Cairns

Forgot to say, i'm in Cairns now. I went to the car market but felt well out of my depth, there was only 5 or 6 vehicles there and there were all massive and costing 3 grand upwards. Probably not a good idea for me to spend so much of my money on something I don't have a clue about. I am going to stay here for at least a week I think, there a nice gym and loads of different activities. I plan to do a guided bike ride tour (well up for some cycling!) and maybe a PADI course on the great barrier reef (how cool would that be?!).
There's several signs up in the hostel from people who have bought vans and are travelling either to Darwin (west) or Sydney (South) and have spaces so when i'm finished i'll probably hop on one of them.
Failing that the guy I did the parachute jump with has a mate coming up in a few weeks who is driving to Darwin and has spaces...so many options.
I might hire a car to drive to Port Douglas, sounds sad but I want to go there and play this tune: http://www.chemical-records.co.uk/sc/servlet/onlinestore?Pass=Info&Track=DNBRSE02
I remembered one of the observations I made; when I got here the big debate in the media (and in parliament) was whether it's proper to use the word "mate" when addressing someone else in Parliament or someone in authority. I think it's great that such trivial things are given so much spotlight and it's a good example of the way aussies think. Top stuff mate!