Byron Bay!

The last few days in Sydney were spent frantically finishing off my work, as well as attending the opening of the Sydney Film Festival and after party, watching Sex and the City and having leaving drinks with friends from work.

Saturday morning I frantically attempted to pack everything up and clean the flat before having a farewell meal and catching the bus to Byron Bay.

Only a couple of slight hitches, firstly I found out that the post office isn't open on a Saturday and leaving everything until the last minute I had a box of work clothes and bits and pieces that I needed to ship home (thank you Anouk for agreeing to send it for me!)

Secondly a 12 hour bus trip is not pleasant at the best of times but combined with a dodgy stomach it is a recipe for disaster, leaving me feeling quite jaded by the time we arrived in Byron.

The weather was lovely on the Sunday when I arrived so I spent the day walking up to the Cape and around the lighthouse, via the various beaches which was bliss - although I didn't spot any whales or dolphins unfortunately. By about 4pm it had started to rain though so headed out early in to town to enjoy some live music at the Beach hotel.

Monday the weather was dire so it was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the pressie Hausmann had given me as a leaving gift and head up to the exclusive spa resort for a massage and use of their facilities - bliss! Afterwards I wandered round the grounds (set amongst the rainforest which leads down onto the beach) before heading back to Byron for a spot of shopping.

Tuesday took a day trip to Nimbin which was very entertaining and the guide was hilarious. Was a little surprised to discover that Nimbin really did only just consist of a few shacks/shops but nevertheless the characters on the streets definitely made up for it. Stopped off on the way back at some eco dudes house to be greeted by this guy in a filthy dressing gown and wellies who showed us round - very surreal! and then went on the Minyon Falls. Made it back in one piece which is more than can be said for some of the lads at the back of the bus that didn't look to clever after one too many cookies!

Left Byron early this morning and headed up to Surfers Paradise. The weather has picked up so have spent a lovely day on the beach and wandering around Surfers acquainting myself. I can't quite get over how quiet it is as most of the hostels seem to be less than half full and whilst the people I have met along the way have been lovely and great for nights out no one so far is on the same/similar timescale as me.

I intend to pack as much in as I can over the next few days, starting with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the national parks tomorrow and a trip to dreamworld.