. That’s where the obligatory photo with the Brisbane sign was taken! Just behind the promenade there is a little man-made city beach with lots of locals/tourists in the ‘sea’. There was even a lifeguard.

    As we were in a new city today we thought we best visit another bridge. We got the bus to the Story Bridge and took a selfie in front of it.

    Later we climbed the City Hall clock tower. I think I am just about mastering my fear of heights. The view of the lit-up city was amazing.

    After a day of being proper tourists we finished the day by having a little glass of prosecco...or two!

    Speak soon
    H x    Read more

  • Australia
    Day 5

    What to do on a rainy day...

    October 4, 2018 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    We started with another stack of Hot Cakes of course. Today it was out last day in Sydney and it was a bit wet so we stuck mostly to places within range of coffee shops/bars.

    After brunch, we climbed the Sydney Pylon Tower which is one of the towers at the edge of the bridge. Had a chance to get some more photos of the Opera House and Harbour.

    We can’t believe how quiet Sydney has been since we’ve been here, barely any cars on the road, no wailing sirens, no huge crowds of tourists. I guess it will be different in high season.

    Then we wandered over to the Botanical Gardens and had a stroll, stopping at a coffee shop in the middle, before walking back for a final ‘schooner’ (pronounced scoona by the locals, which means a 1/2 of a pint of beer) in the Opera House bar. Think we ended up right in the middle of a private event as everyone else was dressed in 3 piece suits and cocktails dresses whilst we were in our hoodies and jeans! Great spot for a beer though.

    Ready for our early flight to Brisbane tomorrow so we changed from a luxury hotel to a hostel nearer to the airport, much to Harriet’s dismay.

    Mart x    Read more

  • Australia
    Day 4

    Just about adjusted to the time zone...

    October 3, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We started the day by going to a nice little cafe for breakfast. We both had “Hot Cakes” with fruit and maple syrup which set us up nicely for the Bridge Climb.

    I had butterflies in my tummy as I’ve never quite conquered my fear of heights! We started by putting onesies and harnesses on. We were then led out onto the bridge with our guide, Joe. First of all we had to walk on a thin, worn out, plank of wood extending out over the bay. We then had to go up narrow ladders and eventually up the arch to the top (440 feet, or 5 seconds drop if we fell!). I just about managed to smile for our photograph and looking back at it, it was great fun and a must do in Sydney!

    We then headed to Manly on the ferry which is a little town with a nice beach. It was a bit wet so we watched some surfing and then headed back to the hotel for a rest.

    Had a nice nibble in the Cruise Bar with a Sydney lager to finish the day.

    Last night in our luxury hotel tonight and one more day in Sydney tomorrow!

    H x    Read more

  • Australia
    Day 3

    24 hours of travelling later...

    October 2, 2018 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    We arrived in Sydney. The first flight from Heathrow to Hong Kong went so smoothly and we slept so well that we got a bit arrogant for our second onward flight to Sydney. Little did we know that it would be quite the opposite experience!

    First, Harriet spilt a whole glass of chilled Coca Cola over my jeans, and then an hour later she went all clammy, had a collapse and was sick, and had to go and lie in the gulley while the air stewardesses and I fanned her and laid wet flannels on her head. This happened a further 3 times before we landed. Thankfully all was well again once she’d had a few drinks and a couple of bread rolls.

    We caught the train to our lovely hotel, dumped our bags, had the absolute best shower of our lives, and then set out to explore. The Harbour Bridge and Opera House were on our doorstep so we went for a great bit of lunch overlooking both. Then we walked to Darling Harbour where we sat and had a beer while watching the ferries come and go. Jet lag was catching up on us so we went for a local dinner and had a nice local Sydney lager in the hotel bar before bed.
    Climbing the Harbour Bridge tomorrow!

    Mart x    Read more

  • TravelerInterrail
    Day 23

    Venice

    September 26, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    So the last leg of my inter rail journey. It started by meeting H at arrivals at the Venice airport and then heading out for a lovely meal together recommended by our air bnb host, whilst we caught up on lost time.
    On Saturday we followed our noses and wandered through the narrow streets and over the many bridges of Venice. We stopped regularly for a beer and some gelato and to watch the world go by.
    Sunday was spent mostly under umbrellas but we did more exploring and had another lovely traditional Venetian meal in the evening.
    Monday involved heading to an island off Venice called Burano, famous for its colourful houses, and then going up to the top of the Campanile in St Marks Square for a stunning view of Venice basking on the sun. We spent the afternoon perched by the Rialto bridge with a beer watching all the boats come and go. A lovely way to spend a few hours.
    Home today which marks an end to my inter rail adventure. :( I had a fantastic time. I made loads of brief friendships and met a few later on my travels. I took 2 planes, 7 trains, a ferry, 4 water taxis, 3 coaches, 4 buses, over 10 trams, a dozen metros and walked 412,841 steps (195 miles).
    On to the next adventure..    Read more

  • TravelerInterrail
    Day 18

    Piran

    September 21, 2017 in Slovenia ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    A quick stop in Piran before heading on to Venice tomorrow to meet up with HJ.
    Piran is a gorgeous little village on the tip of a narrow peninsula where, if you stand on the old city wall, you can see Croatia to your left and Italy to your right. A postcard perfect place.
    Spent some time walking around before I couldn't last any longer without a sea swim. Set up camp on the rocks of the harbour and had a lovely dip in the Adriatic Sea before drying off in the sun.
    Bought a couple of local beers and sat watching the sun set before heading away from the touristy restaurants to a local one further inland, where I had a belter of a tuna steak for dinner.
    I think Slovenia is my new favourite country.    Read more

  • TravelerInterrail
    Day 17

    Ljuvley Ljubljana

    September 20, 2017 in Slovenia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Spent one full day in Ljubljana before I set off for the coast of Slovenia to be by the sea. Did the usual walking tour which was great because LJ is so small. Really interesting to learn about how it used to be part of Yugoslavia and how they came to get independence.
    Spent the afternoon up at the Castle on the hill overlooking the city and then by the river with a local beer (Union) watching the world go buy in the sun.
    Had some traditional Slovenian dinner with friends I had made along the way during my travels who happened to be here also. English Tim from Bled and Aussie Sally from Vienna along with her friend. Then we went to an old squat turned trendy graffiti place where people hang out and drink beer called Metelkova.
    Piran tomorrow, which is a coastal town sandwiched between Italy and Croatia. Good weather is forecast finally!    Read more

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