Surfers Paradise & Brisbane, QLD, Australia

A short distance from Byron laid the much discussed Surfers Paradise. Most locals and also other backpackers tend to tell you that there is no paradise in 'Surfers Paradise', with it's high rise buildings and tacky tourist attractions. I was intrigued to see just how tacky 'Surfers' really was so we took the bus and thought about staying overnight.

When we arrived we immediately could see that this part of Queensland was not particularly the most stunning, the high rise hotels were indeed spoiling what could have been a gorgeous beach with great surf - hence the name. So, a quick change of plans meant that we would spend the day in town and then catch an early evening bus out to Brisbane. We wandered the streets, took in the beach, watch the surf lessons, played a fun game of crazy golf and then after that we were pleased that we had seen Surfers Paradise, but also glad that we were leaving and heading to Brisbane when we would meet up with Matt and Tom, our Brisbane pals that we had met in Peru on the Inca Trail.

A quick phone call to Matt and we had secured our home for the next 5 nights. We wanted to make sure that we stayed in Brisbane over a weekend to catch a local cricket match - Ned Flander XI were the team - a cricket team we got to know lots about during our time with the cricket infatuated Matt. We even managed to find a passion for them too, so we were quite excited to be able to see a game.

Brisbane is a compact city, it has the normal 'city district' with the large skyscrapers, a huge bridge which Brisbaners say challenges the Sydney Harbour Bridge (it is quite impressive), South Bank which is decked out with a pool area, lots of cafes and bars and then the shopping streets in the city centre. I really took a liking to Brisbane, a laid back city with less hustle and bustle than the likes of Sydney, London, New York etc...

Saturday was THE day that Andy, Lynsey and I were able to see the mighty Ned Flanders XI (Matt & Tom's cricket team) in action. a tense morning, as Matt was getting himself in the zone to lead his team to a victory. We arrived at the cricket ground, got our lunch ready and drank beer whilst watching the cricket, a chilled, but fun day and we were proud that the Flanders managed the win - a common sight at the moment - Australians winning cricket in front of a English audience!

On Sunday, Matt was the perfect tour guide and took us off to the Glasshouse Mountains and Bribie Island, two sights approximately an hour away from Brisbane. We climbed one of the mountains, a steep 700 metres to reach a great view point, with a look out to the main mountain range, we then drove to Bribie Island in time for sunset. Simply stunning!

We were sad to say goodbye to Matt, Freya and Tommy, they all played perfect hosts, and we definitely had a wicked time. Hopefully I'll see them again soon in London!