AUSTRALIA DAY ~ Jan 26, 2013

The national day of Australia, commemorating the arrival of the first British fleet in Sydney Cove, NSW in 1788.

Brisbane did the usual large number of family activities in South Bank ~ face painting, petting zoo, fireworks, live music and entertainment in the Piazza. Unfortunately it also coincided with the #BIG WET and was a slightly subdued and rain soaked affair. However, we were very lucky compared to some areas up the coast like Bundaberg and Rockhampton.

Here is the site for QLD gov relief if you are so inclined.

Copper Python off our balcony ~ getting out of the rain and flooding

Sydney NSW

SYDNEY NSW for the week before Christmas 2013

We were able to see some of this pretty neat city - Bondi Beach above, the Opera House, the Rocks, Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Botanical Gardens, NSW Art Gallery, Australia Museum, way too much time on Pitt Street (Ella knows of all the lollie shops).

However, it was good to get back to the tropics of Brisbane for Xmas under the "hot Australian sun."