Thursday 19th April

I finally did it!!! I went surfing!!!! Or, that is, attempted to surf!!!!
I spent the last few days on the Gold Coast, in a resort called Surfers Paradise. The hostel I stayed in was a converted Motel, so each room had its own little kitchen and bathroom. It was great, although no air conditioning! It was a little warm at night!
So, I had a lesson. Managed to get up onto my knees but no further I'm afraid! It was really difficult. I spent most of the time off the board and must have swallowed a gallon of water! Anyway I gave it a go. I need to practice!! So watch out The Gower, when I'm back!!!
This morning I caught a bus to Byron Bay. It is beautiful here. The local residents, apparently, have petitioned against development. Therefore, it has a few tourist shops, but all buildings are wooden bungalow structure and in kept with the location. Earlier I followed the coastal path around to Cape Byron. There were dolphins swimming in the shallow water, I attempted to take a photo, but I don't think it will come out. Round the coast further was a working lighthouse and then the path meandered through the bush back to the town. The views were spectacular, not many had ventured away from the beach so it was very tranquill and peaceful. As there isn't much more than the beach here I then headed to the sandy shore and finished my book! There is a nice coastal breeze today and, I believe, temperatures only reached 28 degrees, so nice and cool!
Tomorrow I catch the bus to Port Macquarie, there's a koala hospital there which I'd like to visit.