Ridin' the EAC

So, for anyone who hasn't seen the best film ever, the EAC stands for the East Australian Current - an ocean current ridden by Marlon, via a group of turtles, in Finding Nemo. For us backpackers though, the EAC has taken the form of the Bruce Highway (that runs down the East Coast of Australia) on Greyhound buses, not as beautiful but probably more comfortable than a turtle's shell.

From Fraser Island down to Melbourne we embarked on a total of 6 bus journeys, each with conveniently hostel-close drop-off points or complimentary mini-buses ready to take us to our next hostel - it was 'too easy' as the Aussies would say. We swung by Noosa - a snazzy surfer town, partied in Brisbane on Paddy's Day and bumped into an old school friend in Bunk. We passed through Surfer's Paradise (yes, that is actually its real name) - the highrise hotels bathed in rain rather than sun for the duration of our stay. We kicked back in Byron Bay, soaking up the hippy vibe, learning to surf and dancing all night. Surfing wasn't as hard as I thought, still not as easy to catch a wave as it was to win $300 simply dacning around a pole. Hehe. It was a shame that, again, there wasn't much sun to accompany the sea and bucket-loads of sangria. Next stop - Sydney, where we arrived spectacularly over the Harbour Bridge into glorious sunshine - the Australian weather we've all heard of. We yomped around Syders like true tourists, snapping away at the Opera House, cliff walking the awesome Blue Mountains, Bondi and beyond. We joined the locals for a rugby match at the olympic park and a vintage fashion show - there's something for everyone in Sydney.

However, the highlight of the EAC has to have been Melbourne - it was 'far out' as our friend we met there, aptly named Mel, might say. The stunning Great Ocean Road was like the Grand Canyon in the sea whilst Melbourne itself felt like a European city plonked down under, with old-fashioned trams, bustling markets and an abundance of artwork to stumble across down alleways or performed in town squares.

All this suggests that there has never been a dull moment - how deceptive I have been! From waiting for a bus to waiting to check-in, with 12hour bus journeys to break up all that waiting around - it has been tedious to say the least. Small annoyances added to the tedium - annoyances such as the dirty, cramped hostel kitchens and the endless meals consisting of rice and carrots. I am very much missing home nowadays; my own bed, a clean bathroom with a lock and a light - o what luxury! For now I can look forward to more smelly dormitories, hopefully, interspersed with lots of stunning views and fresh moutnain air in a land with 8 times as many sheep as people - New Zealand.

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