Our second tour began in the afternoon so that morning we decided to check out the markets held in the main square.  Apparently in the outback “markets” is synonymous for a single table laden with overpriced aboriginal artwork.  Once we had our fill of the town square, we arrived back at the hostel in time for our next adventure: Kata Tjuta.  Lesser known, Kata Tjuta (under the alias ‘the Olgas’) is a half hour drive from Uluru and comprises of thirty six massive rocks for yet another spectacular view.  We had opted earlier for the longer Valley of the Winds trek.  Repeat day one with slightly different scenery and you get day two! Also included in our tour was a sunset viewing of Uluru.  Mother Nature must not have been feeling it once again and presented yet another uninspiring sunset.  No matter, we ran home to refuel with several manly plates of pasta.  The end to the trip came before we knew it and we were flying back to Brisbane via Sydney just in time for finals to begin.

But before I returned to the reality of exams, I took the weekend away with my Californian friend Vidiana to visit the largest sand island in the world. Yes, this really is my life.  I had some idea of what to expect after hearing stories from Taylor’s mid-semester break adventures with our bio class.  After two stops at Noosa (at last we meet!) and Rainbow Beach, we ferried it over to the island in our faithful four-wheel drive, Bessy.  After a very bumpy ride to the campground, we continued our travels on the beach to the Maheno shipwreck.  Cool story [nerd alert]! The Japanese bought the old cruise ship from the Australian government years ago to reuse the metal parts only to have the ship crash on Fraser where it’s laid ever since as a popular tourist attraction.  Well played, Australian government. Well played.  Our next stop was Eli Creek, which was just plain awesome.  The water is waist deep and you can choose to walk or float down the clear current while simultaneously enjoying the beautiful rainforest qualities along the edges of the water. The last stop of the day was a short hike to Lake Wabby.  It was incredible walking through a rainforest and suddenly be surrounded by giant sand dunes leading to a lake.  Who knew rainforests could thrive on sand?! The rest of the evening was spent showering and preparing our epic feast.  Our tour guides were total bogans which made for an interesting night.  We played guitar and told outrageous tales around a campfire only to head in for an early night in our tents.  Vidi and I begrudgingly woke up at four in the morning in hopes of witnessing a beach sunrise.  I finally got to see my perfect sunrise, and guys it was legend(…wait for it)dary.  Minus the swamp flies, it was another one of those moments where you just stare in amazement at what’s surrounding you and soak it in.  After a quick nap before breakfast, we had a short hike through the woods to Lake McKenzie.  Crystal clear waters and warm sand were a nice distraction before I finally had to face the reality of finals.

 

Last year I never would have guessed that my Halloween would be spent in Sydney and flying to the outback.  I wouldn’t care if you told me I missed out on the best party in the world.  I got to spend a fun (ridiculously) early night with four amazing girls traveling through a foreign country.  Not many people can say they’ve done that.  I guess that’s the beauty of Australia.  I loved each moment of my adventures and I’m sad to see them come to an end.  I’ll never forget traveling every weekend, and I know they were the shining moments of my study abroad.  It’s fitting my last day in Brisbane is cloudy and overcast, just as when I arrived.  It’s nice to know you’re sad to see me go Brissy. The feeling’s mutual.