Beth's Oz Adventure

After leaving Mackay spent a week on beautiful Magnetic Island, about 10k off the coast from Townsville. Much of the island is national park so did lots of bushwalking as well as swimming in the crystal clear tropical waters (it's a hard life out here ;-) The highlight though was definately my trip out to the Barrier Reef, which was absoulutely incredible, like being in another world. We went to Wheeler Reef, which is still in pretty good condition (much of the reef elsewhere has been damaged). Was a 50 mile journey out there when I discovered I definately do not have sea legs (i won't go into the details!. All the queasyness was worth it when I got out there though, there was an amazing diversity of fish and even saw a shark (the non man eating variety!). Hopefully underwater pics to follow!

Now in Mission Beach doing some wwoofing at The Sanctuary - an eco lodge in the rainforest (http://www.sanctuaryretreat.com.au/). The place was badly affected by cyclone Larry earlier in the year so helping out with the repairs and planting lots of trees. Has rained pretty much the whole time so far, yep it's not called the rainforest for nothing! Pics to follow...

Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island

View of the island from Hawkings point

Alma Bay

A lone skink

Wheeler reef