Mackay part 1

Mackay...

Bigger and more stunning than what I had imagined.
I arrived on Tuesday afternoon, after a long drive, and I'm impressed with what I have seen of the town thus far.
The harbour, marina, shopping strip, restuarant, pubs, clubs, beaches and river - it's a beautiful city.
Then there's Airlie Beach which is less than two hours away, Eungela National Park which is a 1.5hr drive and Brampton Island (30 minute boat ride).
I think I am really going to like this place!
That is provided I can get a rental! Hoping for this cute three bedroom double-storey blue house near the city, should find out tomorrow. If not, I may be homeless!
This week, apart from house hunting, I have been doing all the tourist stuff. Today, we drove up to Shute Harbour (near Airlie) for a Whitsunday day cruise. The boat, twice Sydney to Hobart winner Raggamuffin, took us to Pearl Bay (off Hayman Island) where we got to snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef.
Yesterday, we checked out Mackay Harbour and the Marina, then on Wednesday we drove to Eungella NP to see the Cascade Falls.
We will see what the weekend brings and look forward to starting my new job on Monday!

Pearl Bay, Hayman Island

Cascade Falls, Eungella NP

Packing part 1

Wish I was in Mackay already! Just started packing... what a biatch! Actually, I haven't really been packing as such, more like throwing stuff out.
Funny what you find when you go through all the old stuff you had just shoved at the back of the closet. Spice girls CDs, school photos, university assignments, etc.
I have been merciless in my sorting of stuff - i have been chucking more than half I reckon. Don't know if it will be the same story when I get to my clothes! It's a real shame, I have all these nice winter clothes I bought this season but I doubt I will be needing them in sunny Mackay. The winter is like 23 degrees there!
However, I will be leaving my coats in Melbourne for when I come back to visit in fear that I may just freeze my nuts off (although I don't have any).
Strange to think I will be up there in two weeks. Also strange to think my brother is moving into my bedroom and that my family and friends will be 2,300km further away.
But, at the same time, I am very excited!