Australia: Day 2, Sunshine Coast

Oh wow, I feel like it's been a year ago that I went to Australia.  I wish I was super on the ball and would have gotten up all my photos within a week of coming back but.....it's just not realistic.  It takes too long, and my internet is no bueno.

So.....slowly but surely I'll get the photos up....

Our second day we woke up and left Brisbane to drive up the Sunshine Coast.

Our first stop was the Glass House Mountains.  Like everything else, my pictures don't do the mountains justice.

Macadamia nut fields.

The next stop was the Australia Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter.  There were pictures of and signs about Steve Irwin and his family everywhere.

These were the hugest turtles I've ever seen!  Honestly, if you crouched down on all fours and got in a ball you'd be smaller than these guys.

Crikey!

We couldn't get enough of the koalas.

Obviously not real, but this replica showed how big real saltwater crocodiles can get!  Yikes!!

The kangaroos were really tame so we took a million photos with them.  I crouched down next to this guy, and what happened was totally unexpected.  Luckily Karen kept snapping the camera!

Saying hello...

becoming friends...

making me laugh...and then...

suddenly he starts convulsing and making strange noises like he's about to throw up or something!  My face pretty much shows my reaction.  Karen and I got a huge laugh.

So I found another kangaroo to box with.

A red panda.  Doesn't really look anything like a normal panda.

I love that gorgeous coat.

Watching the crocodile be fed.  YIKES.

Next up was stopping by Nambour, home of The World's Largest Pineapple, which apparently makes the list of the World's Largest Roadside Attractions.  This is my first attempt at a jumping photo.  I had to post it because I look like such a dork.

I got a pineapple smoothie here that was unREAL.  (Ask Karen, I didn't stop talking about it the whole trip.)

Pineapple field....mmmmm.  Heaven.

Next was Noosa.  It was nice to finally get to see the beach!  This cute town reminded me of Laguna Beach.  This is where the endless shopping began.  I got an amazing maxi dress (my latest obsession) and a few other souvenirs. 

Karen enjoying the view.

I loved this old couple.  I wouldn't mind spending the next 50 years with a man and Australia.

We finished the night with what seemed like an endless drive to Hervey Bay.  I'm not exaggerating when I say I don't think I've ever been as tired as I was while driving that night.  I finally had to pull over and make Karen drive.  We had some difficulty finding the Hertz to drop off our car (ridiculous street signs) but finally found it after getting some directions and made it to our hostel for the night.

Next up...Fraser Island.