Australia

For Chinese New Year 2004 we went with our friend Joh to Brisbane, Australia. Our first day there we went looking for koalas at the Daisy Hill Koala Center but we didn't see a single one. Then we went to the Zoo and saw lots of them and even got to pet them. We were petting one named Cooper and the zookeeper told us he was "on a break" so we had to pet a different one instead. We also got up close and personal with the many kangaroos that were jumping around everywhere. We saw a great crocodile show too.
We spent some time shopping and eating in the city. We had some great meat pies that Australia is famous for. The town sure did close early though, everything including grocery stores closed by 7:00pm.

We took a river cruise one night and got to see the beautiful waterfront. There were thunderstorms almost every night too.

One day we went to see a natural bridge and glow worms! We had to go in a scary cave to see the worms and there were bats everywhere.
Another day we went to Gold Coast and lounged on the beach watching surf lessons. There was a lot of good shopping there and so many beautiful exotic birds.
The best part of this trip was going to Fraser Island. We took a tour out there riding in a 4x4 bus on the beach. We walked through the rainforest and this is where we spotted a monitor lizard that Jeff was thrilled about. Apparently he was just a baby but he looked huge to me! I was trying to get a good picture but he kept walking closer and closer towards me.
Then we swam in the cleanest natural lake. It was gorgeous, the water was so clear and warm. They said you could even clean your jewelry in the sand.